Geno Smith: “It Would Be Great To Be In Kansas City Red”
Jul 24, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith speaks to reporters during Big 12 Media Day at the Westin Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have noticed that a few Kansas City Chiefs fans like the idea of drafting West Virginia QB Geno Smith with the first overall pick. We now have officially heard that this is exactly what Geno Smith would like too. Smith is down in New Orleans (along with most of the football universe) for the Super Bowl and made the rounds on radio row today. I’ve listened to three of the interviews he did and in each of them he specifically mentioned that he wanted to go #1 overall to Kansas City.
Now, this should surprise no one. Smith wants to be the first overall draft pick because of the money and recognition that comes with it. If Jacksonville had the #1 overall pick I’m sure he’d be saying the same thing about them. Still, it’s the first time we’ve heard him go on record as saying that he wants to go to KC and that he feels he is worthy of the #1 pick. That is something that none of the prospects at the Senior Bowl were willing to do. Say what you want about Geno, but he is clearly winning the PR battle for being seen as the #1 QB prospect. The PR battle won’t mean diddly-poo if NFL GMs and head coaches aren’t impressed with his performance on the field, but I like the fact that he is confident enough to say that he’s “that guy”.
I recommend listening to one or all of the interviews below regardless of if you are a Geno fan or a sceptic. He comes off as very well spoken, but also as someone that is very hungry to prove himself. The first interview is with KC sports radio 810’s Soren Petro. If you’re only going to listen to one, make it the one. The highlight is when Geno is asked about playing in KC:
"“I understand the Chiefs are in the position where they possibly need a quarterback. They need someone who can help that franchise out. Not to bag on any guys there, it just is what it is. I believe I am that guy. With that position comes a lot of responsibility and a lot of hard work, which I’m willing to put in day in and day out. My goal is to be the best at whatever I do. I want to be the best in the league and I want to be a Hall of Famer. I want to work to get there no matter which team picks me. It would be great to be in the Kansas City red.”"
He’s also asked about his sideline demeanor during some of WVU’s tough loses and why he skipped the Senior Bowl. It’s definitely worth a listen.
Geno was also on a SD radio station. Even on a station of an AFC West rival he still didn’t hesitate to make it known that he wants to go to KC.
Finally, a shorter (but national) CBS Radio interview where he tells the host:
"“I do want to be a part of that Chiefs organization.”"
If you still just can’t get enough Geno OR maybe you think Geno is too full of himself for saying he should go #1 overall, I highly recommend this interview from the Scott Van Pelt show from before this last season started. In it he is honest and humble enough to admit that his stats are inflated by the system they run and the big play ability of his WRs. I thought it was impressive to hear a QB be that straight forward.
I definitely agree with Geno. It would be great to see him in Kansas City red.