Former Raven DT Kelly Gregg Signs With Chiefs

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 30, 2011 10:36 AM EDT

Typical Kelly Gregg - always in the middle of things deep in the trenches. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

When I saw that second-year Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones was now wearing the #97 jersey in Training Camp the other day, I knew that the odds of the team re-signing veteran DT Kelly Gregg were slim and none. Now the "slim" is out of the question and the "none" is confirmed, as Gregg has signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to an article by Joe Fortenbaugh in the National Football Post.

Gregg signed the one-year deal, knowing that the Ravens could not afford to bring him back and based on their depth on the interior of the defensive line and other more pressing needs, as well as his NFL-advanced age (34) and past injury status, his time was up with the only team he had ever known.

The ten-year veteran goes to the AFC West defending champions with a chance to start, make an impact and mentor some of the younger players on their defensive line. His personality and non-stop motor will be an excellent source of encouragement and in many ways, despite being new to the Chief's system, he will be another coach on the field for Kansas City.

Good luck, 'Buddy Lee' and thanks for the memories.

Tweet Comment 37 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Much respect and appreciation.

by Raven_all_day on Jul 30, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

+1
one of the classiest guys around.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 30, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Buddy Lee

It sucks he couldn’t finish his career as a Raven. Good luck Kelly.

"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR

by StuckInUtah on Jul 30, 2011 10:58 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Buddy Lee?

Whats this name come from?

It is what it is and we are who we are.
Sober (again) since January 10th, 2011.
Not all those who wander are lost. /////// I dont mind stealing bread.

by nateforchiefs on Jul 30, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

his boyfriend calls him that. so it stuck with the media. he also kind of looks like the buddy lee in the jeans commercial.

by Killer Kahn on Jul 30, 2011 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

The thing that sucks too is he could help the young D line of the chiefs out as far as understanding the game and they are a team that could be a big threat in the next few years. They have set themselves up nicely at the skill positions on offense and have one of the best young secondaries in the league. If their D line improves to go along with one of the better pass rushers in the league in Hali they could really make some noise in the AFC in the next year or two.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 30, 2011 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

Ya, I could definitely see them owning the AFC West for years to come. But do you remember that one time we kicked their ass in the playoffs….that was awesome!

"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR

by StuckInUtah on Jul 30, 2011 11:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I have a feeling we'll meet more than once in 2011 ;-)

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 30, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually

But do you remember that one time we kicked their ass in the playoffs….that was awesome!

It was awesome, in a way, because it brought our weaknesses into very sharp focus (they were fairly obvious in most of our losses, but glaringly so in Week 17 and the wildcard game) and our draft and free agency moves have addressed them with high round talent expected to compete for a starting spot as well as depth with various ranges of upside.

Biggest weakness on offense in 2010 – If you could stop our running game you could just double team Bowe, cover Moeaki, and blitz and no receiver could get open before the pressure got to Cassel.

What the Chiefs did – spent a first round pick on Jonathan Baldwin and signed Steve Breaston

Biggest weakness on defense
Part 1 – when our veteran NT Edwards began to tire around Week 7 or 8 our run defense really started to decline – prior to that I think we were like 5th or 6th
What they did – Obviously, signed Gregg – and drafted Powe in the 6th

Part 2 – if teams chose to keep a TE or HB in to help the tackle block Hali, we had difficulty generating consistent pressure (so teams often chose to do that)
What they did – drafted a first round pass rushing talent who fell to round 3 for being dumb enough to smoke weed before the combine and drafted a lot of lower round guys to compete for time at OLB or 3rd down DE

I look forward to our game this season and think that we will be seeing each other often in the post-season over the next several years – I like the Ravens and hope you can win the North in 2011, because I hate the Steelers (LOL, I don’t hate the Steelers, I actually like them, but Rothlisberger is a douche of a human being)

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 30, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

We don't play this season

I think Baldwin was a stretch… Gregg is solid… he will contribute

by Evan Skev on Jul 30, 2011 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

My bad, we play the East

I don’t know why I thought we played the North

I bet we meet once this season though…

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 30, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd love to run over you again in the playoffs.

How about you come to Bmore this time though, hmk?

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jul 30, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

2nd leading tackler in Ravens history.

