KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs wanted Frank Zombo back and the feeling was mutual.
Rather than allow him to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent, Zombo revealed during Monday’s conference call with the Chiefs media he re-signed a two-year deal on March 8, three days before the start of the league’s calendar year.
Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Frank Zombo (51) covers a kickoff return at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
“I wanted to stay in Kansas City extremely bad and I think they knew that,” Zombo said. “I think all of the guys on the team knew I wanted to stay there. I had such a good time there, last year, so as soon as I got an offer, I wasn’t playing games. I wanted to go with it, no matter what.”
The fourth-year pro said his bond with general manager John Dorsey, whom he knew from their time with the Green Bay Packers, played a role.
But Zombo added he wanted to return to the Chiefs because of all the relationships he built in Kansas City last season.
“The main reason I wanted to come back was obviously the people and the friends I made out there,” he said. “Honestly, that was the No. 1 reason I wanted to come back, just the people I’ve met.”
Meanwhile, Zombo’s value to the Chiefs in 2013 surrounded depth at the outside linebacker position and his contributions on special teams.
With starters Justin Houston and Tamba Hali nursing injuries, Zombo started five games and finished the season as a pass rusher with two sacks and five quarterback pressures.
On the season, he appeared in all 16 regular season games and Zombo especially enjoyed his time on special teams, a unit Zombo said “plays with a lot of pride.”
And as a contributor, he looks forward to two more seasons of playing under special teams coordinator Dave Toub, a coach Zombo holds in high regard.
“I’d say he’s the best special teams coach in the National Football League,” Zombo said. “It’s always nice playing for him. Those two things, with special teams, I obviously know my role. I look forward to being a part of that group again.”
