Walters catching on in K.C.
Linebacker trying to make team as undrafted free agent
Kevin Murphy/ Staff Reporter
Issue date: 8/27/09 Section: Sports
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As new head coach Todd Haley told the Kansas City Star earlier this week, no one has officially made the team.
"Not in my book," Haley told the newspaper. "I'm not trying to start controversy of any kind. It's more of a point that we're starting from ground zero and we're going to earn the right to be Kansas City Chiefs."
For Walters, who received a free-agent invitation after the NFL Draft, he's excited to showcase his skills and possibly earn a roster spot.
"We're not disrespecting anybody," Haley told the Kansas City Star. "We're just keeping our word."
Walters has appeared in both preseason games with the club mostly on special teams, but he has had some defensive series at linebacker.
Walters relishes his time on special teams because he knows he's building a film resume of special teams highlights.
"It's been a lot of hard work," Walters said. "It's been a real stressful time. You want to stand out."
Walters is in the process of transitioning from defensive end to linebacker, which he admits has been rough.
"That's still a work in progress," he said. "It's about me taking it one step at a time."
One of the biggest accomplishments is that he's been able to learn the playbook.
"That was a huge hurdle," he said. "I know my assignment."
With the roster unsure, Walters knows making a team won't be easy, especially with massive roster cuts around the corner. NFL rosters have to be cut to 75 players Tuesday and then 53 players Sept. 5.
Oh, and add that there are 12 linebackers on the Chiefs' roster, and it doesn't get any easier.
"He is an outstanding young man who is competing and working very hard in camp," said linebackers coach Gary Gibbs through an e-mail. "He is very diligent in terms of trying to learn and trying to make a contribution to our organization."
Walters understands the cutthroat-like business of the NFL.
"I'm a rookie," he said. "I can only control what I can control. There's no secret formula."
Eastern defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni has been keeping up with Walters regularly.
"It's been really, really hard for him," Bellantoni said. "I think he knew it was going to be tough. It's tougher than what he thought it would be."
When Walters didn't do well or had rough days, Bellantoni encouraged him and reminded him that he is a good player.
"He's at the bottom of the food chain again," Bellantoni said. "He has the talent to do it."
Walters said the reps keep increasing as he said he got about 15 or 16 reps in the second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
"It's all football," Walters said. "The coaches are basically giving me an opportunity."
Bellantoni noted a bunch of players and coaches were huddled around the TV watching replays to see Walters play in the fourth quarter.
"I thought he played pretty well," Bellantoni said. "He looked like a guy that belonged out there. It's been an eye-opening experience. No matter how it turns out, it's going to help him in the future."
The future could be the team, the practice squad or the United Football League.
"It's a business," Walters said. "I hope things work out. Nothing's promised."
Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or kjmurphy@eiu.edu.
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