Kansas City Chiefs fans were certainly upset by the trade involving the team’s leading cornerback to the Tennessee Titans.
L’Jarius Sneed, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, was traded to the Titans in a year that has the potencial to be the most importants for the franchise.
KC’s defense put on a show throughout last season and carried the offense during a great part of the games, including the Super Bowl. If it hadn’t been for them, the San Francisco 49ers would probably have won the title without even going to overtime.
The Chiefs’ defense conceded the fewest points last season (17.3) and in the regular season, when the offense found its rhythm, it was still strong, allowing just 15.7 points per game.
Sneed’s rookie contract was coming to an end; he was waiting to get paid and extend his stay in Missouri. But fate got in the way and we know the rest.
L’Jarius Sneed opened up about his feelings after leaving the Chiefs
The 27-year-old was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round in 2020 and quickly became the leader of the secondary.
He played 57 regular season games and 13 playoff games during his four seasons with the Chiefs. And, of course, he took home two Super Bowl rings.
In an appearance on ‘The Pivot’ podcast, the Titans’ new addition broke his silence and was really honest about how he felt when he found out he was no longer a Chief.
“Yeah. Man, I didn’t talk to him. I was upset. Man, I was upset. Kansas (City), you know, that’s like my first love,” confessed.
Sneed admitted that he wasn’t happy with the organisation’s decision to let him go. It’s worth remembering that he was placed on the franchise tag this offseason.
“So many ways, it showed me how to be a champion. Gave me two rings. And, you know, it’s just (that) I was bitter, you know, I was angry because I wanted to stay. And that environment around everybody I was used to. But, you know, it’s God’s plan.”
Sneed’s new challenge to implement a winning-culture in Tennessee
L’Jarius arrived at the Titans with his head on straight and a calm but motivated mindset.
He’s now in a franchise that have never won a Super Bowl title: their last appearance was in 1990-00 season against the St. Louis Rams and they lost 23-16.
When asked how he plans to install a new culture in the Tennessee lockeroom, since he is now one of the team’s leaders, the cornerback answered firmly.
“It is an easy task to take. I’m coming in as a quiet guy, chill, laid back, you know, coming from a team where I didn’t have this much leadership or had to take this role.
And I can say, I’m taking it very well though, coming in every day, showing the guys everything that I learned from a winning culture and trying to bring it here, you know, installing in the guys.”
“I know what it takes and what role to do. I know everything… I ain’t gona say everything, but I know what it takes.”
The situation in the Chiefs’ secondary is still unsettled. Steve Spagnuolo has yet to confirm who will be the team’s starting cornerback.
