'That makes you feel old and gray real quick' — Matt Nagy reveals wild connection to new Chiefs LT D.J. Humphries
The Kansas City Chiefs have a new left tackle in the building and he had quite the icebreaker with his new offensive coordinator. The Chiefs officially signed free agent LT D.J. Humphries Jr., who spent Monday getting acquainted with his new team, teammates, and coaching staff at 1 Arrowhead Drive. Humphries Jr. isn't just coming in cold […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have a new left tackle in the building and he had quite the icebreaker with his new offensive coordinator.
The Chiefs officially signed free agent LT D.J. Humphries Jr., who spent Monday getting acquainted with his new team, teammates, and coaching staff at 1 Arrowhead Drive. Humphries Jr. isn't just coming in cold after being a free agent, but he also is fresh off a season-ending knee injury with the Arizona Cardinals. He has the rare challenge of getting accustomed to everything new in Kansas City, while also returning to the football from a serious injury.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy discussed the addition of Humphries Jr., revealing a unique connection the two share that left him feeling a bit old.
"Sure, you're right. I mean, you can't remember too many of them that come into play like that, but getting to meet D.J. (Humphries) and just see what he's about and listen to his story," Nagy said. "I was talking to him yesterday, and ironically, our icebreaker was, his dad and I were teammates in the Arena League in 2004, so that makes you feel old and gray real quick, but he was great. And I love his personality. He's excited to get in here and just kind of learn what we do and how we do things and be a part of it. You know, he has an infectious personality, and he's a hell of a player, so I think it's important, too that and he's experienced, so he wants to be able to help out in any way possible, but there'll be some time involved."
Nagy and D.J. Humphries Sr. both played for the Carolina Cobras in the Arena League in 2004. Humphries Sr., was a wide receiver, so he was actually catching passes from Nagy, who completed 237 passes for 2,371 yards, 46 touchdowns, and just six interceptions that season. Humphries Sr. caught 35 receptions for 350 yards and six scores according to ArenaFan.com.
The two-decade-old connection between Nagy and Humphries Jr. has helped jump-start their relationship as the offensive tackle seeks to return to form. Right now, the Chiefs aren't rushing anything. They're letting things develop naturally as he gets accustomed to the scheme and returns to the field, without putting a timeline on when he'll get out on the field and play.
"Honestly, I don't know that," Nagy said. "I think it's probably day by day as you go through to see where he's at. And there's so much that goes into it. Again, with any player [who] comes off an injury or comes to a new team. On top of that, it's going to take some time, and I think you want to make sure that you're making the best judgment for, not just the team, but for the player too, so that they can excel. So, that's a Coach Reid and Brett Veach question. And you know, I'm just excited to see him get out of practice once he does get things up and running."
As far as expectations are concerned, the goal of the offensive coaching staff is quite simple.
"To play the way that he's been playing his entire career," Nagy said. "I think if you keep it that simple, that's important. And you know, with Wanya [Morris] and Kingsley [Suamataia] and all these other guys that are playing for us right now, just keep improving in practice, but just become a part of what we're doing, and just try to be the best him he can be."
We'll see in time how quickly Humphries can contribute, but integrating himself into the culture and system in place is the first step, which is already well underway.