Arrowhead Pride
A former member of both the Chargers and Raiders, Kansas City’s new defensive lineman is familiar with his new team.
Each season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach seems to address glaring roster holes in free agency. This way, the team can use each draft selection to take the best available player — except at quarterback, of course.
So when the Chiefs lost defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi to free agency, that left two roster holes that might have left Kansas City handcuffed in April’s draft.
So on March 14, Kansas City signed veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to help reinforce the line — which was bolstered again when versatile defensive end Charles Omenihu was re-signed on Thursday night.
Speaking to the media for the first time on Thursday afternoon, Tillery — who began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders — addressed his familiarity with Kansas City.
“I’ve played against the Chiefs [in] six years of my career now,” he explained. “Four in L.A. and then two in Las Vegas. I’ve been to Kansas City a couple of times now.
“So I’ve been watching this team closely my whole career. Obviously they — I guess we, now — have been on the top of the AFC West for a long time. My job here is to continue that dominance.”
In Kansas City, Tillery is looking forward to lining up next to one of the league’s premier pass rushers: defensive lineman Chris Jones.
“[He’s] is an incredible player — someone who I am excited to play with,” said Tillery. “I’ve watched him over the years as well. [He’s] somebody at the top of our game, who’s doing it the best. So to watch this guy work — and to be with him? I think that type of player is someone who can raise everybody’s level. And Chris Jones is a great guy, so I’m excited to get to know him better — and even more excited to play with him.“
One other Kansas City player will need no introduction: linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was Tillery’s teammate at Notre Dame University and with the Chargers.
“Drue is one of the best guys I know,” said Tillery . “A great football player — [and] even better person. [He’s a] man of the Lord [and] loves his family. He’s doing it right — and he’s killing it on the football field as well.
“I know Drue’s had a lot of success here. I’m looking forward to getting back with Drue and playing with him again. “
But while he’s not acquainted with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Tillery is also excited about not having to stop him.
“Not having to try to defend this guy when the money is on the line? That’s going to be different,” said Tillery. “But to watch him cook — for our team on the same sideline — will definitely be a different experience.
“I’m looking forward...
