kcchiefs.com: Kendrell Bell Press Conference

**dirk digler** · 03-08-2005, 05:48 PM

&A LB KENDRELL BELL
Mar 08, 2005, 6:09:31 PM

“Kendrell Bell brings a great deal of explosiveness to our defense. He was one of those players you had to account for on every snap offensively when we faced him in Tennessee twice a year. He ran a 4.57 (40-yard dash) coming out of college. When you turn on the film, his ability to cover ground and blow up plays is apparent. He is an experienced and explosive player who could work at any of our three linebacker positions. But no matter where you line him up, he’s a threat to blitz and create havoc which is exactly what we’re looking for in our defensive players.”

- Gunther Cunningham
Chiefs Defensive Coordinator

Q: How healthy are you?

BELL: “I’m good. I’m doing great.”

Q: Could you go out and play today if you needed to?

BELL: “I can play today. If you want to play some throwback football, I’ll play right now.”

Q: What happened in negotiations with the N.Y. Giants?

BELL: “With the Giants we thought we had a deal, but we couldn’t work it out. I don’t knowbell 2 what you’ve heard, but that’s the process of negotiations. You try to meet even and we didn’t.”

Q: What was the difference with the Chiefs?

BELL: “The difference with the Chiefs was that we worked out a deal. We didn’t initially have a deal, but we worked out one that me, my agent and the Chiefs organization felt was convenient for the both of us. That’s why I’m a Chief now.”

Q: Will you be the middle linebacker in the Cheifs defensive scheme?

BELL: “We haven’t worked that out yet, but I spoke with Coach (Gunther) Cunningham and he said he doesn’t know exactly where he wants to play me as far as playing the SAM, the MIKE or the WILL. But I’m pretty sure that when I get there and we go through the defense and everything, we’re going to work out what’s best for the defense and what position I would max out my potential at.”

Q: Where would you want to play most?

BELL: “In the four-three I feel that you could play any one. I’ve been playing the MIKE (middle) linebacker for awhile, so that’s something I’m familiar with. But I don’t think I’ll have too much problem adjusting to the outside if that’s where Coach wants me to be.”

Q: Can you talk about the signing process with the Chiefs?

BELL: “The process with the Chiefs is that I came in and had a good feeling. For me it was a good process. I met with the coaches and Mr. Peterson, Coach Cunningham. The way we conversed and talked about the things went well. I kind of roots with the Chiefs because my godfather, Jim Marsalis, played for them and I had the opportunity to come to one of the Chiefs practices. So I had a lot of things pushing me towards wanting to become a Chief. There is definitely a great offense and I know the defense is up and coming and I definitely want to be a part of that. There’s no question in my mind that the Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders.”

Q: Jim Marsalis doesn’t have any ability to come back and play does he?

BELL: “I don’t know. If you ask him he might say he can. He could probably run up and down the field, but I don’t know about cutting too much right about now.”

Q: What’s he told you about Kansas City?

BELL: “He told me that it was an honest organization and that it was the right fit for me. I had a chance to go around the city and everything. It’s not that big of a transition for me and I think that’s good for a player like me. He told me it’s a great city and the fans are dynamic and it’s almost like a college atmosphere. I enjoyed myself when I was in college so that was something else to push me toward playing for the Chiefs.”

Q: Are you prepared for the pressures of joining a defense that will look to you as a leader?

BELL: “I’m not saying I’m coming in here to be a savior, I’m coming in to be a part of something special. I feel like the Chiefs are just a couple of players away from being where they want to be. That’s how the season goes, with a lot of outside people looking in don’t understand what goes into having a good year. (The Chiefs) went to the playoffs the year before to a year like last year. The same thing happened to us when I was with the Steelers, we drafted one player who came out and seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle, but in the end he wasn’t. That’s just how it is. You try to fit guys in and bring guys in to get to the championship. That’s why they got me in, to try to get to the championship and hopefully that will work out.

Q: How will you make the Chiefs defense better?

BELL: “I’m just going to bring my game. I’m not going to try to change up anything with the type of player I am. I’m a very aggressive player and whatever is missing, hopefully I’ll bring it with me. But I know that I’m just coming out there to play my game.”

Q: What were the Chiefs telling you about their free agent signing process?

