Boomer Article

Archie Bunker · 03-05-2007, 12:08 AM

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2...rts/124053.txt

Grigsby returns to train with Redbird coaches

NORMAL - Boomer Grigsby has been getting back to his football roots, returning to the Illinois State campus where he became an All-American linebacker to train with the current Redbirds.

After two years in the NFL, Grigsby will begin looking more like he did as a Redbird in the coming season. The Kansas City Chiefs have changed Grigsby's number from 51 to the 46 of his glory days at Hancock Stadium.

The Chiefs, however, have a much more radical change in mind for Grigsby with a position switch from linebacker to fullback.

"It's a golden opportunity, and I have a desire to do it," said Grigsby, who spent his first two seasons with the Chiefs as a reserve linebacker and special terms performer. "I'm excited to be wanted. It's a new challenge."

Grigsby began working with the Kansas City running backs coach last season when fullback Ronnie Cruz suffered a season-ending knee injury. H-back Kris Wilson was moved to fullback, but the Chiefs feel Wilson's talents are better suited for H-back.

"They trained me as a goal-line fullback in case anybody went down," said Grigsby. "I looked pretty natural at it and I like it. They said I've got speed, strength, leverage and attitude. And they think I'm smart enough to pick up an offensive position."

That led to a postseason discussion with Kansas City coach Herman Edwards.

"I was already thinking about it, but he had made the decision already," Grigsby said. "He told me it (fullback) was my best chance to be playing and be a star in the NFL."

The 5-foot-11, 249-pound Grigsby has no experience as a running back, but he has an extensive background as a hitter.

"All it is, is a linebacker on offense. I get to block for who I think is the best running back in the league," Grigsby said of All-Pro tailback Larry Johnson. "They are not bringing me over to hand me the ball. They are bringing me over to pave the way for Larry."

In preparation for his new role, Grigsby has returned to ISU to work out under the supervision of Redbird strength coaches Rohrk Cutchlow and Landon Evans.

"They are outstanding. So far it's been remarkable. I've already thrown on 10 pounds of muscle mass," said Grigsby. "One thing I love about Bloomington-Normal is it's so easy to focus. It makes me remember how hard I had to work to get there (the NFL).

"I'm sacrificing some fun and great weather so when I get back to Kansas City I can hit it running and not start from scratch. I'm trying to get as familiar with it in the offseason so I look like I've been doing it for years."

Along with running and yoga classes, the three-time Gateway Conference Defensive Player of the Year is working to strengthen his neck and back to better absorb the pounding of blocking as a fullback.

The 25-year-old Grigsby will return to Kansas City later this month to begin fullback-specific drills with the Chiefs' coaching staff.

While he won't often be asked to carry the football or catch passes often, Grigsby wants to be prepared if needed.

"They told me to catch a lot of balls," he said. "I stole a ball from ISU. I'll make sure I get it back to them. I think I'll be a two-handed ball carrier and not take the risk of fumbling."

Grigsby, who will continue in his special teams role with the Chiefs, believes he can be an effective blocker even against top flight NFL defenders.

"I feel out of a three-point stance I'm faster than any linebacker in the league," he said. "I will beat them to the line of scrimmage. And it's not just about running people over. Sometimes it's just get in the way and not get run over, just get my arms on a guy good enough so Larry can keep going."

After two seasons of bone-rattling collisions on special teams, Grigsby is not intimidated by the prospect of taking on linebackers such as Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis.

"They are great players, but I would much rather hit one man than two any day," said Grigsby, who is entering the third and final year of his original contract with the Chiefs. "I play wedge buster on kickoffs. I'm in a 50-yard sprint running at a guys in a 20- or 30-yard sprint."

While moving from linebacker to fullback might seem like a monumental adjustment, Grigsby simplifies the matter.

"When it comes down to it, it's all hitting," he said. "It's not like I'm a quarterback."

**pr_capone** · 03-05-2007, 12:15 AM

GDI

I love this kid.

Such a positive attitude and a great work ethic.

If half the starters showed half as much enthusiasm and desire to play as Boomer does, we would be f00kin SB contenders every year.

This kid better retire as a Chief.

**TinyEvel** · 03-05-2007, 12:25 AM

This is pretty awesome.

I recently returned to The 2 For 1 Pizza Co. in Canoga Park to re-hoan my pizza dough tossin' skills and reacquaint myself with how to spread an impossibly thin amout of sauce and cheese on the dough before putting "one topping per slice" on the pie.
They had to remind me "Don't eat the pepperoni from the prep table" and I thanked my old manager for giving me that raise from $3.35 per hour to $3.50 per hour.

Never forget where you're from.

**J Diddy** · 03-05-2007, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyEvel

This is pretty awesome.

