All-Pro Tackle Roaf Retires

Willie Roaf, an 11-time Pro Bowler, stunned the Kansas City Chiefs by announcing his retirement after 14 seasons in the league.

The 36-year-old Roaf told The Kansas City Star he was retiring, a move that would leave a large hole in the Chiefs offensive line.

Carl Peterson, president and general manager of the Chiefs, said neither he nor coach Herm Edwards had spoken with Roaf in several weeks and they were "leaving the door open."

"Certainly I am aware of what was written," Peterson said on the first day of Kansas City's training camp. "I'd say right now, because of who Willie Roaf is, what he has contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs and what he's contributed to the National Football League, we're going to keep the door open for a while. Players do change their mind."

Candidates to replace him include Jordan Black, who backed him up last year, Will Svitek and newcomer Kyle Turley, who missed the past two seasons with a back injury. The most likely scenario will have Black in for Roaf and Turley replacing right tackle John Welbourn, who announced his retirement earlier in the year.

The offense struggled last year without Roaf, who missed several games with a hamstring injury.

"We still have our three interior outstanding players, which is still the guts and the core of your offensive line," Peterson said.


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