BELL: “I knew (Jeremiah) Trotter had been in and Hartwell and Samari Rolle. Dwight Smith came in with me and they told everybody that was coming through. That is what they want – they want a couple of good, impact players. If they can’t get three, get two and if they can’t get two, then get one and draft the other guys. Hopefully the situation with that process will work out.”

Q: Do you think you’ll be “the one?”

BELL: “Look, I can’t sit here and tell you that I’ll be the one and everything. If I was psychic then maybe I would have to call (psychic) Miss Cleo and put her back to work. I feel like I’ve been brought to the Chiefs for a reason and I fell good. I fell that I’ll be at home with them and when I fell that way I play better.”

Q: How much did you talk to Priest Holmes about coming here?

BELL: “I came down to his event with the kids and we talked briefly. He was telling me about how it’s a wonderful organization and how honest they are. Honestly is the best policy when you’re dealing with people. This is a people game and a lot of teams fail to realize that. But the Chiefs recognize that and feeling that I’m comfortable somewhere is how I play my best.”

Q: Do you have to prove something after the injuries over the past few seasons?

BELL: “I played well in the past, but unfortunately I made decisions that led me to injure myself. A lot of those decisions came out of frustration and trying to get better. I can honestly say that my injuries came from trying to get better. I wasn’t focused. I honestly believe that I’ll be a lot more focused with the Chiefs than in the past.”

Q: Can you expound on the decisions that led to injury?

BELL: “With my ankle, the owner told me you don’t need to be out there. I’m trying to be a team player and go out there and re-injure it and miss four games. It ended up hurting us in the end when I could have contributed. With the groin injury I did that in the weight room squatting. I worked out during the off-season and when I got back to where I felt like I wanted to squat and I got back in the weight room, I just squatted too much weight. That was pretty much the groin thing.”

Q: Why will you be more focused with the Chiefs?

BELL: “That comes from feeling comfortable with the coaches. I’m not saying I didn’t feel like that in the past, but it’s just maturing as a person. The Chiefs definitely have a more mature staff and I’m looking forward to growing from them. That in itself will help me focus. These guys signed me and I’m not a big guy in disappointing people. I want to live up to people’s expectations and that’s what I’m driving to do?

Q: Did Vermeil coming in the last year of his contract have any effect on your decision? BELL: “No. I’ve met with Coach Vermeil and he seems to be a fantastic person. That’s his decision. Decisions are made every day and they may change your life or they may not. I feel like the staff behind him are very equipped to continue on his success.”

Q: You’re from Augusta, Georgia, so who do you like in the Masters?

BELL: “I haven’t been there, but I’m going for Vijay Singh.”

C-Mac · 03-08-2005, 06:01 PM

He spoke way too highly of the organization.......

siberian khatru · 03-08-2005, 06:01 PM

Jim Marsalis is his godfather? Way cool.

Meanwhile:

Q: Will you be the middle linebacker in the Chiefs defensive scheme?

BELL: “We haven’t worked that out yet, but I spoke with Coach (Gunther) Cunningham and he said he doesn’t know exactly where he wants to play me as far as playing the SAM, the MIKE or the WILL. But I’m pretty sure that when I get there and we go through the defense and everything, we’re going to work out what’s best for the defense and what position I would max out my potential at.”

... makes it sound like they're definitely looking for another LB.

**keg in kc** · 03-08-2005, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

... makes it sound like they're definitely looking for another LB.

Quote:

Q: Do you plan on him being your middle linebacker?

PETERSON: “I don’t think I ever said that. Maybe someone else did. I have been negotiating with (his agent) Todd France on a linebacker that can play more than one position. I think obviously that is one of the reasons we were attracted to Kendrell Bell. Where he lines up will be determined in competition in training camp. He has been playing in a “30” defense in his career in Pittsburgh.”

Q: Wherever he plays do you see him as a three-down player?

PETERSON: “Yes with his speed and versatility I do. I will let the coaches make that decision, but I think (defensive coordinator) Gunther (Cunningham) plans on having him in for three downs.”

Q: Does this end your pursuit for free agent linebackers?

PETERSON: “We will turn our attention to another defensive position of need. We were negotiating at the same time with (LB) Ed Hartwell. But this negotiation with Todd France has been going on for a week. I got comfortable with where we were able to negotiate this deal. We pulled the trigger on it, on a seven-year deal.”

siberian khatru · 03-08-2005, 06:07 PM

I want it ALL!

