In most walks of life, opportunities are about who you know. That remains the same for football, even at the NFL level.
New free agent signing DeAndre Washington knows a few notable people on the Kansas City Chiefs. The most obvious connection is that he played his college football with star QB Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech. But it is actually another relationship forged many years ago that might have brought Washington to Kansas City.
When Washington spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon, he was asked about the coaching staff and what he knows about how the Chiefs utilize their running backs. Washington first praised head coach Andy Reid, but what he revealed about offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was unique.
“First of all, I’m a huge fan of Andy Reid,” Washington said. “I’ve followed him way back since I could really understand football. I’m a big fan of his and his play calling and just the way he utilizes his weapons. Funny story, Coach Bieniemy actually recruited me at Colorado back in his Colorado days, so we have a relationship that goes back to then. Just watching those guys over the course of the year it kind of seems like everyone’s involved. No matter the horsepower they got, and they got some serious horsepower in that offense, Coach Reid has a unique way of getting everyone involved. I’m definitely looking forward to coming in and making some plays with that group.”
When Bieniemy was with the offensive coordinator at Colorado, he actually recruited Washington to join the Buffaloes. Washington ultimately went with the Red Raiders, but Bieniemy still forged a bond with him. Now, years later, the two have a chance to work together in what is the most explosive offense in the NFL. So while other teams like the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals had an interest in Washington, the trump card had to do with the familiarity with both Mahomes and Bieniemy.
As for Washington’s role on the Chiefs’ offense, he already has the right mindset to come in and work as part of the team. To get involved alongside his teammates and carve out a unique role for himself. That’ll help him go far in his new opportunity alongside a coach that wanted to work with him all along.
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