On March 13, former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. said goodbye to Chiefs Kingdom in a post on X, a platform that
was formerly Twitter.
“Kingdom of Chiefs! I’m so grateful that you took a chance on this Mississippian country lad, man. Lord knows, I was
really nervous about being ten hours away from home, but the wonderful fans and community here really helped
with the transition,” Gay added. “I love you all, Kansas City residents. Thank you, guys, to The Hunt Family, Brett
Veach, Coach Spags, and my favorite, haha, BIG RED, for embracing me as the young, enthusiastic football-loving
man that I was when I first came.
“I’ve won two rings, attended three Super Bowls, and four AFC titles in the last four years.” Okay, enough boasting.
The Chiefs organization has my sincere gratitude. Forever, I love you all. I now need to try to convince my son to quit
singing along to and watching the Red Kingdom films. I can’t wait to start the next phase of my career, #WHODAT
NATION. It’s almost here.
The Chiefs selected Gay, 26, in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft (63rd overall). In the three of his four years
with Kansas City, he was a full-time starter and the team’s two championships were won by him.
According to PFF, Gay participated in 57 regular season games during the previous four seasons and finished with
169 tackles, 101 stops, and 4 interceptions. Gay took advantage of free agency this offseason and, on March 12,
agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. He will join Khalen Saunders and Tyrann
Mathieu, two former Chiefs defenders who currently play for the Saints.
The Chiefs now have Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones, and Cole Christiansen in
their linebacker room since Gay left the team.
Reactions to Gay’s goodbye letter to Chiefs Kingdom were shown on X.
“You’ll be terribly missed. Your enthusiasm was unparalleled and much valued at all times! Champ, I wish you luck
on your next travels! My mother loves you so much and is disappointed that we didn’t re-sign you. one of mine as
well. I adore you, Willie G! Greetings from the saints, as one user put it.
“Willie, you have our undying affection. All we want of our teams and athletes is that they play with the same fervor
that our supporters do. We never had any doubts that you cared as much as we do because of your incredible
passion,” another person commented. “Champ, good luck in New Orleans!”
“Willie, you were very adored here in KC! Like we do with previous former chiefs, we’ll always support you,” a
another user commented. Naturally, not when the chiefs are around! I hope you go all out and wow everyone with
your skill as a player!
I only hope for the best for you. You gave the Kingdom your all,” a different user commented. “You served as our
team’s leader and lifeblood. We shall miss you. Show them all what you are capable of and go be amazing.