**dirk digler** · 03-08-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I want it ALL!

No kidding. I am little more excited now than I was this afternoon but I really hope Bell stays healthy or the Chiefs just got robbed.

KCWolfman · 03-08-2005, 06:13 PM

One more LB, an average CB and I will be happy.

nmt1 · 03-08-2005, 06:24 PM

This guy is on crack. Everyone knows that the Chiefs are the most dishonest team in the league and that they treat all free agents like complete dirt. This guy is terrible. Carl low balled him and he fell for it. Now he's talking like this. This guy must suck and must have been desperate for a job. If he was honest he would've said that the owner is cheap, the GM is a scumbag, and the head coach is delusional. I can't believe the Chiefs front office has already gotten to this guy. I mean, please. He can't be serious.

HC_Chief · 03-08-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

This guy is on crack. Everyone knows that the Chiefs are the most dishonest team in the league and that they treat all free agents like complete dirt. This guy is terrible. Carl low balled him and he fell for it. Now he's talking like this. This guy must suck and must have been desperate for a job. If he was honest he would've said that the owner is cheap, the GM is a scumbag, and the head coach is delusional. I can't believe the Chiefs front office has already gotten to this guy. I mean, please. He can't be serious.

your schtick is played-out

Pants · 03-08-2005, 06:26 PM

I wanted Samari so bad and we were so close... I don't know why people seem to be really afraid of Bell injuring himself, that's the risk you take with any player.

nmt1 · 03-08-2005, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

your schtick is played-out

It's not my shtick. Look at the first post in this thread. I'm just being negative so I can be right when Bell ends up being a bust and a waste of money.

**HemiEd** · 03-08-2005, 06:27 PM

I am really pumped up about having him in a Chiefs uniform. I wonder where all of the Donkey fans are tonight? Is it just a coincindence that they are absent?

Tuckdaddy · 03-08-2005, 06:55 PM

he will play hard and do everything he can to win games. Bell can MLB and pretty damn good at that. He's got a mean streak that none of the Chiefs defense has. Welcome aboard Bell.

**dirk digler** · 03-08-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

It's not my shtick. Look at the first post in this thread. I'm just being negative so I can be right when Bell ends up being a bust and a waste of money.

It is your shtick this is all you post about. Give us your football take once every hundred posts for once.

BTW I am semi happy the Chiefs sign Bell but until he has 1 healthy season I will reserve my judgement. I think it is definitely a gamble/risk to sign him to such a large contract and I hope the Chiefs were smart and put in some clauses to protect them in case he gets injured.

InChiefsHell · 03-08-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

It's not my shtick. Look at the first post in this thread. I'm just being negative so I can be right when Bell ends up being a bust and a waste of money.

Joe Satriani sucks major baows...

