KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At 5-1 this year, the Chiefs are building one of the most anticipated runs in recent memory. They seem to be using whatever formula they can muster, including recycling veterans familiar with the system.
Ron Parker, Frank Zombo, and now with this week's signing of Jeff Allen, the Chiefs are re-acquiring what they hope will be the right fits toward playing next February.
"My role is to do whatever I can do to help win wherever they need me," said offensive lineman Jeff Allen, who spent the last two seasons with Houston. "Whether that's to be a backup or be a starter, I just prepare each week to help this team win."
For linebacker Frank Zombo, not making the 53 man roster wasn't really a surprise to him and his family. After 9 seasons in the league, his heart remained in KC. He said he was thrilled to be able to come back before last week's game at New England, where he made significant contributions.
"My agent was kind of getting excited," said Zombo. "This team wants you to work out. I was like I don't want to screw things up with Kansas City. This is where I want to be at this point in my career. I only want to play for Kansas City."
Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub said he knows firsthand how determined Zombo was to get back to KC.
"He feels like he had unfinished business here." Said Toub. "It says a lot about the guy and he's such a leader for us. He did a great job in that game."
While it says a lot about the organization that these players are loving coming back here to play for the Chiefs, a lot of fans this week have been asking about Derrick Johnson, who was released by the Oakland Raiders. Most want to know if it's possible for D.J. to rejoin the Kingdom anytime soon.
"We haven't really talked about that," said Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. "That's as much as I know as I stand here. That's not the direction we are going."
With the Chiefs giving up more than 500 yards of offense and 43 points against the Patriots, any help is welcome help.
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