K.C.’s Unsung Heroes: Anthony Sherman – The Sports World is all abuzz right now with news and analysis of Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LIV QB Patrick Mahomes II and the historic contract that he signed. They should be. The man is an exceptional athlete. He is the best thing that the NFL has seen behind center since Joe Montana, in my humble opinion. Mahomes is poised to be the greatest QB ever, since Montana (sorry, Tom Brady fans, cheating does not count). However, why, other than his amazing athletic ability, and the intangibles he possesses in abundance — no look passes, left-handed passes, the “Do we have time for WASP?” moments — is he destined to be the GOAT?
Unsung Heroes, that’s why.
I’m speaking of those Chiefs who are not as well-covered, nor well-known as is our golden-armed QB, his fleet-footed receivers like Mecole Hardman, Tyreek Hill, and Sammy Watkins, or his Spags-built stellar defense with stars like Chris Jones, Tyrann Mathieu, Frank Clark, and UVA product Juan Thornhill.
I’m talking about the likes of backup QB Matt Moore, safety Dan Sorensen, Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz, and various others. Those players who get little glory, less recognition, and even smaller salaries, that help ensure the well-oiled machine that we call our Chiefs, help make the magic happen. As extraordinary as Mahomes and the others are, they could not be such without these lesser-known guys. These unsung heroes who make the impossible, possible.
I hope to devote a few of my articles in the coming months to acknowledge and appreciate these selfless athletes who worked just as hard to ensure that long overdue Super Bowl LIV victory, along with the regular and postseason victories, that got us here. Without these unsung heroes, there is no second Lombardi Trophy at One Arrowhead Way.
My first unsung hero to highlight is none other than FB Anthony Sherman.: the “Shermanator… the Tank… the “Sausage” himself.
The nine-year veteran came to the Chiefs in Big Red’s first season as K.C.’s head coach in 2013 via a trade with the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Javier Arenas. With punter Dustin Colquitt’s departure this year, Sherman is now the longest-tenured Chiefs player, along with teammates tight end Travis Kelce and offensive tackle Eric Fisher.
Before I delve to deeply into Sherman’s background, let’s first take a quick peek as to just why he is absolutely vital to the Red and Gold.
His textbook block on 49er Kwon Alexander enables Damien Williams to round the corner and scoot to the end zone, sealing the Super Bowl LIV victory for the Chiefs, 31-20.
That’s mostly what Sherman does. He blocks, and he blocks well. Sure, he runs sometimes, too. We’ve also seen the Sausage nab a pass or two. Heck, the 5’10”, 242 lbs fullback out of Connecticut has even scored a touchdown or three over his 9-year NFL career. However, his most important job is probably protecting his $500+ million quarterback: Sir Patrick Mahomes II. That, he also does well. I know as a Chiefs fan, I sleep better at night knowing Sherman is performing on-field bodyguard duties for our Super Bowl MVP.
No, #42’s stats are not staggering. They need not be. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid rarely calls Sherman’s number to score touchdowns or pick up major yards. The crucial reason Sherman lined up in the backfield — even with just 98 snaps (9.93%) in the 2019 season — was to clear the way for a Chiefs halfback, or act as a decoy to throw off the defense, or protect his quarterback, or occasionally provide an extra outlet for a harried and harassed Mahomes. However, there was no rest for Sherman on special teams where he’s a fixture. Sherman logged 310 plays on special teams for coach Dave Toubs.
Sherman finished the Chiefs 2019 campaign with four carries for nine yards and two catches for 22 yards. He had no touchdowns last season. However, his lack of statistics is not a good measure when evaluating a talent such as the fan-favorite Sherman. His selfless contributions, whether on offense or special teams, are invaluable to the Kansas City Chiefs. Apparently, GM Brett Veach and HC Andy Reid agree: the Shermanator signed a one-year deal in March of this year, to remain with the Chiefs in their quest to #runitback in 2020.
MIchael Travis Rose — ArrowheadOne
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