Chiefs, NFL pony up $50,000 to buy uniforms for prep team

Published Sunday, July 29, 2007

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs found a novel way of passing the hat. The result is $50,000 to buy new equipment for the high school football team of tornado-ravaged Greensburg, Kan.

Yesterday was dubbed Greensburg Day at the Chiefs’ training camp. Players were asked to wear Greensburg caps that were handed out earlier by team President Carl Peterson.

"I passed out the hats, and when they put them on, I said, ‘You just bought that hat,’ " Peterson said. " ‘It’s your choice on how much you want to pay for it.’ "

The team, the players and the NFL raised about $50,000, Peterson said.

"I think this will certainly help in procuring new football equipment and uniforms for our young people in Greensburg," Peterson said.

The small town in south-central Kansas was virtually wiped out by a super tornado on May 4. During a team meeting, Peterson showed players video clips of the devastation.

"All the equipment was gone," Peterson said. "I asked the players if they would like to make a contribution."

Members of Greensburg High School’s eight-man football team as well as the cheerleading squad will be guests of the Chiefs at their preseason game Aug. 23 in Arrowhead Stadium against New Orleans. They’ll be treated to a VIP tailgate party before the game and be led onto the field to watch the players in pregame warm-ups.

"I’m proud of" the players. "They stood up, as did the National Football" League, Peterson said.

Peterson also said he had spoken with former Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes, who told him he would arrive in camp by today.

Holmes, the team’s career rushing leader, has not played or practiced since suffering head and neck injuries in a game in October 2005.

"He called me today and let me know what’s going on. We’re going to afford Priest Holmes the opportunity to make this football team," Peterson said. "I’m anxious, like everybody, to see what he looks like."