Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs’ Tamba Hali is getting respect from his peers

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-13-2012, 07:37 PM

Chiefs’ Tamba Hali is getting respect from his peers
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

His signature dreadlocks are gone, leaving behind only closely cropped hair. Tamba Hali blamed the change on advancing age and a receding hairline.

“I’m getting older,” Hali said after the Chiefs’ minicamp practice Tuesday, “and sometimes genetics play a key role.”

Though he’s heading into his seventh season with the Chiefs, Hali, 28, should still be in the prime of his career for some time. But his altered hairstyle serves as a reminder that his reign as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers won’t last forever, and if the Chiefs are to make better use of his abilities, they’d better not wait long.

Hali played in the first Pro Bowl of his career last season. He had 12 sacks on the year.

“The Pro Bowl was fun,” he said. “I got a chance to see some of the better players in this league and go against them and compare yourself and actually talk to guys like Dwight Freeney, who is an elite pass rusher in this league and one of my favorite guys. Just talking to him and seeing where his mind is and how he prepares for games and vice versa … Being around those guys was a great experience.”

Hali’s performance last season came as no surprise to the Chiefs or their fans. In 2010, he led the AFC in sacks with 141/2 and after being named the franchise player was rewarded with a lucrative, long-term contract.

Hali has always been a tireless worker, and that relentless style endeared him not only to his teammates, but to fans who regularly watched Chiefs games.

“Football is his life,” former Chiefs running back Thomas Jones said. “You can tell. I get to the stadium at 10 and the game starts at 12. As soon as I walk into the locker room, he’s coming in from the field and already drenched in sweat with his football uniform on already. And I’m just getting to the stadium. That’s a testament to how serious he is about football and about his position.”

But to his peers around the league, nothing boosts stature like a visit to the Pro Bowl. Hali was 64th on the NFL Network’s list of top players last year. But he is 34th this year, even after a decline in sacks.

“Maybe (he’s) not a household name that some of these other defensive ends and outside linebackers are, but he’s all the player,” San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith told the NFL Network. “Sometimes you see that all they care about is the sacks. They don’t play the run nearly as tough because all they’re worried about is getting their numbers. He’s not that guy. He’s a guy that takes pride in playing tough every single snap and just does it all.”

To Hali, there’s no greater praise.

“I think guys see how I play the game and that I have a passion for it,” Hali said. “I hope guys have a respect for that, but I don’t pay much attention to it that much.

“Guys are looking at me and ranking me somewhere and saying, ‘This guy does his job.’ That means a lot. Those are colleagues, and if that’s how they feel about you, that means a lot.”

Hali’s two best NFL seasons have been with Romeo Crennel as the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. He expects to continue to flourish with Crennel as his head coach.

“A veteran coach who knows what he’s doing,” Hali said. “He expects a lot from us.

“With him as the coach, everything is structured. We’re not guessing where we’ve got to be. We’re not coming in with a different schedule. The schedule is not changing. We know where we’ve got to be every day. That way, it works for us as players. We know what it takes.”

Hali isn’t the senior member of the Chiefs defense, but among the core group only linebacker Derrick Johnson, at 29, is older. It could be a sign of his changing role in Kansas City that the Chiefs placed the locker of their first-round draft pick, nose tackle Dontari Poe, immediately next to Hali’s.

Perhaps it’s a coincidence, or perhaps the Chiefs want Poe getting a close look at how Hali prepares.

“That’s on all of us,” Hali said. “But he’s next to me, so I guess he’s going to be hearing from me.”

**Easy 6** · 06-13-2012, 11:18 PM

I've lost count of how many statements different players have made recently, that lead me to believe Haley wasnt exactly respected as a HC & that conversely, they will now run through a wall for RC.

Its going to take a ton of evidence to convince me that Romeo is going to be this joke of a HC that too many are predicting... everything i'm hearing says that these guys will breathe fire for their head coach.

Hammock Parties · 06-13-2012, 11:19 PM

I'm so glad Matt Cassel and Scott Pioli are here, to rob Hali a chance of winning anything.

Hammock Parties · 06-13-2012, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott free

Haley wasnt exactly respected as a HC & that conversely, they will now run through a wall for RC.
.

Complete and utter bullshit. See the Monday Night game, or the winning streak, for proof that they played hard for Haley.

**cdcox** · 06-13-2012, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott free

I've lost count of how many statements different players have made recently, that lead me to believe Haley wasnt exactly respected as a HC & that conversely, they will now run through a wall for RC.

Its going to take a ton of evidence to convince me that Romeo is going to be this joke of a HC that too many are predicting... everything i'm hearing says that these guys will breathe fire for their head coach.

