Five Chiefs named to AFC Pro Bowl team, all on offense

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Not one of the three Kansas City running backs who made NFL history by each going over 150 yards in a game this season is going to the Pro Bowl.

The core of their offensive line is headed for Hawaii, though. Left tackle Willie Roaf and guards Will Shields and Brian Waters were all named to the NFL Pro Bowl Wednesday.

Joining them are fullback Tony Richardson, another blocking specialist, and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

It's the 10th year in a row for Shields and Roaf -- longer than many players even last in the league, let along remain at the highest level. Only nine other players in league history have been selected to as many as 10 Pro Bowls.

''I never thought about getting to the Pro Bowl coming into the NFL,'' said Roaf. ''That's something I'm very proud of.''

Shields, taken in the third round in 1993, has been a quiet leader of what is known as perhaps the best offensive line in the league. It's the first time a team has had three Pro Bowl offensive linemen since Denver in 1998. No team has had both guards go to the Pro Bowl in the same year since Dallas in the 1996 season.

''It's always special,'' said Shields. ''It's an opportunity to be honored by guys you play against. That's one of the highest honors in the league besides, of course, being in the Super Bowl -- being able to say your peers and other people who watch you play think you're one of the better guys in the league.''

Waters, the Chiefs' strongest player, is also one of their most popular. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder also traveled the longest road to stardom. Since his college days at North Texas, he has played fullback, tight end, center and guard.

He also played in Europe for the Berlin Thunder.

''I've been around the world to get here, believe me,'' he said after learning of his first Pro Bowl honor.

''I've changed positions multiple times and I've played in all kinds of places I couldn't even name before I went there. It's been a long road. But it's definitely been worth it.''

Waters' first start for Kansas City was at center. He fumbled two snaps. And now he's in the Pro Bowl.

''After that game I was just hoping I would still be on the roster the next week,'' he said.

The next week center Casey Wiegmann came back and the Chiefs made one of their smartest moves in the Dick Vermeil era. They shifted Waters permanently to left guard.

''To see where Brian's come from, it's a testament to hard work,'' said Richardson. ''All he did was work hard and get better.''

With their blockers blazing the way, the Chiefs have had one of the NFL's most productive offenses three years in a row. Priest Holmes, Derrick Blaylock and Larry Johnson all had games of over 150 yards rushing this year, marking the first time in league history.

In another game, Kansas City set an NFL record by scoring eight touchdowns rushing.

''I appreciate the fact they were acknowledged for their efforts,'' said Vermeil. ''It's pretty much acknowledged this is one of the best offensive lines in football. They deserve the recognition.''

It's the second Pro Bowl for Richardson and the sixth straight for Gonzalez, who is Kansas City's all-time leading receiver with 545 catches. He has 77 catches for 990 yards this year.

''Tony Gonzalez is a better football player, a more complete football player this year than he's ever been,'' Vermeil said.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: