Not so long ago, Tamba Hali was one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. He and Justin Houston made up one of the fiercest pass rush duos in the NFL. Just off his 11th NFL season at age 33, he is not happy AT ALL about his dwindling playing time. In particular getting just 7 snaps in the team’s playoff loss to the Steelers.
He let everyone know how he feels in a long Twitter rant Saturday.
Fans should know this. only played 7 snaps last year 2017 playoff game against the Steelers.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I was told the reason I wasn't playing was they wanted me fresh for the playoff.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Can someone explain to me how I played 58 snaps in the first game when we made the greatest comeback in Chiefs history?
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
watching both Steelers game from sideline and playing 15 and 7 in the last game I'm still lost. Am I needed in KC anymore?
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I was healthy last year and the year before. I had a scope not a major procedure. The result of playing for a long time.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I haven't missed any off-season workouts in 11 years w/the Chiefs. I've played in every game except four in my 11 year career with Chiefs.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Let's look at the Super Bowl champs I am sure they had 100% attendance for OTAS AND OFFFSEASON WORKOUT this year. I maybe wrong.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I'm a team player first. Anything for the team. Yet I'm not done knocking QB heads off but 7 plays won't cut it.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I've played through all my injuries I've acquire throughout my careers not sitting out because I did not feel I wouldn't be at my best.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I play because I love the game and did it under some of the worst conditions.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
TAMBA HALI IS TWEETING HIS THOUGHTS.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Numbers don't lie 58 snaps and was a force to be reckon with. Watch the game.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I'm not a pass rusher I'm a football player. I just happens to get to QB when GOd allows me to.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Yes it does. You now know why I'm not playing so you can stop saying to me on my timeline stick to football
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
No I'm not high or drunk I just want to play more football.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Offcourse I'm not talking about my team I'm talking about the lies and lack of playing.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Guys it shouldn't come as a surprise knowing most people are ignorant to reality of the football business.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
I never played for money please I'm fed. I want more time on the field simple
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
The logical question at this point is what Hali plans to do about it. Does he no longer want to play for the Chiefs? Are these statements about his desire to be released? He says that is not the case.
So people are curious if I'm holding out or got cut. No to both. I want to play more.
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) July 22, 2017
Last season for the first time in his career, Hali wasn’t the full time starter. The 5-time Pro Bowler appeared in all 16 games, but started just two. Even with Justin Houston missing most of the season, the team opted for Dee Ford and roomie Frank Zombo at the outside linebacker positions.
It’s a difficult situation he and the Chiefs are in. They’re facing the cold, hard reality that most NFL veterans face as their career’s approach the end. Hali still believes he can play at a high level. And the Chiefs have little choice but to keep him in the roster because even with a cap figure of $8.5 million, he leaves behind $8.9 million in dead money if he’s cut. He knows that. He is angry and has nothing to lose by venting his frustrations in the hopes that the coaches will see clear to getting him in the game more.
The AFC West is the home of the most elite pass rushing duos top to bottom. But a changing of the guards is happening.
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