Chiefs I miss me some Will Shields - Page 4

rrl308 · 10:48 PM

He still looks like he should have the No. 68 plastered across his chest, even if he says he's not close to playing shape.

Calm and equipped with a sharp, but dry sense of humor, former Kansas City Chief lineman Will Shields raised his voice Saturday morning just a little so his target could hear him.

"I might be able to trip Grant (Wistrom) if he came off the line with my left foot, but that's about it," Shields joked at a press conference about his fellow Nebraska alumnus and former NFL defensive end.

But seeing Shields inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday in glasses and slacks, rather than a helmet and shoulder pads, not only reminds Chiefs fans of the winning ways of the 1990s and early 2000s, but just how far away those days feel.

Shields is 37 now, two seasons removed from 12 straight Pro Bowls and 230 consecutive games played, second only to Brett Favre's current streak of 291.

And since he retired after the 2006 season, the Chiefs have stumbled with a 6-26 record and fired head coach Herm Edwards, and long-time general manager Carl Peterson resigned. The duo were replaced with GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley.

Shields, who still lives in Kansas City, said he thinks the Chiefs figured it out.

"I think the Chiefs are going in the right direction," Shields said. "Not saying that (Edwards) was a bad coach or (Peterson) was a bad GM. They went with rebuilding and rebuilt through players, rather than rebuilding through the company.

"That makes a big difference."

Shields sounds like a guy who's looking big picture. Renowned for his charity work throughout the Kansas City area, including winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2003, the former third-round pick in 1993 has shifted his focus from keeping his quarterback's shirt clean to molding players for the next level.

Through his two 68's Inside Sports Fitness and Training Facilities in the KC area, Shields is starting to build a reputation for producing balanced football players.

While 68's still offers recreational opportunities, and workout facilities for the general public, Shields finds himself working more with high school football players, to get them ready for college, or to prepare college players for the NFL.

He wants to be the middleman.

"When (colleges or pro teams) get them in, they recruit them for their system," Shields said. "They don't prepare them beyond that. They're interested in wins and losses. I'm not.

"I want them to be the most balanced player they can be."

And he's getting serious about it.

The tone of his voice raises slightly when mentioning breaking down tape of current NFL and college systems, trying to learn the schemes. It also picks up when talk of trying to install controlled aggression in younger, more amiable players.

He said he's working with a few regional NFL hopefuls, preparing them for the combine and other pro days.

"With the loss of NFL Europe and Arena League, where can you take a kid who ran the spread and help him with power mush ball? Especially when he's already 340 pounds and he hasn't had his hand in the ground in 3 years," Shields said. "We can teach them the basics."

Plus, the training helps keep him just enough in the game, not from trying to be an NFL coach or trying to stage an on-the-field comeback.

He said he doesn't want to build any sort of training empire, but he likes it right where he is, whether it's knocking heads and pads with future NFL hopefuls or 7- and 8-year old kids at the facilities.

"I get enough football in a day. It keeps me going," Shields said.

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs...=2009902080351

**DeezNutz** · 02-09-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomy3

I don't really think Gonzo is questionable. I think he is automatic. He still isn't done and has broken most records.

For any sane voter he shouldn't be. But when Mr. Jewry couldn't exchange his hardware for enshrinement, it gives me serious pause.

For some players I don't even think there's the need for the formality of a vote. When they retire, the league should contact them and say, "See you in 5." Seriously.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-09-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

A guy who sets the all-time record for a position in nearly all categories?

Tough call, it really is if he's first ballot or not. The chances aren't as ugly as some posters like to think it is. All time receiving yards, TDs, catches for a TE? That's pretty big shit.

Also, Barry Sanders was a first ballot HOFer. And he won ONE playoff game.

Luckily the HOF committee actually looks at how good a player actually is, and not just how good of a team the guy was on for his career.

First of all Barry Sanders is a RB. RB and QBs are horrendously overrepresented.

Barry Sanders was also the most dynamic player of his generation, and anyone who thinks that he shouldn't have been a first ballot HOFer should be chemically neutered.