03-08-2005, 05:48 PM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $160396	kcchiefs.com: Kendrell Bell Press Conference &A LB KENDRELL BELL Mar 08, 2005, 6:09:31 PM “Kendrell Bell brings a great deal of explosiveness to our defense. He was one of those players you had to account for on every snap offensively when we faced him in Tennessee twice a year. He ran a 4.57 (40-yard dash) coming out of college. When you turn on the film, his ability to cover ground and blow up plays is apparent. He is an experienced and explosive player who could work at any of our three linebacker positions. But no matter where you line him up, he’s a threat to blitz and create havoc which is exactly what we’re looking for in our defensive players.” - Gunther Cunningham Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Q: How healthy are you? BELL: “I’m good. I’m doing great.” Q: Could you go out and play today if you needed to? BELL: “I can play today. If you want to play some throwback football, I’ll play right now.” Q: What happened in negotiations with the N.Y. Giants? BELL: “With the Giants we thought we had a deal, but we couldn’t work it out. I don’t knowbell 2 what you’ve heard, but that’s the process of negotiations. You try to meet even and we didn’t.” Q: What was the difference with the Chiefs? BELL: “The difference with the Chiefs was that we worked out a deal. We didn’t initially have a deal, but we worked out one that me, my agent and the Chiefs organization felt was convenient for the both of us. That’s why I’m a Chief now.” Q: Will you be the middle linebacker in the Cheifs defensive scheme? BELL: “We haven’t worked that out yet, but I spoke with Coach (Gunther) Cunningham and he said he doesn’t know exactly where he wants to play me as far as playing the SAM, the MIKE or the WILL. But I’m pretty sure that when I get there and we go through the defense and everything, we’re going to work out what’s best for the defense and what position I would max out my potential at.” Q: Where would you want to play most? BELL: “In the four-three I feel that you could play any one. I’ve been playing the MIKE (middle) linebacker for awhile, so that’s something I’m familiar with. But I don’t think I’ll have too much problem adjusting to the outside if that’s where Coach wants me to be.” Q: Can you talk about the signing process with the Chiefs? BELL: “The process with the Chiefs is that I came in and had a good feeling. For me it was a good process. I met with the coaches and Mr. Peterson, Coach Cunningham. The way we conversed and talked about the things went well. I kind of roots with the Chiefs because my godfather, Jim Marsalis, played for them and I had the opportunity to come to one of the Chiefs practices. So I had a lot of things pushing me towards wanting to become a Chief. There is definitely a great offense and I know the defense is up and coming and I definitely want to be a part of that. There’s no question in my mind that the Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders.” Q: Jim Marsalis doesn’t have any ability to come back and play does he? BELL: “I don’t know. If you ask him he might say he can. He could probably run up and down the field, but I don’t know about cutting too much right about now.” Q: What’s he told you about Kansas City? BELL: “He told me that it was an honest organization and that it was the right fit for me. I had a chance to go around the city and everything. It’s not that big of a transition for me and I think that’s good for a player like me. He told me it’s a great city and the fans are dynamic and it’s almost like a college atmosphere. I enjoyed myself when I was in college so that was something else to push me toward playing for the Chiefs.” Q: Are you prepared for the pressures of joining a defense that will look to you as a leader? BELL: “I’m not saying I’m coming in here to be a savior, I’m coming in to be a part of something special. I feel like the Chiefs are just a couple of players away from being where they want to be. That’s how the season goes, with a lot of outside people looking in don’t understand what goes into having a good year. (The Chiefs) went to the playoffs the year before to a year like last year. The same thing happened to us when I was with the Steelers, we drafted one player who came out and seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle, but in the end he wasn’t. That’s just how it is. You try to fit guys in and bring guys in to get to the championship. That’s why they got me in, to try to get to the championship and hopefully that will work out. Q: How will you make the Chiefs defense better? BELL: “I’m just going to bring my game. I’m not going to try to change up anything with the type of player I am. I’m a very aggressive player and whatever is missing, hopefully I’ll bring it with me. But I know that I’m just coming out there to play my game.” Q: What were the Chiefs telling you about their free agent signing process? BELL: “I knew (Jeremiah) Trotter had been in and Hartwell and Samari Rolle. Dwight Smith came in with me and they told everybody that was coming through. That is what they want – they want a couple of good, impact players. If they can’t get three, get two and if they can’t get two, then get one and draft the other guys. Hopefully the situation with that process will work out.” Q: Do you think you’ll be “the one?” BELL: “Look, I can’t sit here and tell you that I’ll be the one and everything. If I was psychic then maybe I would have to call (psychic) Miss Cleo and put her back to work. I feel like I’ve been brought to the Chiefs for a reason and I fell good. I fell that I’ll be at home with them and when I fell that way I play better.” Q: How much did you talk to Priest Holmes about coming here? BELL: “I came down to his event with the kids and we talked briefly. He was telling me about how it’s a wonderful organization and how honest they are. Honestly is the best policy when you’re dealing with people. This is a people game and a lot of teams fail to realize that. But the Chiefs recognize that and feeling that I’m comfortable somewhere is how I play my best.” Q: Do you have to prove something after the injuries over the past few seasons? BELL: “I played well in the past, but unfortunately I made decisions that led me to injure myself. A lot of those decisions came out of frustration and trying to get better. I can honestly say that my injuries came from trying to get better. I wasn’t focused. I honestly believe that I’ll be a lot more focused with the Chiefs than in the past.” Q: Can you expound on the decisions that led to injury? BELL: “With my ankle, the owner told me you don’t need to be out there. I’m trying to be a team player and go out there and re-injure it and miss four games. It ended up hurting us in the end when I could have contributed. With the groin injury I did that in the weight room squatting. I worked out during the off-season and when I got back to where I felt like I wanted to squat and I got back in the weight room, I just squatted too much weight. That was pretty much the groin thing.” Q: Why will you be more focused with the Chiefs? BELL: “That comes from feeling comfortable with the coaches. I’m not saying I didn’t feel like that in the past, but it’s just maturing as a person. The Chiefs definitely have a more mature staff and I’m looking forward to growing from them. That in itself will help me focus. These guys signed me and I’m not a big guy in disappointing people. I want to live up to people’s expectations and that’s what I’m driving to do? Q: Did Vermeil coming in the last year of his contract have any effect on your decision? BELL: “No. I’ve met with Coach Vermeil and he seems to be a fantastic person. That’s his decision. Decisions are made every day and they may change your life or they may not. I feel like the staff behind him are very equipped to continue on his success.” Q: You’re from Augusta, Georgia, so who do you like in the Masters? BELL: “I haven’t been there, but I’m going for Vijay Singh.”
Posts: 45,056

