Remember when you got an A on your test in fifth grade and your teacher would put a sticker on your paper and write "Super!" Well Chiefs head coach Todd Haley is sort of doing the same thing and I think it’s stupid.
There are some things that I really like about Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. There are other things I think are very high schoolish. Like no logos on the side of the player’s helmets.
Equipment managers needed to run out onto the practice field on Monday and pull off a logo on the side of Mike Vrabel’s helmet. Apparently, someone forgot to take the sticker off after Friday’s game against Minnesota. See, Haley in an attempt to make a point with the players that no spots are guaranteed on the final roster, has made it mandatory that all players practice in plain red helmets…that they will earn their stickers when they make the team. Are you serious? What are we watching here Kansas City High?
The Big Tuna Bill Parcells pulled this stunt in Dallas by saying players didn’t deserve the honor of wearing the star on their helmets until they made the team…blah blah blah. Look, these guys are professionals, and they know they are some of them on this 80 man roster that are not only fighting with players in camp for their position, but with other guys around the league who may be cut, but c’mon are you serious…no logos?
Look, if you want to send a message that no job is safe or secure, cut a veteran, or a guy people thought were a sure thing. That would send a message. You and I and Haley and the players know there are guys who are locks for the team. Really, you’re going to cut Matt Cassel? Find a new punter? Can Larry Johnson? Tell Vrabel "see ya." If you have to motivate guys by not giving them a sticker, you’re in trouble. If that’s the way Haley wants to do it, I’d like to offer one more suggestion. Why not go as far as to not put the last names on the jerseys? After all it’s about the name on the front and not the name on the back right?
Silly. Just go out and play some football.
