GRETZ: Mr. Durable

**Lzen** · 06-08-2005, 07:34 AM

Jun 08, 2005, 6:03:01 AM by Bob Gretz

It’s funny how the perception of Trent Green has changed over the last four years. Not funny like ha, ha, ha, did you hear the one about the rabbi and priest in the life raft? No, I mean funny, as in how he’s viewed by the fans and the media. The general consensus has come full circle on Green.

Then it was: the Chiefs are giving up a first-round draft pick for a quarterback coming off a major knee injury? Why can’t they just draft and develop their own quarterback? Why do they have to keep picking up old guys?gg2

Now it’s: oh sure, he’s started 64 consecutive games, is one of the most durable quarterbacks in the league, has gone to the Pro Bowl and has directed the most productive offense in the NFL for four seasons. But his luck’s going to run out one of these days and he’s going to get hurt because he’s so old.

It’s just part of the whacked out world that an NFL starting quarterback must handle on a daily basis. With the possible exception of New England’s Tom Brady, the other 31 starting NFL quarterbacks are never quite smart enough, young enough, strong-armed enough or victorious enough to completely quiet the hounds.

Green’s been hearing that for four years now.

“Yeah, the old ‘I can’t believe they are making this big trade for a guy with a bad knee’,” Green said with a laugh. “I think hopefully I’ve put that to rest.”

There should no longer be any doubts about his durability, not after he’s started every game over the last four seasons. Only three other quarterbacks in the league have done that and none were coming off as serious an injury as the knee blowout Green suffered during the 1999 pre-season.

“It is funny how that was such the main focus in the first year and even past that, and now it’s how long can he stay healthy?” said Green. “All that reaffirms the hard work and hours you spend in the weight room. The season is a marathon and that’s the hardest part as a player is the recovery, especially as you get older, the recovery from week to week and getting yourself ready. How you feel at the end of the season isn’t great and how quickly can you recover, and then during the season, how quickly can you recover from week to week and then training camp; as you get older it’s harder. But I’m enjoying it too much right now. I want to keep going.”

Some 18 days before the Chiefs get on the big bird and head north for training camp in Wisconsin, Julie, T.J. and Derek will celebrate Dad’s birthday. Trent Green will be 35 years old. This is the age when most football players have put away their pads and gone on with the rest of their life. Even quarterbacks, who tend to play longer than other positions, seldom reach 35 years.

Right now, Green will be the second oldest starting quarterback among the 32 who are expected to open the season for their teams. Only Green Bay’s Brett Favre is older, by 272 days.

But just like the ebb and blow of public opinion about his health and his future, Green does not spend much time pondering life after football. At least not until somebody else brings it up.

“I feel great,” Green said. “My knee was the big question when I came here. Every year it feels better. I still do a lot of work with it, from a rehab or maintaining basis, because I’m afraid of what would happen if I don’t do it. It feels great. The rest of my body feels good.

“I’ve kind of said three more years, but if in three years I feel great, then I want to keep going. I don’t know why I said three years, that’s just the number I throw out. I will be 35 right before camp starts, so it would be 35, 36, maybe 37. If it’s still going great then just keep going. I don’t know if it’s because of my background, being an eighth-round pick and taking me forever to get on the field and when I did get on the field, I got hurt.

“I just really enjoy the locker room dynamic. You get guys from all walks of life and the different age groups, everything about it. I enjoy doing what I do. Hopefully, it won’t be over any time soon.”

Long-time Chiefs fans have always bemoaned the team’s inability to draft and develop a quarterback. That emotion is misplaced. The two best passers in club history – Green and Len Dawson – while not drafted by the organization, certainly were developed while wearing the red and gold. Dawson spent five years on the bench in Pittsburgh and Cleveland with just three starting assignments, before he got his shot with the Dallas Texans in 1962. In seven seasons before he arrived in Kansas City, Green started a total of 19 games. There’s no question his development as a quarterback has happened right before our eyes over the last four years. What difference does it make who drafted him?

Dawson played through the 1975 season, retiring at the age of 40. He was the unquestioned starting quarterback through the 1974 season. Whether Green can play that long and that effectively is his next great challenge.

But his thoughts right now are only on 2005. There is a sense of urgency around the Chiefs. The clock is ticking, especially with the offense, where seven starters will be 30 or older. Then there’s the 2005 schedule, with its tough opening against the New York Jets, Oakland, Denver and Philadelphia.

“To say if things don’t go our way that first month the season is over, that’s not the case,” said Green. “There are always teams that start off the season slowly and come back and make the playoffs. From a momentum standpoint, enthusiasm, confidence, it is important for us. The fact we open at home, and finish at home, with those last two games at home, that’s so important. Those are opportunities for momentum, whether starting the season, or starting into the playoffs.”

The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs.

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2005/06...tz_mr_durable/

**Lzen** · 06-08-2005, 07:35 AM

It's easy for us to forget how blessed we've been over the past few seasons with Green at the helm. I mean, if you look at another way, we could've ended up with someone like Plummer.

milkman · 06-08-2005, 07:49 AM

I was really unhappy about trading for Green at the time, but over the years, I have come to respect Green as much as any QB in the league.

I don't worry about Green getting hurt because of his age, as Gretz suggests.

I worry more that he could get hurt because of his tenacity, his desire to make a play when things break down in the pocket.

I'd be very happy if Green can play the 3 years and beyond he talks about.

InChiefsHeaven · 06-08-2005, 07:54 AM

Green is the man. I knew it in his second season, the opening game. (The helmet throwing game). He just showed heart and determination. THen there was the devastating block he threw to spring Holmes free.

He's the man. I'm glad he's on our side.

Gaz · 06-08-2005, 07:56 AM

I was one of the folks opposed to giving up a draft pick for a broken-knee QB.

I was wrong. Really, REALLY wrong.

Green lacks the cannon arm, but his leadership on and off the field more than make up for that shortcoming. And I just love watching him throw blocks on the field. That time he pancaked a guy to spring Holmes into the end zone was priceless.

xoxo~
Gaz
Wrong again and happy as can be about it.

ChiefFripp · 06-08-2005, 07:59 AM

He is at this point the second best Chiefs QB ever.

htismaqe · 06-08-2005, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz

I was one of the folks opposed to giving up a draft pick for a broken-knee QB.

I was wrong. Really, REALLY wrong.

Green lacks the cannon arm, but his leadership on and off the field more than make up for that shortcoming. And I just love watching him throw blocks on the field. That time he pancaked a guy to spring Holmes into the end zone was priceless.

xoxo~
Gaz
Wrong again and happy as can be about it.

Yep. I was dead-set against using that pick on a QB, whether it was Brees or Green.

ct · 06-08-2005, 08:18 AM

I was certainly not opposed to trading for Trent, he did after all show in a brief glimpse that he could kick some a$$ in this offense, and had a head coach with 110% confidence in him. I did, however, strongly oppose giving up a 1st round pick when he was still unproven over even just a full season, and still recovering from a serious knee injury. Yet I am damn pleased he proved us all wrong.

Trent Green is now, and forever will be, one of my all-time favorite players!! Great QB, tenacious attitude (I love it when he's downfield throwing blocks for his RBs), tremendous leadership! Rock on Trent!

milkman · 06-08-2005, 08:19 AM

I think this post from a thread about Green a month ago sums up my thoughts about him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SideWinder

I think the illusion that some people have that Trent folds under pressure might be created by the fact that Trent sometimes trys to make plays where there aren't any to be made, because he knows the offense has to score in order for this team to win.

The reality is he makes some outstanding plays when he's under pressure, along with some mistakes, because he doesn't give up.

He's not the most talented, nor does he have the strongest arm, but he's a tough SOB who simply doesn't quit, and doesn't get vaginal under duress.

Because of that, while Manning has more talent, I wouldn't trade Green straight up for him.

Peyton is the most vaginal player in the league, at least as far as I'm concerned.

HC_Chief · 06-08-2005, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefFripp

He is at this point the second best Chiefs QB ever.

Best, IMO. If we had any semblance of a D over the past three seasons, he'd be "SB champion QB Trent Green".

Hammock Parties · 06-08-2005, 08:28 AM

He's no Shevin Sheth.

**ChiTown** · 06-08-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Best, IMO. If we had any semblance of a D over the past three seasons, he'd be "SB champion QB Trent Green".