And the 1970's Steelers are filled with horrendously overrated guys who are in the HOF due to the success of the team rather than the individual.

FAX · 02-09-2009, 12:04 AM

It's funny that Gonzo is probably playing his best football right now. He's a better blocker than he's ever been, his hands are like tar, and he's dragging defenders just like always.

If Gonzo can't do it, you can't get in on the first ballot on stats and personal achievement alone.

FAX

**DeezNutz** · 02-09-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

I think you're being wildly pessimistic about Gonzo... it's gotta be at least 60/40. He's considered a superstar, and when you get in a room one day and break down everything that he's going to accomplish, I think he's got a strong chance. As long as the presenter hammers home the fact he redefined the position and took "pass catching TE" to a new level. Although they do discriminate against TE's, but there haven't been too many as important to an offense as TG.

Perhaps. And I hope you're right.

But as soon as you start bringing up all these great attributes and pieces of praise, all richly deserved, it immediately forces us to return to the bottom line. With all these records and the on-field dominance, why couldn't he help lead that franchise to a single post-season win?

Again, I think it's garbage, but KC is also out of the media spotlight. Perhaps if he were the exact same player with the exact same team success in NY, his odds would be exponentially better.

ClevelandBronco · 02-09-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClevelandBronco

Two words: Randy Gradishar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Yep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

What next, Floyd Little?

In my opinion, no.

FAX · 02-09-2009, 12:10 AM

Gonzo has media appeal. Moreso than the Chiefs or any other recent Chiefs player, anyhow.

I realize that QB and RB are sexier positions, and I don't know for sure, but I'll bet there are WRs in the hall with worse receiving stats than Gonzo. If he continues to pad his stats for two or three more years, his odds are good that he'll get in on first ballot, in my view.

As for Willie, the homer in me says he deserves it, but those are long odds.

FAX

**DeezNutz** · 02-09-2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

Gonzo has media appeal. Moreso than the Chiefs or any other recent Chiefs player, anyhow.

I realize that QB and RB are sexier positions, and I don't know for sure, but I'll bet there are WRs in the hall with worse receiving stats than Gonzo. If he continues to pad his stats for two or three more years, his odds are good that he'll get in on first ballot, in my view.

As for Willie, the homer in me says he deserves it, but those are long odds.

FAX

No better example of the fact that the NFL HOF is a team sport than Lynn Swann.

ClevelandBronco · 02-09-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

...I don't know for sure, but I'll bet there are WRs in the hall with worse receiving stats than Gonzo...

That's a safe assumption, Mr. FAX.

The game wasn't as receiver-friendly when I was young, and the TE didn't exist as a realistic passing threat.

Newsome, Winslow and Gonzalez, in that order, in my opinion these days. Sharpe follows Gonzo, but Sharpe gets into the Hall before Gonzo.

**cdcox** · 02-09-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClevelandBronco

In my opinion, no.

I'm funning you.

I like to poke Denver fans about the chip on their shoulders about not having very many HOFers. I have seen many of them cry over Floyd not being in the Hall (not close to deserving IMO), so it has become my go-to move whenever anyone complains about why donkey X isn't in the HOF.

Few with Gradishar's pro bowl and all conference accolades have been kept out of the HOF. He should get in eventually.

ChiefsCountry · 02-09-2009, 01:31 AM

How long did Randall McDaniel wait? Him and Shields were very similar type players.

**DaKCMan AP** · 02-09-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

How long did Randall McDaniel wait? Him and Shields were very similar type players.

2 years. Bruce Matthews went in McDaniel's first year of eligibility and Gary Zimmerman went in his second. I think it'll depend on who else is in Shields class.

ChiefsOne · 02-09-2009, 08:37 AM

My boss is friends with Wistrom and he went with him Saturday night to this. He said it was a cool experience and Shields was his favorite, genuinely a great guy.