03-08-2005, 06:01 PM	#2
C-Mac Lurker Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wally World Casino cash: $44120	He spoke way too highly of the organization.......
Posts: 5,462

03-08-2005, 06:01 PM	#3
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $87819	Jim Marsalis is his godfather? Way cool. Meanwhile: Q: Will you be the middle linebacker in the Chiefs defensive scheme? BELL: “We haven’t worked that out yet, but I spoke with Coach (Gunther) Cunningham and he said he doesn’t know exactly where he wants to play me as far as playing the SAM, the MIKE or the WILL. But I’m pretty sure that when I get there and we go through the defense and everything, we’re going to work out what’s best for the defense and what position I would max out my potential at.” ... makes it sound like they're definitely looking for another LB. __________________ The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.
Posts: 37,722

03-08-2005, 06:07 PM	#5
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $87819	I want it ALL! __________________ The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.
Posts: 37,722

03-08-2005, 06:13 PM	#7
KCWolfman Fall down 7 times, get up 8 Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $9172	One more LB, an average CB and I will be happy. __________________ How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words! Samuel Adams
Posts: 15,463

03-08-2005, 06:24 PM	#8
nmt1 Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $1025	This guy is on crack. Everyone knows that the Chiefs are the most dishonest team in the league and that they treat all free agents like complete dirt. This guy is terrible. Carl low balled him and he fell for it. Now he's talking like this. This guy must suck and must have been desperate for a job. If he was honest he would've said that the owner is cheap, the GM is a scumbag, and the head coach is delusional. I can't believe the Chiefs front office has already gotten to this guy. I mean, please. He can't be serious.
Posts: 1,735

03-08-2005, 06:26 PM	#10
Pants Time Keeps On Slipping Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $1357523	I wanted Samari so bad and we were so close... I don't know why people seem to be really afraid of Bell injuring himself, that's the risk you take with any player. __________________ ZootedGranny: "That's the reason my FFL team name is TrentGreenLeadBlock. When you see this mother****er coming around the corner on a block, put your children to bed and batten down the hatch on your girl's snatch, because the same power that destroys defenders can scar the minds of the youth and simultaneously impregnate any woman within sight, live or on television."
Posts: 22,550

03-08-2005, 06:27 PM	#12
HemiEd Same ol, same ol, 2009 again Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicagoland Casino cash: $7231124	I am really pumped up about having him in a Chiefs uniform. I wonder where all of the Donkey fans are tonight? Is it just a coincindence that they are absent? __________________ Everyone on board the 10 and 6 train, toot toot! Smith, Cassel, Thigpen, Huard, Green, Grbac, Gannon, Bono, Montana, Kreig, DeBerg, Kenney, Fuller, Livingston Don't dare take a chance on achieving excellence at the risk of failing at mediocrity.
Posts: 23,278

03-08-2005, 06:55 PM	#13
Tuckdaddy from the southside Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: cabot Arkansas Casino cash: $38801	Sounds like he will play hard and do everything he can to win games. Bell can MLB and pretty damn good at that. He's got a mean streak that none of the Chiefs defense has. Welcome aboard Bell. __________________ Bring Back Vanover!
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