KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It’s sometimes said home is where the heart is.
And for defensive back Husain Abdullah, who admitted during Friday’s media conference call he received interest around the league, re-signing with the Chiefs proved an easy decision.
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah (39) celebrates at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“The whole time I was like, ‘Ok, there are different things, but in reality I want to stay in Kansas City,’” Abdullah said. “I like Kansas City. My family likes Kansas City.
“There is no reason to kind of go out there and go to some place that you don’t like. I really like it in Kansas City. So, I’m definitely grateful that we’re able to get an agreement done.”
The Chiefs re-signed Abdullah, who turns 29 on July 27, to a reported two-year, $2.27 million contract on Tuesday.
Entering his sixth professional season, Abdullah joined the league in 2008 as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State with the Minnesota Vikings (2008-11). After sitting out the 2012 season to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, he signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in 2013.
His return affords the Chiefs flexibility on how to proceed in the coming months at free safety, a position in clear need of upgrading.
In the meantime, Abdullah appears in line to compete against Sanders Commings, whose rookie season was lost due to a shoulder injury, or see an expanded role on defense.
“Whatever they ask me to do I’m going to be here,” Abdullah said. “I’m just excited for the future and I’m here (for what’s) necessary.”
Abdullah, a special teams ace for the Chiefs in 2013, appeared in all 16 regular season games with two starts.
But his biggest splash came in the first round of the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts where he recorded six solo tackles and two interceptions.
Listed at 6-0, 204 pounds, Abdullah’s versatility allows the Chiefs to move him around in various packages.
“I’ve always been looked at as kind of a ‘tweener,” Abdullah said. “So they look at me and say ‘We can use Husain here, we can use Husain there.’
“Depending on what their game plan is for the week and however it is they want to use me, I’m going to be comfortable with it. I know that they’re going to put me in the best possible situation to succeed.”
The Chiefs, of course, have time to figure out where to utilize Abduallah, who appears content to let it play out before settling on a specific role.
And from the fans, the locker room atmosphere to playing for a coaching staff he holds in high regard, he’s happy to be a part of the team’s direction.
“It’s kind of a no-brainer in coming back,” Abdullah said.
