Vrabel's so happy to be a Chief!

[MoreLemonPledge]

http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/823

Vrabel, for his part, admitted that was "confused" when New England traded him, along with quarterback Matt Cassel, to the Chiefs in early March.

"I’m here. I didn’t sign up. There’s a difference in this league in being a free agent and being traded," Vrabel said. "I don’t know what to tell you. I got a call in March, and here I am.

"Don’t confuse that I’m not excited to be here, because I’m here and I’m happy. ... I want to be here."

Vrabel said he skipped the Chiefs' previous organized team activities because the practices were considered optional, something Vrabel pointed out is a point of emphasis when the players' union negotiates a collective bargaining agreement with the league. He said his absence meant simply that he was complying with his rights as a player under that agreement.

"I was just trying to exercise my rights within the CBA," he said. "I’m happy as heck to be here right now."



Backtracking much? It's pretty obvious he's pissed that he's not in New England anymore.

Oh, and sorry if repost.

[salame]

I bet he has a mysterious "injury" in training camp and announces his retirement before week 1

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by DTLB58

Well, If he is really pissed about it then just retire.

It's not like he has anything to prove or that he is going to earn tons of bucks from here on out to secure his finacial future.

So either play and be a contributor/leader or get the heck out.

Why would he retire? He just received a $1 million dollar roster bonus and he's slated to earn $3.5 million this season. Why would he walk away from that money?

Originally Posted by Micjones

So long as he produces on the field...
Whether or not he's happy to be in Kansas City is inconsequential to me.

I wouldn't expect much from a 34 year-old.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by MoreLemonPledge

Veterans should know that being traded is all part of the occupation. Vrabel should be thrilled that he got to be with the Pats as long as he did.

I think he'll enjoy being Big Man on Campus, so to speak. True Pro's don't just wake up and not want to play anymore.
He'll be Defensive Captain most likely, and I'm sure he'll have fun with the role.

[Consistent1]

I can't say that I like the CBA crap. Players make enough money to stay in shape all year and do all of the workout stuff. Maybe he did do it in New England too, who cares. I would have liked to see him step up a little more.

[Chiefnj2]

Going from the Pats to KC is like waking up in bed with Bar Rafaeli one minute and then blinking your eyes, looking over and seeing Rosie O'Donnel.

[cmh6476]

Originally Posted by DTLB58

Well, If he is really pissed about it then just retire.

It's not like he has anything to prove or that he is going to earn tons of bucks from here on out to secure his finacial future.

So either play and be a contributor/leader or get the heck out.

How do you propose he makes money for the rest of his life? It isn't like he's going to run out and find a job making anywhere near what he's slated to bring in this year with the Chiefs, which may very well be the last year he earns a salary in the league.

Maybe he has some cash stowed away as security, but if I'm him, I'm here putting in my time to get that one last paycheck to provide for my family's financial stability before my career in the NFL is over.

[ct]

Originally Posted by BostonTim

Doubtlessly and understandably he felt betrayed. His contributions here were legendary. And he was totally blindsided. Were I a Chiefs fan I think I'd try to give him a little time to get past it and I'd cut him some slack up til, oh, say, when he gets on the actual field and I could judge him, what, fairly? Objectively?

I WOULD be disappointed that he missed some OTA's, for sure, but I'd cut him a break.

Cheers, BostonTim

Originally Posted by bostonian

I'm also a Pats fan here, Vrabel fan too. Just a heads up about Vrabel in general - he doesn't hold back with sarcasm and honesty in his comments. If he is told not to address something he just won't talk period which I know got to some people as well in the media.

As far as I know, while still in NE he missed quite a few OTA's while exercising the same option. He's a huge union guy and isn't afraid to tell people about it.

And as a Pat's fan I still don't agree with the move and can see why he may feel po'ed. But I will say this, dude only missed 3 games as a Patriot (01-08 I believe it was only 3) for a broken arm, then played the rest of the season with it. His leadership came from what he did on the field, playing offense, defense, special teams, out of position basically did what he was told no matter what it meant to his stats (ex. ILB killed his sack numbers and he never complained about it when ppl brought it up)

Thanks guys, appreciate the input!

I feel the very same. No doubt he'd rather be in NE still, but he's a pro and stand up guy. He's allowed time to get his thoughts around the new reality for his career. I believe he'll do us well, either on the field or as a mentor/leader, or hopefully both!

[chiefzilla1501]

I'm shocked that people are pissed about this. Who cares? He's skipped plenty of OTAs in the past, and most in New England would still consider him to be a good leader. And as for being pissed... it sounds like New England didn't even ask him if it was okay to be traded--you would think that a team that you were a part of for so long would at least have the integrity to tell him what was going on. I doubt he's pissed about playing for KC as much as he is pissed that New England shipped him out like bad cargo.

Much ado about nothing.

[kepp]

There's no 'V' in 'TEAM'

[RustShack]

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

I think he'll enjoy being Big Man on Campus, so to speak. True Pro's don't just wake up and not want to play anymore.
He'll be Defensive Captain most likely, and I'm sure he'll have fun with the role.

I think Zach Thomas might have the edge on him for Defensive captain. They both could be captains though, didn't the Patriots have a bunch last year? Also I would guess Matt Cassel is the offensive captain.

[KcFanInGA]

Hey, the guy is honest. But he is here, and working. We have bigger issues (I'm eyeballin you Waters) in the locker room. I for one am glad Vrabel is here.

[RustShack]

Too bad him and Waters both left again now that the mandatory stuff is over.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by RustShack

Too bad him and Waters both left again now that the mandatory stuff is over.

The big difference is that Vrabel is training and in football shape while Waters isn't.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Dude has made his career and life in NE. I can understand that being here is not high on his list. And I mean being here as in KC. not the Chiefs.

I bet both.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by chiefforlife

He showed up when he was supposed to, he is saying all the right things. Haley said he adapted to the scheme very well and has mastered all the drills, already. What else do you want?

Precisely. I damn guarantee you Pioli and Vrabel talked prior to the trade and everything was already worked out that he would not be there until it was mandatory. Pioli and Haley both understand and granted him that respect. They know who they are getting in a player and have no worries. I would have done the same thing as a coach/GM.