Next time Matt Cassel hits the goal post with a pass, that bitch is going down!

Cornstock · 06-13-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine Uncut Meat

Complete and utter bullshit. See the Monday Night game, or the winning streak, for proof that they played hard for Haley.

The question is, were they playing hard for Haley, or were they playing hard because they're professionals and that's what they're paid for?

**Easy 6** · 06-13-2012, 11:36 PM

Yes, they played hard under Haley... he brought that Jr. Parcells-ian brand of my way or the highway hardassery that the team Desperately needed to start anew, to totally wash away the old, dead culture & i'm sure that every player respected him in their own way.

But, the tone of dozens of things i've read say that this team sounds more unified than ever under RAC, they're not only buying what he's selling out of fear... they're buying in because they respect his experience, resume & steadier regimen he surely provides over a less experienced Haley.

This team will play their motherloving asses off for this guy every single week, you just wait.

Hammock Parties · 06-13-2012, 11:39 PM

There was no different in effort and intensity between Haley and RAC. Don't be idiots. RAC is not some god that is going to get 125% from his players instead of 100%.

This "Romeo Crennel is actually a great head coach" myth is the worst thing about this offseason. Dude has a lot to prove after his embarrassing Cleveland days.

Cornstock · 06-13-2012, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine Uncut Meat

There was no different in effort and intensity between Haley and RAC. Don't be idiots. RAC is not some god that is going to get 125% from his players instead of 100%.

This "Romeo Crennel is actually a great head coach" myth is the worst thing about this offseason. Dude has a lot to prove after his embarrassing Cleveland days.

The only thing that keeps my agreement from being wholehearted is that fluke (yes it was a fluke...an awesome fluke) win against Greenbay. I have no explanation for that other than an inspired performance for RAC. Or maybe its just one of those sports things that defies explanations, like the Phyllis Phumble.

Cornstock · 06-13-2012, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine Uncut Meat

There was no different in effort and intensity between Haley and RAC. Don't be idiots. RAC is not some god that is going to get 125% from his players instead of 100%.

This "Romeo Crennel is actually a great head coach" myth is the worst thing about this offseason. Dude has a lot to prove after his embarrassing Cleveland days.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Crennel is a great coach or crowning him or anything. He's got a lot to prove yet. But there seems to be something about him that helps him draw some inspired performances out of his guys.

Hammock Parties · 06-13-2012, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornstock

The only thing that keeps my agreement from being wholehearted is that fluke (yes it was a fluke...an awesome fluke) win against Greenbay. I have no explanation for that other than an inspired performance for RAC. Or maybe its just one of those sports things that defies explanations, like the Phyllis Phumble.

Romeo's coaching was so awesome that day, it made the Packers drop 9 passes.

Cornstock · 06-14-2012, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine Uncut Meat

Romeo's coaching was so awesome that day, it made the Packers drop 9 passes.

I think it was the perfect storm of circumstances. Packers played about as poorly as they are capable of while the Chiefs played out of their minds.

BryanBusby · 06-14-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine Uncut Meat

Complete and utter bullshit. See the Monday Night game, or the winning streak, for proof that they played hard for Haley.

See the first two weeks for proof they weren't playing at a consistent level.

Rasputin · 06-14-2012, 12:07 AM

For me to like Crennel is just going depend on how long he sticks with Mark Castle. I think Crennel makes a good interem coach or transitional coach untill we (if ever) draft QBotf. Then I would like a new HC that can be tied to the hip for the kid & hope to create a long term success dynasty. That just seems too much to ask.

Hammock Parties · 06-14-2012, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

See the first two weeks for proof they weren't playing at a consistent level.

Wrong. There was no lack of effort in those games.