02-08-2009, 10:32 PM
rrl308 D.T. #58 HOF Join Date: Jan 2007 Casino cash: $10004925	I miss me some Will Shields He still looks like he should have the No. 68 plastered across his chest, even if he says he's not close to playing shape. Calm and equipped with a sharp, but dry sense of humor, former Kansas City Chief lineman Will Shields raised his voice Saturday morning just a little so his target could hear him. "I might be able to trip Grant (Wistrom) if he came off the line with my left foot, but that's about it," Shields joked at a press conference about his fellow Nebraska alumnus and former NFL defensive end. But seeing Shields inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday in glasses and slacks, rather than a helmet and shoulder pads, not only reminds Chiefs fans of the winning ways of the 1990s and early 2000s, but just how far away those days feel. Shields is 37 now, two seasons removed from 12 straight Pro Bowls and 230 consecutive games played, second only to Brett Favre's current streak of 291. And since he retired after the 2006 season, the Chiefs have stumbled with a 6-26 record and fired head coach Herm Edwards, and long-time general manager Carl Peterson resigned. The duo were replaced with GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley. Shields, who still lives in Kansas City, said he thinks the Chiefs figured it out. "I think the Chiefs are going in the right direction," Shields said. "Not saying that (Edwards) was a bad coach or (Peterson) was a bad GM. They went with rebuilding and rebuilt through players, rather than rebuilding through the company. "That makes a big difference." Shields sounds like a guy who's looking big picture. Renowned for his charity work throughout the Kansas City area, including winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2003, the former third-round pick in 1993 has shifted his focus from keeping his quarterback's shirt clean to molding players for the next level. Through his two 68's Inside Sports Fitness and Training Facilities in the KC area, Shields is starting to build a reputation for producing balanced football players. While 68's still offers recreational opportunities, and workout facilities for the general public, Shields finds himself working more with high school football players, to get them ready for college, or to prepare college players for the NFL. He wants to be the middleman. "When (colleges or pro teams) get them in, they recruit them for their system," Shields said. "They don't prepare them beyond that. They're interested in wins and losses. I'm not. "I want them to be the most balanced player they can be." And he's getting serious about it. The tone of his voice raises slightly when mentioning breaking down tape of current NFL and college systems, trying to learn the schemes. It also picks up when talk of trying to install controlled aggression in younger, more amiable players. He said he's working with a few regional NFL hopefuls, preparing them for the combine and other pro days. "With the loss of NFL Europe and Arena League, where can you take a kid who ran the spread and help him with power mush ball? Especially when he's already 340 pounds and he hasn't had his hand in the ground in 3 years," Shields said. "We can teach them the basics." Plus, the training helps keep him just enough in the game, not from trying to be an NFL coach or trying to stage an on-the-field comeback. He said he doesn't want to build any sort of training empire, but he likes it right where he is, whether it's knocking heads and pads with future NFL hopefuls or 7- and 8-year old kids at the facilities. "I get enough football in a day. It keeps me going," Shields said. http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs...=2009902080351 Last edited by rrl308; 02-08-2009 at 10:48 PM..
Posts: 732

02-09-2009, 12:04 AM	#48
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	It's funny that Gonzo is probably playing his best football right now. He's a better blocker than he's ever been, his hands are like tar, and he's dragging defenders just like always. If Gonzo can't do it, you can't get in on the first ballot on stats and personal achievement alone. FAX
Posts: 44,492

02-09-2009, 12:10 AM	#51
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	Gonzo has media appeal. Moreso than the Chiefs or any other recent Chiefs player, anyhow. I realize that QB and RB are sexier positions, and I don't know for sure, but I'll bet there are WRs in the hall with worse receiving stats than Gonzo. If he continues to pad his stats for two or three more years, his odds are good that he'll get in on first ballot, in my view. As for Willie, the homer in me says he deserves it, but those are long odds. FAX
Posts: 44,492

02-09-2009, 01:31 AM	#55
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $-1591248	How long did Randall McDaniel wait? Him and Shields were very similar type players.
Posts: 52,135

02-09-2009, 08:37 AM	#57
ChiefsOne Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $5058192	My boss is friends with Wistrom and he went with him Saturday night to this. He said it was a cool experience and Shields was his favorite, genuinely a great guy.
Posts: 2,284