I recently returned to The 2 For 1 Pizza Co. in Canoga Park to re-hoan my pizza dough tossin' skills and reacquaint myself with how to spread an impossibly thin amout of sauce and cheese on the dough before putting "one topping per slice" on the pie.
They had to remind me "Don't eat the pepperoni from the prep table" and I thanked my old manager for giving me that raise from $3.35 per hour to $3.50 per hour.

Never forget where you're from.

I love that analogy, as a pizza manager I appreciate the opportunity to belittle my profession. I would like to point out to you I missed 6 digits last year by 30000 and would like to invite you to go **** yourself

**TinyEvel** · 03-05-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I love that analogy, as a pizza manager I appreciate the opportunity to belittle my profession. I would like to point out to you I missed 6 digits last year by 30000 and would like to invite you to go **** yourself

Dude, you took that completely wrong. It was mainly a slam on my slacker early days and the budget-minded pizza making skills of my employer. But when you're selling two large 1-toppings for 9.99 you've got to run a tight ship. But based on your post, you know that, right? I have serious respect for food service individuals. I am always sincere and polite to them. And if you're closing in on six digits as a manager, congrats to you, sir.

**BigRedChief** · 03-05-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I love that analogy, as a pizza manager I appreciate the opportunity to belittle my profession. I would like to point out to you I missed 6 digits last year by 30000 and would like to invite you to go **** yourself

Wow now I know how you can afford to go to Indy.

big nasty kcnut · 03-05-2007, 12:26 AM

I like it but i was hoping that the secret weapon would be fullback.

**RealSNR** · 03-05-2007, 12:40 AM

Boomer Grigsby > Joe Hall

ferrarispider95 · 03-05-2007, 12:42 AM

great article, looking forward to boomer clearing the way for lj like a mack truck

el borracho · 03-05-2007, 02:18 AM

"I've already thrown on 10 pounds of muscle mass," said Grigsby.

Does that mean he now weighs 259?

I wonder how difficult it will be for him not to just tackle everybody.

**DaneMcCloud** · 03-05-2007, 02:46 AM

I have no idea whether this will pan out or not but you have to love his enthusiasm. He's obviously not the most gifted linebacker or gifted fullback but he has passion for the game. Hopefully that will carry him to success.

kcfanXIII · 03-05-2007, 02:53 AM

whats next for big foot? i love this move. kick some ass boomer.

"its all hitting"

**BigRedChief** · 03-05-2007, 08:02 AM

This is a football player we can all relate too. He's trying as hard as he can with what talent he was given.

He's about as close to one of us as any player on the Chiefs. Someone that you might share a beer with after work or on the weekend.
I've met him on several occasions. He's very down to earth and not elitist in the slighest.

He's a person we can be glad is wearing the colors of our team. How many players can we say that about?

acesn8s · 03-05-2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

This is a football player we can all relate too.

He's about as close to one of us as any player on the Chiefs. Someone that you might share a beer with after work or on the weekend.

are we talking about Grigsby or Jared Allen?

crazycoffey · 03-05-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acesn8s

are we talking about Grigsby or Jared Allen?

personality wise aren't they about the same?

