KANSAS CITY, Mo. — “Revis Island” reopened for business Wednesday afternoon, this time in Kansas City.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 14: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets celebrates making a game saving interception in the closing minutes of regulation preserving a 31-27 win against the Buffalo Bills during their game on December 14, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo courtesy Jets PR, NewYorkJets.com)
The Chiefs signed veteran defensive back Darrelle Revis Wednesday afternoon, adding a veteran pass defender to its secondary.
“I think the reason for me returning is the fire I have, the fuel I have to continue to play this game at a high level,” Revis said. “I’m excited. I’m excited about the signing today with the Kansas City Chiefs. Pretty great football team, and I’m joining their success.”
Head coach Andy Reid said he and his players are excited to have Revis join their locker room.
“You’re talking about one of the all time great players at that position,” Reid said. “It’s just a matter of getting him back in the swing of things and seeing where he’s at. He’s excited to be here, we’re excited to have him here. I would think his role would be to step and be a starter. That’s how I would look at it.”
When the NFL last saw Revis on the football field, it did not end well. On the mend from wrist surgery, an overweight Revis struggled through the roughest year of his career as the New York Jets stumbled to a 5-11 season.
“I was in a place where I’d never experienced something like that before, especially coming off the wrist injury and our team not doing that very well,” Revis said. “With the season there was a lot of ups and downs. And me being one of the leaders, you’re under the microscope. For me personally it was very disappointing but at the same time it’s a learning curve as well.”
That’s one reason why Revis took time away from the game. He sat out the offseason and the first half of the regular season biding his time. He says he wanted to make sure his body and mind and as well as the team situation fit together. Revis said several teams inquired about his services. The Chiefs have been in contact with the veteran since the beginning of the season.
The right time for Revis is now, with the Chiefs.
“For me, I just had to really figure out what was best for me during this time,” Revis said. “I’ve been training, I’ve been staying in shape, I’ve been doing the things that I need to do. It made sense.”
How soon Revis can hit the field and how quickly he can hit the field remains open to consideration.
“We’re going to just see where’s he’s at,” Reid said. “He’ll get out and move around a little bit. Let’s just see where he’s at. And I told him the same thing. There’s no hurry. He’s a veteran guy. He looks like he’s in good shape, which he says he is.”
Reid did not rule out Revis playing as soon as Sunday.
“No, but he knows the system, which is the only reason I wouldn’t but I’ve got to see where we’re at here,” Reid said. “We’re not going to rush him into anything until he’s ready to go.”
Revis indeed brings experience with the Chiefs defensive scheme. He excelled with the New York Jets under defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, who holds the same position now with the Chiefs.
“Bob tells you that he’s one of the most competitive guys around,” Reid said. “He’s very excited to be there. He’s been in the league a long time, so he’s got a good feel. This isn’t like his first rodeo here. He gets its and he’s excited to be here and help the football team be better. That’s really what his mindset is, he’s in a good place.”
Sutton’s presence in Kansas City proved a huge factor in matching him and the Chiefs together.
“Bob has been very vital in my success even getting drafted to the Jets in 2007,” Revis said. “He helped me. Helped me grow as a football player, he helped me grow as a man. Teaming back up with him and loving what he does as a defensive coordinator is a no-brainer.”
The arrival of Revis in Kansas City also pairs him with cornerback Marcus Peters. He’s excited about the opportunity to line up opposite the All-Pro.
“Marcus Peters is really awesome,” Revis said. “Love the way he plays. Been on the other side of playing against him and him making plays and being a little bit upset in terms of just being competitive and wanting to win. But he’s took the league by storm, very talented player and I’m excited about what we can do.”
The addition of a big name free agent marks perhaps the boldest move yet by general manager Brett Veach in his brief tenure in charge of personnel for the Chiefs.
“Darrelle is a proven player in this league and we are excited to add him to our secondary,” Veach said. “He’s had a Hall of Fame career and his leadership and playing experience will be valuable to our defense.”
The 5-11, 208-pound cornerback played in 140 games in 10 NFL seasons with the Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots (2014). He tallied 485 total tackles along with 2.0 sacks, 137 passes broken up, 29 interceptions, six forced fumbles and 12 fumble recoveries. The seven-time Pro Bowler earned a Super Bowl ring in the 2014 season with the Patriots.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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