Tamba Hali took to Twitter on Saturday night to share his concerns about a lack of playing time when it counted most last season.
Tamba Hali turned to his Twitter account on Saturday night to voice several concerns and even got into it with ESPN reporter Adam Teicher in the process. The primary issue seemed to be a lack of playing time when it counted most—in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Specifically, Hali says he wants to know why he only had a handful of snaps in a game that counted so much. He’s been not only a faithful player and team favorite but he’s also played at a high level and through injuries even up to last year. Don’t let sack numbers fool you, Hali remains one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL.
We will let Hali explain himself from here.
Fans should know this. only played 7 snaps last year 2017 playoff game against the Steelers.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I was told the reason I wasn't playing was they wanted me fresh for the playoff.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Can someone explain to me how I played 58 snaps in the first game when we made the greatest comeback in Chiefs history?
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
watching both Steelers game from sideline and playing 15 and 7 in the last game I'm still lost. Am I needed in KC anymore?
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I was healthy last year and the year before. I had a scope not a major procedure. The result of playing for a long time.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I haven't missed any off-season workouts in 11 years w/the Chiefs. I've played in every game except four in my 11 year career with Chiefs.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Let's look at the Super Bowl champs I am sure they had 100% attendance for OTAS AND OFFFSEASON WORKOUT this year. I maybe wrong.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I'm a team player first. Anything for the team. Yet I'm not done knocking QB heads off but 7 plays won't cut it.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I've played through all my injuries I've acquire throughout my careers not sitting out because I did not feel I wouldn't be at my best.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I play because I love the game and did it under some of the worst conditions.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
For those fans who were wondering whether Hali was under the influence or something before getting on his social media accounts, Hali also addressed that directly.
No I'm not high or drunk I just want to play more football.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Hali has a point. He knows he’s in the twilight of a career that will undoubtedly land him in the Chiefs Hall of Fame. He’s had a number of playoff appearances to this point, but no real postseason surge. Does he wait around to be a part of the Patrick Mahomes era? Is that even a chance?
Hali still generates quarterback pressures (a much better stat that sacks only) on an above average level (or better), and he remains a dependable force for the Chiefs. Hali is hungry to make an impact and he’s not wrong to create some public stirring to say so. In fact, it’s nice to see a bit of heart and attitude from the Chiefs when it comes to a competitive drive for the upcoming year.
Hali has the heart and the ability to help the team accomplish whatever it wants in 2017. It’s inspiring to see him so charged. Here’s hoping Bob Sutton lets him on the field to show what he can do when it counts the most.