The Kansas City Chiefs made an expected offseason move on Tuesday, releasing LB Anthony Hitchens from his contract.
A four-year veteran, Hitchens accomplished a lot in Kansas City. The team made it to the AFC title game in each of his four seasons with the team, twice punching their ticket to the Super Bowl. He became a Super Bowl champion with the team in Super Bowl LIV, helping the team win a championship for the first time in 50 seasons.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach issued statements along with the news of his release.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to coach Anthony over the last four years,” Reid said. “He’s as tough as they come in this league and is a team-first player. I appreciate the way he came to work, ready to do his part, but also his willingness to teach the younger guys around him.”
Hitchens ultimately helped groom his replacement this season in rookie LB Nick Bolton. The Mizzou product credited Hitchens for the help and guidance he provided to him from an early point in the 2021 NFL season.
Veach knew that Hitchens would be that type of player in Kansas City. His selflessness and leadership were two of the qualities that made him a target when the Chiefs first signed him back in 2018.
“When I first became General Manager, one of the first moves I wanted to make was to bring in Anthony Hitchens from Dallas,” Veach said. “We knew how intelligent, hard working and consistent he was as a player, and we knew he’d become a selfless leader. He was that and more. He has all the intangibles and was an integral piece in our franchise winning a Super Bowl title. We appreciate everything he’s done for the organization and wish him the best as he continues his career.”