May 15, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of the Kansas City Chiefs practice field after the organized team activities at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Footballish things are finally happening!
The Kansas City Chiefs, along with the rest of the NFL teams who do not have new head coaches, will begin the first phase of the offseason training program today at the Chiefs’ practice facilities in Kansas City. Little of what the Chiefs are starting today is mandatory for players but most (if not all) players will be around for the OTA and mini-camps that begin next month.
The first “phase” of the offseason training program is centered around strength and conditioning. Players like Knile Davis, who is coming off of a broken leg, will be able to receive physical rehabilitation from the club’s training staff. There are no practices or drills during this time.
Three weeks from now the Chiefs are allowed to start doing some on-field workouts. This is more of a time for individual drills as contact and “offense vs. defense” drills are banned.
Something closer to football starts next month with the rookie minicamp and first weekend of OTA’s. During that time the Chiefs can run some 11-on-11 drills but cannot hit. The rules are somewhat complex and quirky but the new CBA is designed to protect the health of players during this time period. Losing Jamaal Charles to a season-ending injury during a meaningless weekend in May would not be fun so I’m willing to deal with the no contact rule.
What matters most is there are actual Kansas City Chiefs players at Arrowhead right now. This makes me happy.