03-05-2007, 12:08 AM	Topic Starter
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1788978	Boomer Article http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2...rts/124053.txt Grigsby returns to train with Redbird coaches NORMAL - Boomer Grigsby has been getting back to his football roots, returning to the Illinois State campus where he became an All-American linebacker to train with the current Redbirds. After two years in the NFL, Grigsby will begin looking more like he did as a Redbird in the coming season. The Kansas City Chiefs have changed Grigsby's number from 51 to the 46 of his glory days at Hancock Stadium. The Chiefs, however, have a much more radical change in mind for Grigsby with a position switch from linebacker to fullback. "It's a golden opportunity, and I have a desire to do it," said Grigsby, who spent his first two seasons with the Chiefs as a reserve linebacker and special terms performer. "I'm excited to be wanted. It's a new challenge." Grigsby began working with the Kansas City running backs coach last season when fullback Ronnie Cruz suffered a season-ending knee injury. H-back Kris Wilson was moved to fullback, but the Chiefs feel Wilson's talents are better suited for H-back. "They trained me as a goal-line fullback in case anybody went down," said Grigsby. "I looked pretty natural at it and I like it. They said I've got speed, strength, leverage and attitude. And they think I'm smart enough to pick up an offensive position." That led to a postseason discussion with Kansas City coach Herman Edwards. "I was already thinking about it, but he had made the decision already," Grigsby said. "He told me it (fullback) was my best chance to be playing and be a star in the NFL." The 5-foot-11, 249-pound Grigsby has no experience as a running back, but he has an extensive background as a hitter. "All it is, is a linebacker on offense. I get to block for who I think is the best running back in the league," Grigsby said of All-Pro tailback Larry Johnson. "They are not bringing me over to hand me the ball. They are bringing me over to pave the way for Larry." In preparation for his new role, Grigsby has returned to ISU to work out under the supervision of Redbird strength coaches Rohrk Cutchlow and Landon Evans. "They are outstanding. So far it's been remarkable. I've already thrown on 10 pounds of muscle mass," said Grigsby. "One thing I love about Bloomington-Normal is it's so easy to focus. It makes me remember how hard I had to work to get there (the NFL). "I'm sacrificing some fun and great weather so when I get back to Kansas City I can hit it running and not start from scratch. I'm trying to get as familiar with it in the offseason so I look like I've been doing it for years." Along with running and yoga classes, the three-time Gateway Conference Defensive Player of the Year is working to strengthen his neck and back to better absorb the pounding of blocking as a fullback. The 25-year-old Grigsby will return to Kansas City later this month to begin fullback-specific drills with the Chiefs' coaching staff. While he won't often be asked to carry the football or catch passes often, Grigsby wants to be prepared if needed. "They told me to catch a lot of balls," he said. "I stole a ball from ISU. I'll make sure I get it back to them. I think I'll be a two-handed ball carrier and not take the risk of fumbling." Grigsby, who will continue in his special teams role with the Chiefs, believes he can be an effective blocker even against top flight NFL defenders. "I feel out of a three-point stance I'm faster than any linebacker in the league," he said. "I will beat them to the line of scrimmage. And it's not just about running people over. Sometimes it's just get in the way and not get run over, just get my arms on a guy good enough so Larry can keep going." After two seasons of bone-rattling collisions on special teams, Grigsby is not intimidated by the prospect of taking on linebackers such as Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis. "They are great players, but I would much rather hit one man than two any day," said Grigsby, who is entering the third and final year of his original contract with the Chiefs. "I play wedge buster on kickoffs. I'm in a 50-yard sprint running at a guys in a 20- or 30-yard sprint." While moving from linebacker to fullback might seem like a monumental adjustment, Grigsby simplifies the matter. "When it comes down to it, it's all hitting," he said. "It's not like I'm a quarterback."
Posts: 6,194

03-05-2007, 12:15 AM	#2
pr_capone ** SOC & ** YOU Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chiefs Hell Casino cash: $10018214	GDI I love this kid. Such a positive attitude and a great work ethic. If half the starters showed half as much enthusiasm and desire to play as Boomer does, we would be f00kin SB contenders every year. This kid better retire as a Chief.
Posts: 19,884

03-05-2007, 12:25 AM	#3
TinyEvel Just a li'l Evel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bald. Goatee. Jorts. Casino cash: $5287131	This is pretty awesome. I recently returned to The 2 For 1 Pizza Co. in Canoga Park to re-hoan my pizza dough tossin' skills and reacquaint myself with how to spread an impossibly thin amout of sauce and cheese on the dough before putting "one topping per slice" on the pie. They had to remind me "Don't eat the pepperoni from the prep table" and I thanked my old manager for giving me that raise from $3.35 per hour to $3.50 per hour. Never forget where you're from.
Posts: 11,814

03-05-2007, 12:26 AM	#7
big nasty kcnut The pizza king of kansas Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Somewhere in the u.s.a. Casino cash: $1390900	I like it but i was hoping that the secret weapon would be fullback. __________________ When it's grim, be the grim reaper and go get it. Adopt a chiefs Travis Kelce. You woke up the wrong mother****er!
Posts: 18,877

03-05-2007, 12:40 AM	#8
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $2130208	Boomer Grigsby > Joe Hall
Posts: 90,642

03-05-2007, 12:42 AM	#9
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	great article, looking forward to boomer clearing the way for lj like a mack truck __________________ www.steerplanet.com Show Steers Directory and Forum www.emporiaks.org Free Emporia, KS Apartment Rental Listings
Posts: 1,493

03-05-2007, 02:18 AM	#10
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6149148	"I've already thrown on 10 pounds of muscle mass," said Grigsby. Does that mean he now weighs 259? I wonder how difficult it will be for him not to just tackle everybody.
Posts: 11,843

03-05-2007, 02:46 AM	#11
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	I have no idea whether this will pan out or not but you have to love his enthusiasm. He's obviously not the most gifted linebacker or gifted fullback but he has passion for the game. Hopefully that will carry him to success.
Posts: 88,960

03-05-2007, 02:53 AM	#12
kcfanXIII Ride on! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Galaxy far far away Casino cash: $10013172	whats next for big foot? i love this move. kick some ass boomer. "its all hitting" __________________ Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed, overcomes the fear of death.
Posts: 5,470

03-05-2007, 08:02 AM	#13
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $2909627 VARSITY	This is a football player we can all relate too. He's trying as hard as he can with what talent he was given. He's about as close to one of us as any player on the Chiefs. Someone that you might share a beer with after work or on the weekend. I've met him on several occasions. He's very down to earth and not elitist in the slighest. He's a person we can be glad is wearing the colors of our team. How many players can we say that about? __________________ Time is worth more than money.
Posts: 79,192