No way.

Watching Dawson and Taylor dice up the competition for as long as they did makes Lenny #1. Plus, his HOF bust trumps whatever Trent's done thus far

ct · 06-08-2005, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

No way.

Watching Dawson and Taylor dice up the competition for as long as they did makes Lenny #1. Plus, his HOF bust trumps whatever Trent's done thus far

Gotta agree. HOF vs. 3 years leading high-powered offense, 1 Pro-Bowl, 1 playoff appearance, 0 playoff wins.

Let's watch Trent earn the franchise a Lombardi Trophy, himself a SB ring and SB MVP award in 2005, and that completely changes!

HC_Chief · 06-08-2005, 08:37 AM

Put Green on that team and they win more than ONE SB, guaranteed.

ct · 06-08-2005, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Put Green on that team and they win more than ONE SB, guaranteed.

That would be fun to see!!

But put Lenny on this team, and what do we have? Prolly same 'ol.

06-08-2005, 07:34 AM
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2150692	GRETZ: Mr. Durable Jun 08, 2005, 6:03:01 AM by Bob Gretz It’s funny how the perception of Trent Green has changed over the last four years. Not funny like ha, ha, ha, did you hear the one about the rabbi and priest in the life raft? No, I mean funny, as in how he’s viewed by the fans and the media. The general consensus has come full circle on Green. Then it was: the Chiefs are giving up a first-round draft pick for a quarterback coming off a major knee injury? Why can’t they just draft and develop their own quarterback? Why do they have to keep picking up old guys?gg2 Now it’s: oh sure, he’s started 64 consecutive games, is one of the most durable quarterbacks in the league, has gone to the Pro Bowl and has directed the most productive offense in the NFL for four seasons. But his luck’s going to run out one of these days and he’s going to get hurt because he’s so old. It’s just part of the whacked out world that an NFL starting quarterback must handle on a daily basis. With the possible exception of New England’s Tom Brady, the other 31 starting NFL quarterbacks are never quite smart enough, young enough, strong-armed enough or victorious enough to completely quiet the hounds. Green’s been hearing that for four years now. “Yeah, the old ‘I can’t believe they are making this big trade for a guy with a bad knee’,” Green said with a laugh. “I think hopefully I’ve put that to rest.” There should no longer be any doubts about his durability, not after he’s started every game over the last four seasons. Only three other quarterbacks in the league have done that and none were coming off as serious an injury as the knee blowout Green suffered during the 1999 pre-season. “It is funny how that was such the main focus in the first year and even past that, and now it’s how long can he stay healthy?” said Green. “All that reaffirms the hard work and hours you spend in the weight room. The season is a marathon and that’s the hardest part as a player is the recovery, especially as you get older, the recovery from week to week and getting yourself ready. How you feel at the end of the season isn’t great and how quickly can you recover, and then during the season, how quickly can you recover from week to week and then training camp; as you get older it’s harder. But I’m enjoying it too much right now. I want to keep going.” Some 18 days before the Chiefs get on the big bird and head north for training camp in Wisconsin, Julie, T.J. and Derek will celebrate Dad’s birthday. Trent Green will be 35 years old. This is the age when most football players have put away their pads and gone on with the rest of their life. Even quarterbacks, who tend to play longer than other positions, seldom reach 35 years. Right now, Green will be the second oldest starting quarterback among the 32 who are expected to open the season for their teams. Only Green Bay’s Brett Favre is older, by 272 days. But just like the ebb and blow of public opinion about his health and his future, Green does not spend much time pondering life after football. At least not until somebody else brings it up. “I feel great,” Green said. “My knee was the big question when I came here. Every year it feels better. I still do a lot of work with it, from a rehab or maintaining basis, because I’m afraid of what would happen if I don’t do it. It feels great. The rest of my body feels good. “I’ve kind of said three more years, but if in three years I feel great, then I want to keep going. I don’t know why I said three years, that’s just the number I throw out. I will be 35 right before camp starts, so it would be 35, 36, maybe 37. If it’s still going great then just keep going. I don’t know if it’s because of my background, being an eighth-round pick and taking me forever to get on the field and when I did get on the field, I got hurt. “I just really enjoy the locker room dynamic. You get guys from all walks of life and the different age groups, everything about it. I enjoy doing what I do. Hopefully, it won’t be over any time soon.” Long-time Chiefs fans have always bemoaned the team’s inability to draft and develop a quarterback. That emotion is misplaced. The two best passers in club history – Green and Len Dawson – while not drafted by the organization, certainly were developed while wearing the red and gold. Dawson spent five years on the bench in Pittsburgh and Cleveland with just three starting assignments, before he got his shot with the Dallas Texans in 1962. In seven seasons before he arrived in Kansas City, Green started a total of 19 games. There’s no question his development as a quarterback has happened right before our eyes over the last four years. What difference does it make who drafted him? Dawson played through the 1975 season, retiring at the age of 40. He was the unquestioned starting quarterback through the 1974 season. Whether Green can play that long and that effectively is his next great challenge. But his thoughts right now are only on 2005. There is a sense of urgency around the Chiefs. The clock is ticking, especially with the offense, where seven starters will be 30 or older. Then there’s the 2005 schedule, with its tough opening against the New York Jets, Oakland, Denver and Philadelphia. “To say if things don’t go our way that first month the season is over, that’s not the case,” said Green. “There are always teams that start off the season slowly and come back and make the playoffs. From a momentum standpoint, enthusiasm, confidence, it is important for us. The fact we open at home, and finish at home, with those last two games at home, that’s so important. Those are opportunities for momentum, whether starting the season, or starting into the playoffs.” The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs. http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2005/06...tz_mr_durable/
Posts: 41,379