"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 30, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

Which is nothing short of INCREDIBLE for an NT in a 34

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 30, 2011 6:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I believe he led some segment of the NFL in tackles for most of the past decade, as well. I forget the exact statistic, but it was pretty impressive.

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 30, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

i remember in 2006

when our defense was just nasty and Kelly Gregg was teaching the young Haloti Ngata how to be the best. we were playing the Falcons and Buddy Lee trapped and contained Mike Vick (in his prime) and it was unreal.

Scott Hines

by shines on Jul 30, 2011 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

Hey, Chiefs fan here....

I was the “we gotta sign Aubrayo” guy over on Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Therefore, when I saw we signed Gregg I didn’t know what to think. Mainly because I admittedly don’t know a whole lot about him.

In the effort of not sounding ignorant to fans who know him best. What can you tell me about him from a player/person view?

Thanks,

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 30, 2011 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

Down-to-Earth kinda guy, lunch pail worker type, gives 100%. One of my all-time favorites. Very underrated in his prime. Should be a good rotation guy for your team.

by JoshuaStein on Jul 30, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

seems like those are the guys we go for.....breaston is in that mold too from what I'm told

thanks.

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 30, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Breaston is a legit #2 IMO who can make plays, perfect for Cassel

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 30, 2011 6:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think he'll actually be our #3

it will be interesting to see how they use personnel when only two WR’s are on the field

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 30, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Also he is great at technique and leverage and is a very good mentor to the younger players. You will find he will be well worth the amount you sign him too.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 30, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Hopefully he can teach his ways to our rookie Jerrel Powe.

How’s Cody looking for you guys this year?

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 30, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

cody so far just looking more in shape and the coaches seem to have much faith in him to be a solid starter

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 30, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

well he almost swallowed jamaal charles last year in the Playo....beatdown in Arrowhead

Could be a steal for you guys if he progresses.

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 30, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

He did that despite barely playing last season.

I think he could be better than Gregg as long as he gets the constant playing time this season.

by Roa on Jul 31, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I have heard nothing, but good things from Cody and I believe that is a big reason why we felt comfortable letting Gregg go.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 30, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

makes sense.

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 30, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

That was a, weird place to put a comma

LOL

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 30, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

What is Ozzie Up To?

The Ravens have signed Yanda to a long term deal. They have signed no free agents except for undrafted guys who probably will not make the team. We have lost Stallworth, Wilson, Landry, McGahee, Chester and Gregg to other teams. Mason and Heap are not signed and could be picked up by other teams. Carr is being pursued by other teams. We seem to be relying on rookies and inexperienced second year players to fill our numerous holes. If that is Ozzie’s intention, it is a high risk strategy. It is almost a strategy for rebuilding the team for the future rather than beefing up for a title run now. You cut 2 of Joe Flacco’s favorite receivers and replace them with untested and inexperienced youngsters. Is Cody ready to replace Gregg? Is Jah Reid the answer to our OL problems? Will Kindle actually play and can he hold up given his serious physical limitations? Is Jimmy Smith ready to start at CB?Is Torrie Smith ready to start as WR? Is Tom Z an adequate replacement for Landry? What happens if Ed Reed has another injury? In my view we need to pick up some proven players to fill our holes if our youngsters do not develop as quickly as we would like them to. Ozzie seems to be moving about as quickly to resolve the Ravens’ problems as Obama, Reid and Boehner are to solve the debt ceiling issue. It scares the hell out of me.

by snark38 on Jul 30, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

We will be fine. Ozzie knows what he is doing. Everybody just sees all these big moves and gets excited. It’s not time to worry just yet.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 30, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Ozzie is on vacation... he took a week off but he'll be back on Monday

will let you know you’re not satisfied with his performance and he’ll call you when he gets back!

by Evan Skev on Jul 30, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Just because we havent signed any body yet doesnt mean ozzie hasn’t been busy talking to players. It was reported that the Ravens were incontact with Chris Carr, Vonte Leach, Nnamdi Aso you know the rest(when he was available), Derrick Mason, and Im sure its more. The Ravens dont have many holes to fill and i understand that we have alot of inexperience young guys but Im sure the ravens will be prepared to add players who they think will help the team and if not I guess we just have to go with it

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 30, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

it was reported the ravens offer Kelly Greg a contract but he turned it down and decided to go to the cheifs so I guess money was more important then a reunion

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 30, 2011 1:47 PM EDT reply actions