A thank you letter to former Chiefs GM John Dorsey
After the firing of John Dorsey as general manager, in the midst of all the bad, let’s step back and look at the good.
The firing of John Dorsey is a huge blow to the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fan base. In the midst of finding reasons for the firing, it’s somehow become easy to forget the job he’s done in K.C. over the last four years. Let’s take a deep breath and review the good Dorsey brought to our Chiefs. That way, we can keep a proper perspective and say our thanks to the man who helped turn this team around.
In the beginning
Dorsey’s time in Kansas City came on the heels of a disastrous 2-14 season spearheaded by Romeo Crennel as the head coach and Scott Pioli as the general manager. In the middle of the mess that was the Chiefs at the time, owner Clark Hunt took it on himself to save the day.
Hunt intercepted Andy Reid, recently fired from the Philadelphia Eagles, and won him over with world class BBQ. Not long after, John Dorsey took his first steps into Kansas City.
Dorsey got to work immediately. Engineering a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for quarterback Alex Smith, Dorsey nabbed a good player at arguably the weakest position on the roster at the time. His first draft class yielded several good players that continue to make an impact to this day.
The Chiefs had the first overall pick in that draft and selected Eric Fisher to play on the offensive line. Fisher had a slow start, but he has since turned a nice corner and proved himself a reliable left tackle.
The trade for Smith left the Chiefs without a second round pick this draft, so the next selection happened in the third round where star tight end Travis Kelce was selected. Though his rookie campaign was lost to injury, his talent was clear early in his second season and Kelce is on his way to being one of the best to play the game.
The first season with the Chiefs ended in a record of 11-5 and a playoff appearance. Pretty good for a general manager in his first year with his new team.
The middle ground
Dorsey’s next draft in 2014 yielded notable players in Dee Ford and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Ford has become a solid, if inconsistent, player for the Chiefs. After a slow start, Ford filled in very nicely for a recovering Justin Houston during the beginning of the 2016 season.
Duvernay-Tardif started his time in the red and gold as a rotational lineman. He would fill in very well when a starter needed a break for a few snaps or a game or two. The time came for Duvernay-Tardif to be a full time starter and he proved himself as a solid and reliable starter for the offensive line.
The 2015 NFL Draft saw Dorsey taking upcoming superstar cornerback Marcus Peters, among others. Peters paired up with Sean Smith, signed in free agency two years prior, to make for a truly dangerous defensive backfield.
Peters ran away with his chance to run the backfield on his own when Smith was let go just prior to the 2016 season. He only solidified his place as one of the best in the league today with his time. The 2015 Draft also gave Kansas City Mitch Morse who stepped into the center position on the offensive line and never looked back.
Other solid contributors in wide receiver Chris Conley, cornerback Steven Nelson, and middle linebacker Ramik Wilson were drafted in 2015 as well. All three of these men have taken big strides and become pieces of the team that aren’t easily replaced. Chiefs Kingdom was sure glad that Wilson was around when Derrick Johnson went down with injury last season.
The 2016 NFL Draft saw a new big name come to Chiefs Kingdom in defensive end Chris Jones. Joining the defensive line as first a rotational guy, Jones took full advantage of a starting chance when Allen Bailey was inured. Jones made the best of his time and earned himself a full time starting spot. Jones is a man on a mission and a most welcome addition to the Chiefs.
Parker Ehinger, an offensive guard, joined the Chiefs as well in this draft. Cut short by injury, Ehinger’s rookie season showed the league the Chiefs are serious about having a strong offensive line. The biggest name from this draft is by far is Tyreek Hill. This speedy wide receiver was a steal for the Chiefs. Hill possesses reliable catching hands and the breakaway speed this team has been missing for a long time. Whether it’s a kickoff or punt return, a handoff, or a pass thrown to him, Hill has been arguably the best addition to this team that Dorsey has made.
All things must end
The end of Dorsey’s time in Kansas City began much sooner than anyone expected. The combination of releasing Jamaal Charles and Jeremy Maclin will leave a sour taste in the mouths of Chiefs fans for awhile. This bad is tempered some by the insane trading up and drafting of Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback of the future for the Chiefs.
What does the future hold for Kansas City? Only time will tell. For now, there is plenty of good to look back on with Dorsey. Remember the cheers when Travis Kelce takes one for a huge score. Think on the lights out defense that Marcus Peters plays. Revel in watching opposing quarterbacks fall flat on their backs when Chris Jones slams into them. Don’t forget to scream so loud the heavens hear when Tyreek Hill busts a play wide open.
For all these memories and many more to come, thank you Mr. Dorsey.
What are your favorite memories from the John Dorsey era in Kansas City? Keep your eyes locked in here for more coverage as details come out. As the search for a new general manager gets underway, Arrowhead Addict will keep you in the loop. Thanks for reading and Go Chiefs!