KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs wide receiver Kyle Williams may be in a new place, but he’s surrounded by friendly faces on offense to assist his transition.
Claimed off waivers on Wednesday from the San Francisco 49ers, Williams reunites with quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver A.J. Jenkins.
October 18, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) receives the hand off from quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
And he couldn’t be happier.
“I see a lot of my little brothers around here, especially that one right there,” Williams said in the locker room while pointing to Jenkins. “A lot of my brothers over here already and it makes the transition a little bit easier because they’re already here.”
Moreover, landing with an undefeated team following an uncertain waivers process offered another reason for the fourth-year wide receiver to be enthusiastic.
“That process can be stressful for you,” Williams said of being placed on waivers. “You don’t know where you’re going to end up; you don’t know who’s going to claim you. And to learn I’m coming over here to one of the best teams in the league, it’s obviously something I’m excited about.”
Williams said he arrived Thursday in Kansas City at 1 a.m. and didn’t see his former teammates until he arrived to the Chiefs training complex.
One of the first players he saw Thursday morning was Smith, and Williams compared the reunion to seeing a relative.
“It was like seeing an old family member,” Williams said. “It was exciting to get back with a familiar face. We got a few of them over here, a lot of guys came from over there (San Francisco) and it was good.”
Meanwhile, Jenkins said he learned of Williams coming to the Chiefs on social media and immediately sent him a text.
“I found out the news on Twitter,” Jenkins said. “He’s excited for the new opportunity he has, he’s excited for the new start he has.”
Jenkins said he also informed Smith of Williams’ situation on Wednesday and both were surprised.
But another team’s loss is another’s gain.
Citing Williams’ skill set, Jenkins said he’s excited to have his former 49ers teammate on the same team again.
“He’s a good punt returner, he’s a good vet,” Jenkins said. “He’s a good person to be around.”
Jenkins adds he gave Williams a hug when he entered the wide receiver meeting room and the rest of the receivers gave him a warm welcome.
“(Dwayne) D-Bowe welcoming him in, Dexter (McCluster), Junior Hemingway and Donnie (Avery), we all bring him in just like they brought me in,” Jenkins said. “Same thing.”
It remains to be seen how the Chiefs intend to incorporate Williams into the offense or even special teams as they prepare for Week 11’s divisional game against the Denver Broncos.
But for his part, Williams said he’s willing to contribute in any way the team requires him and he wants to make plays.
While he also knows there’s plenty to learn with a new playbook and getting acclimated to new atmosphere, Williams said he’ll be prepared if the Chiefs turn his way.
“I’ll be ready to play Sunday if they need me to go,” he said.