06-08-2005, 07:35 AM	#2
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2150692	It's easy for us to forget how blessed we've been over the past few seasons with Green at the helm. I mean, if you look at another way, we could've ended up with someone like Plummer. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,379

06-08-2005, 07:49 AM	#3
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	I was really unhappy about trading for Green at the time, but over the years, I have come to respect Green as much as any QB in the league. I don't worry about Green getting hurt because of his age, as Gretz suggests. I worry more that he could get hurt because of his tenacity, his desire to make a play when things break down in the pocket. I'd be very happy if Green can play the 3 years and beyond he talks about. __________________
Posts: 70,769

06-08-2005, 07:54 AM	#4
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3784937	Green is the man. I knew it in his second season, the opening game. (The helmet throwing game). He just showed heart and determination. THen there was the devastating block he threw to spring Holmes free. He's the man. I'm glad he's on our side. __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,748

06-08-2005, 07:56 AM	#5
Gaz Defense Homer Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rancho Gaz Casino cash: $10010793	Raise your hand... I was one of the folks opposed to giving up a draft pick for a broken-knee QB. I was wrong. Really, REALLY wrong. Green lacks the cannon arm, but his leadership on and off the field more than make up for that shortcoming. And I just love watching him throw blocks on the field. That time he pancaked a guy to spring Holmes into the end zone was priceless. xoxo~ Gaz Wrong again and happy as can be about it.
Posts: 5,911

06-08-2005, 07:59 AM	#6
ChiefFripp Veteran Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: KC Casino cash: $10004900	He is at this point the second best Chiefs QB ever.
Posts: 2,579

06-08-2005, 08:18 AM	#8
ct u b illian Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: DooDah Casino cash: $10009436	I was certainly not opposed to trading for Trent, he did after all show in a brief glimpse that he could kick some a$$ in this offense, and had a head coach with 110% confidence in him. I did, however, strongly oppose giving up a 1st round pick when he was still unproven over even just a full season, and still recovering from a serious knee injury. Yet I am damn pleased he proved us all wrong. Trent Green is now, and forever will be, one of my all-time favorite players!! Great QB, tenacious attitude (I love it when he's downfield throwing blocks for his RBs), tremendous leadership! Rock on Trent!
Posts: 7,287

06-08-2005, 08:28 AM	#11
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4610478	He's no Shevin Sheth. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Chiefs game films Last edited by Hammock Parties; 06-08-2005 at 08:36 AM..
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06-08-2005, 08:37 AM	#14
HC_Chief That's just f***in' stupid Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: suburbia Casino cash: $3687107	Put Green on that team and they win more than ONE SB, guaranteed. __________________ "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room!"
Posts: 12,355