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KC Chiefs: The best kept roster secrets for 2022

By Kelly Thompson

Dec 16, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) celebrates against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) celebrates against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Willie Gay, Jr., linebacker

Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and media types that follow the team closely already know about former Mississippi State linebacker and current Chiefs starter Willie Gay, Jr. But, outside of those limited circles, Gay is relatively unknown and certainly does not get the fanfare that his immense talent deserves.

After playing in all 16 games and starting eight as a rookie, Gay battled injuries in 2021 but still started 11 games for the AFC West Champs, notching 2 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and 7 passes deflected. Perhaps his biggest asset as a linebacker for Kansas City is his athleticism, which includes (but is not limited to) his overall game speed. He’s excellent in coverage as a result, and also a great sideline-to-sideline player who complements the downhill, run-stuffing game of the Chiefs’ other starting linebacker, Nick Bolton, incredibly well.

Gay’s tenure with the Chiefs hasn’t been without its concerns. Not only have injuries been a scare for Kansas City’s defense, but the linebacker has also found himself in a bit of trouble recently for conduct outside of football. Certainly, the team hopes that these troubles are behind him and if they are, the Chiefs have the makings of a great one.

While he may not be a household name yet, making him perfect for a hidden gems list, after he leads all NFL linebackers in interceptions in 2022, folks will start to take notice.

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