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Chiefs' Pro Bowl guard Shields announces his retirement
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KANSAS CITY (AP) - Will Shields, Kansas City's 12-time Pro Bowl right guard and the anchor for many years of one of the NFL's finest offensive lines, announced on his Web site Sunday that he's retiring after 14 seasons.
A third-round draft choice out of Nebraska in 1993, Shields had made a team-record 224 starts, the second-longest active streak in the NFL behind only Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre. He and former Minnesota guard Randall McDaniel are the only players in NFL history with 12 Pro Bowl appearances.
The Chiefs had been waiting patiently for Shields to decide whether he would come back for a 15th season. Making the announcement entirely without warning on his Web site seemed in keeping with the privacy he has closely guarded throughout his stellar career. A team spokesman said Sunday night the club was not aware of Shields' announcement.
Shields, who strongly contemplated stepping down after the 2005 season, wrote on his site that the physical requirements of the game had become more difficult with each passing day.
“The decision to hang up my cleats has not been an easy one to make for me but one I knew I would eventually have to make,” Shields wrote. “Today, I am letting everyone know that I am putting away my pads.”
Shields' agent, Joseph Linta, did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press.
“We haven't spoken with Will regarding his future plans,” said Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore. “I'm sure in due time we will speak if that's the path he takes.
“Without question, Shields has been more than a good player,” Moore said. “He's been a major figure in the community. There's no doubt that whatever decision he makes, he will continue to hold that position.”
On his site, Shields thanked fellow players, coaches and his wife and children.
“I am looking forward to a future filled with sports in mind,” he wrote. “Whether it is in the stands, on the sideline, in the press box or in a office - football will remain in my blood. My best wishes to all and I hope to see you soon. Thank you again, for all your support.”
Amazingly quick and agile for a 300-pounder, Shields was frequently seen blocking far down field for Kansas City's Pro Bowl runners, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. For several years, he teamed with Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf, Pro Bowl left guard Brian Waters and Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to form one of the most powerful blocking units in the NFL.
Roaf retired abruptly just before the opening of training camp. It's possible that only Waters and Gonzalez will remain of the great Chiefs line of a few years ago because center Casey Wiegmann, an 11-year veteran, is also contemplating retirement.
Shields' absence, although not unexpected, is certain to leave a big hole in the offensive line as the Chiefs give second-year man Brodie Croyle the chance to become the starting quarterback. Also missing the consistent excellence of his blocking will be Johnson, who set an NFL record last year with 416 regular-season carries while breaking the team rushing record for the second year in a row.
Shields also has been active in community affairs, but never used his work in that area to raise his own profile. He created the “Will To Succeed” Foundation in 1993 and dedicated it toward improving the lives of abused, battered and neglected women and children.
“Every day I count the blessings that have been bestowed upon my family and me,” he wrote.
“Each day I am thankful that I was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and think of all the people who have supported the team, our family's foundation, and me.”
A third-round draft choice out of Nebraska in 1993, Shields had made a team-record 224 starts, the second-longest active streak in the NFL behind only Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre. He and former Minnesota guard Randall McDaniel are the only players in NFL history with 12 Pro Bowl appearances.
The Chiefs had been waiting patiently for Shields to decide whether he would come back for a 15th season. Making the announcement entirely without warning on his Web site seemed in keeping with the privacy he has closely guarded throughout his stellar career. A team spokesman said Sunday night the club was not aware of Shields' announcement.
Shields, who strongly contemplated stepping down after the 2005 season, wrote on his site that the physical requirements of the game had become more difficult with each passing day.
“The decision to hang up my cleats has not been an easy one to make for me but one I knew I would eventually have to make,” Shields wrote. “Today, I am letting everyone know that I am putting away my pads.”
Shields' agent, Joseph Linta, did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press.
“We haven't spoken with Will regarding his future plans,” said Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore. “I'm sure in due time we will speak if that's the path he takes.
“Without question, Shields has been more than a good player,” Moore said. “He's been a major figure in the community. There's no doubt that whatever decision he makes, he will continue to hold that position.”
On his site, Shields thanked fellow players, coaches and his wife and children.
“I am looking forward to a future filled with sports in mind,” he wrote. “Whether it is in the stands, on the sideline, in the press box or in a office - football will remain in my blood. My best wishes to all and I hope to see you soon. Thank you again, for all your support.”
Amazingly quick and agile for a 300-pounder, Shields was frequently seen blocking far down field for Kansas City's Pro Bowl runners, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. For several years, he teamed with Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf, Pro Bowl left guard Brian Waters and Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to form one of the most powerful blocking units in the NFL.
Roaf retired abruptly just before the opening of training camp. It's possible that only Waters and Gonzalez will remain of the great Chiefs line of a few years ago because center Casey Wiegmann, an 11-year veteran, is also contemplating retirement.
Shields' absence, although not unexpected, is certain to leave a big hole in the offensive line as the Chiefs give second-year man Brodie Croyle the chance to become the starting quarterback. Also missing the consistent excellence of his blocking will be Johnson, who set an NFL record last year with 416 regular-season carries while breaking the team rushing record for the second year in a row.
Shields also has been active in community affairs, but never used his work in that area to raise his own profile. He created the “Will To Succeed” Foundation in 1993 and dedicated it toward improving the lives of abused, battered and neglected women and children.
“Every day I count the blessings that have been bestowed upon my family and me,” he wrote.
“Each day I am thankful that I was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and think of all the people who have supported the team, our family's foundation, and me.”
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