Tag: jj birden

Previewing Chiefs’ Week 3 game vs. Falcons on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ J.J. Birden #KCvsATL

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 3 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Chiefs wide receiver J.J. Birden about his thoughts on this year’s first-round NFL Draft pick Xavier Worthy. He also details his time playing alongside Joe Montana in the 1990s. The one-time Falcons receiver breaks down his reasons for retirement and life after football.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences, which featured comments on Kareem Hunt’s return from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Trent McDuffie, and head coach Andy Reid ahead of Sunday night’s game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The latest episode of the Chiefs Wire Podcast will inform listeners about all developments in the team’s game plan heading into their first road game of the 2024 regular season. The Falcons game plan after their Monday Night Football win, as both teams compete on Sunday night after comeback victories, and Chiefs Kingdom will learn more about a fan-favorite former player.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Sunday’s kickoff:

J.J. Birden reflects on playing at Arrowhead Stadium and his favorite moment as a Chief

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to J.J. Birden, who reflected on playing at Arrowhead Stadium and his favorite Chiefs moment | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have had many unheralded players come through the franchise, with only a special few rising above expectations to make a significant impact.

Former Chiefs wide receiver J.J. Birden experienced the highs and lows of the NFL journey while pushing himself through a nine-year career from draft pick to practice squad player to starter. I spoke to Birden about enjoying the Arrowhead Stadium crowd on the home sideline and his favorite moment while on the team.

“It’s awesome, knowing that when you walk into Arrowhead Stadium, 80,000 people in red will be cheering for you and celebrating with you,” Birden said. “You felt sorry for your opponents because it was loud, especially when the offense had the ball. I was so glad I went to Atlanta (after leaving the Chiefs) and we never played at Arrowhead, because I didn’t want to play them there as an opponent.

“Still, it’s one of my cherished memories because every time we played it, I just wanted to get in the end zone, get that place rocking and celebrate with them. It’s really cool to see the consistency today, as Arrowhead fans are still rocking. They’re still having fun. There’s a lot to celebrate, as we have a pretty amazing Chiefs team doing some pretty amazing things.”

Birden’s experience at Arrowhead Stadium in contrast to legendary Raiders WR Tim Brown, who tried to avoid the sound of the fans.

Birden, a former track and field standout, also revealed his favorite moment as a member of the Chiefs.

“I think it has to be my first NFL touchdown, which took place on Oct. 19, 1990,” Birden said. “We were playing in Seattle in the Kingdome. Steve DeBerg was the quarterback, and I scored a 33-yard touchdown. That moment stood out most because it was a three-year journey. That was three years of adversity, setbacks and rejection.

“The year before, the Dallas Cowboys had me on the practice squad. I was there all year, and Jimmy Johnson’s like, ‘Go do something else. You can’t play in the NFL.’ So I had all these moments of adversity and rejection, but I never gave up because I knew I could play. I just needed to get healthy. And I needed to be in the right situation.”

Birden’s story was far from over. He would earn an opportunity in his third NFL season with the Chiefs.

“Third year, the Chiefs cut me for two weeks; I was at home, but Marty [Schottenheimer] said, ‘I’m going to bring you back’, and he did. Then I scored the next week. So that moment was so special because I felt that combination of, ‘I made it, I’m here, I’ve proved [to] everybody [that] I can do this. Now, let’s go have a career,’ and I went on to have my career. So I think that at that moment, because of all the setbacks and challenges, I never gave up, and I just kept plugging away, and I knew I could. I got the shot at some point and proved I could do it.”

J.J. Birden is a motivational keynote speaker; check his official website for more information. 

J.J. Birden on WR Xavier Worthy: ‘He was my dream pick for the Chiefs’

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to J.J. Birden, who said that Xavier Worthy was his dream pick for Kansas City in the 2024 NFL Draft. | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 NFL draft grades are available for every team around the league as spectators weigh in on which teams made successful choices. The Kansas City Chiefs left with many questions answered at several positions, especially wide receiver.

Former Chiefs wide receiver J.J. Birden was also a track star in college before playing in the NFL, sharing similarities with first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Birden about Kansas City’s decision to select Worthy 28th overall and his expectations for him at the professional level.

