One of the newest players for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just getting a welcome to the team, he’s getting a welcome home.
Former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Austin Blythe agreed to terms with the Chiefs in the final days of March. He officially signed his contract to join the Chiefs on Monday. While meeting with the media for his introductory press conference, Blythe revealed a little-known fact about himself to reporters.
Blythe was born in Kansas City.
“I actually was born in Kansas City,” Blythe told reporters on Monday. “My parents moved up to Iowa shortly after I was born and then just continued to root for the Chiefs. So (I’m) kind of coming full circle here, being able to come play for the Chiefs. Obviously, I mentioned the team has been in a great spot, the last several years and I’m just really excited to get to work.”
Blythe’s parents were living in Liberty, Kansas at the time and he was born in the Kansas City area, but they moved to Iowa shortly after he was born. He claims Iowa is where he’s from because of that detail. He never really got to experience the city as a child, however, his mom and dad were both Chiefs fans, so he grew up as a fan of the team too.
“I’m originally from Iowa,” Blythe explained. “So there’s not a pro team in Iowa, my family, they grew up Chiefs fans as well. So (I was) just a midwest guy, who grew up without a pro team in his state (and) kept rooting for the Chiefs.”
Blythe went on to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes, so it was easy to maintain his Chiefs fandom. Part of the appeal of coming to Kansas City was because Blythe would be playing for the team he grew up rooting for.
While he hasn’t yet learned his role with the Chiefs, Blythe knows that this was exactly where he wanted to be during the 2021 NFL season.
“My mindset is, I just wanted to be here,” Blythe said. “Coming in to play for a great organization, a great team and coming in and playing offensive line. Wherever my piece may fit that’s what we’re going to do.”
Entering his sixth NFL season, Blythe seems excited about his homecoming and what the future holds. He’s starting a new chapter, whether that means he’s starting at guard, center or working as a depth piece, he knows that he’s right where he belongs.
“I have Kansas City roots and I’m excited to get back and to explore the city as an adult.”
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