06-13-2012, 07:37 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $932813	Teicher: Chiefs’ Tamba Hali is getting respect from his peers Chiefs’ Tamba Hali is getting respect from his peers By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star His signature dreadlocks are gone, leaving behind only closely cropped hair. Tamba Hali blamed the change on advancing age and a receding hairline. “I’m getting older,” Hali said after the Chiefs’ minicamp practice Tuesday, “and sometimes genetics play a key role.” Though he’s heading into his seventh season with the Chiefs, Hali, 28, should still be in the prime of his career for some time. But his altered hairstyle serves as a reminder that his reign as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers won’t last forever, and if the Chiefs are to make better use of his abilities, they’d better not wait long. Hali played in the first Pro Bowl of his career last season. He had 12 sacks on the year. “The Pro Bowl was fun,” he said. “I got a chance to see some of the better players in this league and go against them and compare yourself and actually talk to guys like Dwight Freeney, who is an elite pass rusher in this league and one of my favorite guys. Just talking to him and seeing where his mind is and how he prepares for games and vice versa … Being around those guys was a great experience.” Hali’s performance last season came as no surprise to the Chiefs or their fans. In 2010, he led the AFC in sacks with 141/2 and after being named the franchise player was rewarded with a lucrative, long-term contract. Hali has always been a tireless worker, and that relentless style endeared him not only to his teammates, but to fans who regularly watched Chiefs games. “Football is his life,” former Chiefs running back Thomas Jones said. “You can tell. I get to the stadium at 10 and the game starts at 12. As soon as I walk into the locker room, he’s coming in from the field and already drenched in sweat with his football uniform on already. And I’m just getting to the stadium. That’s a testament to how serious he is about football and about his position.” But to his peers around the league, nothing boosts stature like a visit to the Pro Bowl. Hali was 64th on the NFL Network’s list of top players last year. But he is 34th this year, even after a decline in sacks. “Maybe (he’s) not a household name that some of these other defensive ends and outside linebackers are, but he’s all the player,” San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith told the NFL Network. “Sometimes you see that all they care about is the sacks. They don’t play the run nearly as tough because all they’re worried about is getting their numbers. He’s not that guy. He’s a guy that takes pride in playing tough every single snap and just does it all.” To Hali, there’s no greater praise. “I think guys see how I play the game and that I have a passion for it,” Hali said. “I hope guys have a respect for that, but I don’t pay much attention to it that much. “Guys are looking at me and ranking me somewhere and saying, ‘This guy does his job.’ That means a lot. Those are colleagues, and if that’s how they feel about you, that means a lot.” Hali’s two best NFL seasons have been with Romeo Crennel as the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. He expects to continue to flourish with Crennel as his head coach. “A veteran coach who knows what he’s doing,” Hali said. “He expects a lot from us. “With him as the coach, everything is structured. We’re not guessing where we’ve got to be. We’re not coming in with a different schedule. The schedule is not changing. We know where we’ve got to be every day. That way, it works for us as players. We know what it takes.” Hali isn’t the senior member of the Chiefs defense, but among the core group only linebacker Derrick Johnson, at 29, is older. It could be a sign of his changing role in Kansas City that the Chiefs placed the locker of their first-round draft pick, nose tackle Dontari Poe, immediately next to Hali’s. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, or perhaps the Chiefs want Poe getting a close look at how Hali prepares. “That’s on all of us,” Hali said. “But he’s next to me, so I guess he’s going to be hearing from me.”
Posts: 42,056

06-13-2012, 11:18 PM	#2
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3747775	I've lost count of how many statements different players have made recently, that lead me to believe Haley wasnt exactly respected as a HC & that conversely, they will now run through a wall for RC. Its going to take a ton of evidence to convince me that Romeo is going to be this joke of a HC that too many are predicting... everything i'm hearing says that these guys will breathe fire for their head coach.
Posts: 91,648

06-13-2012, 11:19 PM	#3
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4730478	I'm so glad Matt Cassel and Scott Pioli are here, to rob Hali a chance of winning anything. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,780

06-13-2012, 11:36 PM	#7
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3747775	Yes, they played hard under Haley... he brought that Jr. Parcells-ian brand of my way or the highway hardassery that the team Desperately needed to start anew, to totally wash away the old, dead culture & i'm sure that every player respected him in their own way. But, the tone of dozens of things i've read say that this team sounds more unified than ever under RAC, they're not only buying what he's selling out of fear... they're buying in because they respect his experience, resume & steadier regimen he surely provides over a less experienced Haley. This team will play their motherloving asses off for this guy every single week, you just wait.
Posts: 91,648

06-13-2012, 11:39 PM	#8
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4730478	There was no different in effort and intensity between Haley and RAC. Don't be idiots. RAC is not some god that is going to get 125% from his players instead of 100%. This "Romeo Crennel is actually a great head coach" myth is the worst thing about this offseason. Dude has a lot to prove after his embarrassing Cleveland days. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,780

06-14-2012, 12:07 AM	#14
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $3495421	For me to like Crennel is just going depend on how long he sticks with Mark Castle. I think Crennel makes a good interem coach or transitional coach untill we (if ever) draft QBotf. Then I would like a new HC that can be tied to the hip for the kid & hope to create a long term success dynasty. That just seems too much to ask. __________________ A Brave Man Once Requested Me To Answer Questions That Are Key 'Is It To Be Or Not To Be' And I Replied Oh Why Ask Me
Posts: 54,962