“He was my dream pick for the Chiefs,” Birden explained. “He was the guy that I wanted. And I think once I saw him run that 40-yard dash, I went to the internet and YouTube and started analyzing him myself because I wanted to see if he was just another fast guy who couldn’t play the game. But to my surprise, no, a fast guy who can actually play the game.

“Being that I was a wide receiver, you quickly recognize if a player has the skill set, the natural abilities to do, you know, the different techniques that wide receivers need and, to have that speed to add. I was so excited because I know the power of having a player like that, and the Chiefs offense and the potential he could do to the team’s explosiveness.”

Birden attended Oregon for college because it was the only school that offered a track-and-field scholarship and allowed him to play football. He explained the transition and adjusting to life in the NFL while utilizing his fantastic speed.

“I don’t think transitioning from track to football was difficult because I had always played football and was a wide receiver,” Birden said. “Catching the ball, running routes, and all that was pretty easy for me; the challenge was making it to the NFL, where you’re playing against the best of the best.

“I’m going against bigger [defensive backs]. The other thing was that everybody doubted I could play at the NFL level; even when I got to the NFL, I felt like I was [viewed] as just a mystery track guy; I didn’t think that teams believed in me. So, it was overcoming that underdog mentality and showing them I could play. There was an adjustment; there’s always a learning curve.”

The typical discussion surrounding Worthy has been whether his playing weight could potentially be a problem in the NFL. Birden, who also faced the same criticisms, doesn’t believe it will be an issue.

“I was 5-foot-10, 157 pounds. So, people labeled me as too small. So, I had to overcome certain, say, prejudices, but I was able to do it,” Birden said. “That’s one of the things I tell the fans. I’m like, don’t worry about where this weight is; he’s 165. I was 150 [or] 157 pounds. Don’t worry about that; if he has good coaching and puts in the work, the weight is not an issue at all.

“I was going against guys like Deion Sanders, who could be very physical, Darrell Green, Rod Woodson, and they were very physical, much bigger than me, and then going over the middle and worrying about getting hit by Ronnie Lott and Steve Atwater. But today, they don’t have those worries; I think it’s a little easier for wide receivers. So, yeah, I’m just trying to get the Chiefs fans to relax. He’ll be fine.”

J.J. Birden is a motivational keynote speaker; check his official website for more information. 

J.J. Birden sees similarities between Patrick Mahomes, Joe Montana

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former wide receiver J.J. Birden about similarities between Patrick Mahomes and Joe Montana. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ success over the past few seasons has everyone calling the franchise a dynasty. Past players realize the team’s greatness and are hopeful for more in the future while recognizing familiar traits from their tenure.

Former Chiefs wide receiver J.J. Birden was a teammate of NFL legend Joe Montana during his time in Kansas City. Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Birden about adjusting his game alongside a football icon and seeing similarities in Patrick Mahomes’ leadership.

“Yeah, playing with Joe was something special because here, you’re getting the opportunity to play with one of the best,” Birden said. “When he joined Kansas City, he was in his 15th year, already winning four Super Bowls and achieving all these accolades. But I’ve always considered myself a learner. Right away, I think, like, ‘OK, success leaves clues; what can I learn from one of the greatest?’ I certainly did.

“I think what impressed me the most about Joe was that he came in with an attitude like, ‘OK, how can I make the Chiefs players and organization better?’ That’s what leaders do. They lead from the front. Joe came in, studied like a rookie, prepared like a veteran, led like a pro, and lifted us up.”

Montana’s time in Kansas City was only two seasons, but he led the team to the playoffs in each. Birden explained that the same winning attitude and leadership is already present in Mahomes’ era.

“That’s what I see in Patrick Mahomes,” Birden continued. “Even at a younger stage in his career, he is a leader, and leaders lead from the front, and they make everybody else better. It gets me excited to see Hollywood Brown, you know, and obviously [Xavier] Worthy and everybody else, because Patrick will play a role in making those guys better. … They will see they need to step up their game because when Joe started throwing me curl routes and cut comebacks and goals, I realized that I got to be quicker at on my break, I got to be better on top on the schemes and stuff. It just made me better as a player.”

