Austin Blythe grew up a Chiefs fan: ‘I just wanted to be here’
Austin Blythe sat on the free-agent market for about three weeks before finally landing with a new team. He chose the Kansas City Chiefs over the Los Angeles Rams, signing a one-year deal worth up to $1.75 million – a bargain of a contract by most accounts.
The Rams clearly didn’t prioritize Blythe much after he started all 16 games last season, which comes as somewhat of a surprise given the cheap deal he signed with Kansas City. Of course, the players get a say in where they play, too, and it seems Blythe just wanted to join the Chiefs.
It could’ve had to do with the fact that he was born in Kansas City and grew up rooting for the Chiefs, which he revealed to reporters on Monday.
“I actually was born in Kansas City,” Blythe told reporters on Monday, via Chiefs Wire. “My parents moved up to Iowa shortly after I was born and then just continued to root for the Chiefs. So (I’m) kind of coming full circle here, being able to come play for the Chiefs. Obviously, I mentioned the team has been in a great spot, the last several years and I’m just really excited to get to work.”
Blythe wasn’t a star for the Rams, but he played well enough to deserve a multi-year extension from someone. The Chiefs are now getting a solid starter who can play guard or center for only $990,000 guaranteed.
He set his sights on the Chiefs and fortunately landed in a good situation with the team he grew up a fan of.
“My mindset is, I just wanted to be here,” Blythe said. “Coming in to play for a great organization, a great team and coming in and playing offensive line. Wherever my piece may fit that’s what we’re going to do.”
The Rams sure didn’t blow Blythe away with whatever offer they made him, but he clearly wanted to become a member of the Chiefs, too.
