Willie Roaf to retire...

[air_hog]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2532615

Dude, this is a serious blow to the Chiefs and all the fantasy owners who drafted LJ number one... suckers.

Roaf was the anchor of that gigantic line and withougt him I don't even see LJ getting 1500 yards.

[Mursilis]

Heck of a time to announce it, too. Good luck finding a replacement now. But then, he's 36 - the Chiefs had to know this was coming at some point in the near future.

[1niksder]

Chiefs hope Roaf changes mind on retirement

NFL.com wire reports

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (July 28, 2006) -- Willie Roaf says he's retiring. The Kansas City Chiefs are holding out hope the 11-time Pro Bowl tackle will decide to return for a 14th season.

The 36-year-old Roaf told The Kansas City Star he was retiring, a move that would leave a large hole on the Chiefs offensive line.

Carl Peterson, president and general manager of the Chiefs, said neither he nor coach Herm Edwards had spoken with Roaf in several weeks and they were "leaving the door open."

"Certainly I am aware of what was written," Peterson said on the first day of Kansas City's training camp. "I'd say right now, because of who Willie Roaf is, what he has contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs and what he's contributed to the National Football League, we're going to keep the door open for a while.

"Players do change their mind."

Roaf told the Star he had told Peterson and Edwards of his intention weeks ago, and had sent the team a letter saying what he intended to do.

"I guess they want me to reconsider," Roaf said. "I'm solid on retiring and going back to school."

The offense struggled last year without Roaf, who missed several games with a hamstring injury. Candidates to replace him include Jordan Black, who backed him up last year, Will Svitek and newcomer Kyle Turley, who missed the past two seasons with a back injury.

If Roaf does step down, the Chiefs still have guards Will Shields and Brian Waters, the other Pro Bowl performers who have anchored one of the league's most productive lines. Also back are center Casey Wiegmann and Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

"We still have our three interior outstanding players, which is still the guts and the core of your offensive line," Peterson said.

Peterson said he was sure money was not the issue. "He has a contract this year for a sizable amount of money, if he comes and plays," he said.

Andre Roaf, Willie's mother, wiped tears from her eyes when discussing her son's retirement.

"It hurts me to think I'll never see him play again," she told The Associated Press. "I knew something was up. His heart wanted to play but his body was telling him it was over."

Andre Roaf, a state appellate court judge in Arkansas, said it was getting harder and harder for Willie to work the soreness out of his body.

"It used to be Monday or Tuesday, he was OK. Now it's almost time for another game before he's feeling all right," she said.

Peterson also said former Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes would begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Doctors are still evaluating the effects of a spinal injury Holmes sustained last year.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/KC/9575943

[Punu]

LJ is # 3 pick now

[air_hog]

LJ is # 3 pick now

Really?

I would take him like maybe 5 or 6 now. For me, this pushes CP into the number 3 spot.

And as for the Cheifs hoping for Roaf to change his mind... well DUH

[Punu]

Hey didnt we play in a league last year? Wanna get it going again?

Here's my RB List...

LT
Alexander
Portis
LJ
Barber

Would you take barber over LJ?

There's a lot of WR's going into their 3rd year (peak year) and a lot of RB's reaching age 32 (downfall) Statistically speaking, I think this year is gonna shock ppl.