Mahomes’ greatness on the field influences his teammates, especially his wide receivers, making them want to work harder. Birden was motivated more with Montana at quarterback following his great seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

“I wanted to play at my best. Joe Montana is used to playing with guys like Jerry Rice and John Taylor; they are Hall of Fame as far as Rice. Taylor may be one day,” Birden said. “So, when Joe came in, I wanted to make sure he didn’t feel a drop-off. There was a little bit of pressure. But at the same time, I was motivated to work harder to work more on my routes and catching the ball. I studied film more and was more prepared for the game.”

The Chiefs led the league in dropped passes last season, drawing criticism from spectators throughout their Super Bowl run. Birden believes the receivers’ room will rebound and be more diligent for their quarterback in 2024.

Said Birden: “There’s a balancing act for players like the Chiefs wide receivers. Yes, you want to play better because you’re playing with Mahomes. But that should motivate you to spend more time mastering the basics and fundamentals and not being overconfident so that you and Mahomes will be on the same page when you go into the game. You get out there and do your job.”

J.J. Birden is a motivational keynote speaker; check his official website for more information. 

Former Chiefs WR J.J. Birden talks retirement and life after football

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former WR J.J. Birden about retirement and his life after football. | @EdEastonJr

The career of an NFL player changes often due to injuries, personal reasons, or ability, making it impossible to predict. The Kansas City Chiefs have had some of the greatest players in football history wear their uniform and affect success while inspiring others off the field.

Former Chiefs wide receiver J.J. Birden embraced the underdog role during his career and didn’t allow rejection to hold him back from accomplishing his goals on and off the field. Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Birden about retiring and moving on to his new life after football. 

“I had never expected to play in the NFL,” Birden explained. “It was it was never the dream. My background was about the Olympics; I was trying to make it to the Olympics, and I qualified for the 1980 Olympic trials and long jump. And then, when I tore my ACL at the Browns rookie camp, that’s kind of when everything shifted. It wasn’t really till that second year with the Browns.

“I thought, okay, I can play in the NFL, I focus on it. So when I made it every year, it was a kind of gift. I was like, Man, I’m here to your four, wow, let’s see if I can get your five, and then it was six. By the time I got to the ninth year. I thought, man, I got to do something nobody thought I could do. I never thought I could do it. I’m vested in retirement; I was ready to make the transition.”

That transition was part of a natural process for which Birden seemed well-prepared. Though the end of a phase in life can be intimidating, injury forced him to face the uncertainty of life after football.

“I felt like that last year in Atlanta… this will probably be my last year, and I remember I hurt my knee,” Birden continued. “Then I went through rehab, and when I was on 100 percent, I thought, ‘You know what, I played nine years in the NFL. I’m relatively healthy. Let’s transition to the next phase.’

“I always wanted to walk out on my terms, that’s what I was able to do, and I tell you, it was tempting because I received calls from, I think, Chicago, Seattle, and New Orleans. I told my agent, I said, ‘I’m done. I don’t want to hear who’s calling; I don’t want to be tempted. I’m done’, and I walked away.”

After nine NFL seasons, Birden finished his career with 244 receptions for 3,441 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also played in nine postseason games, tallying 33 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns.

Even though he was secure in his decision to leave the NFL after putting together such a productive career, Birden still kept his options open to make a return to the league.

Said Birden:

“I juggled the idea of coaching, and even when I was with Kansas City, I used to coach in the offseason. I was a hurdles coach, at Lee’s Summit High School, during the offseason for three weeks, three years, and I would run with the kids. They were helping me stay in shape too, and then I coached high school back home and track, and I dabbled [with it] a little bit. But I realized that I wanted to help people, more people not be stuck in one sport, one community, one group, I wanted to help the masses, not just athletic people. I learned in my journey to the NFL that there were so many simple success principles, winning strategies, or life skills that I could share with anyone who wants to achieve certain goals. And that’s what drew me to becoming a professional speaker. Because I get to do that, I love it because I’m taking lessons from the NFL, and then I’m relating to business professionals and what they can do to achieve their goals. So, I love it because I have the freedom to create content that I can speak on from personal experience and teach others in the audience.”

J.J. Birden is a motivational keynote speaker; check his official website for more information.