With the season quickly coming to a close, all of the Kansas City Chiefs rookies have had quite an indoctrination to the NFL. On the field, this group has formed the foundation of a bright future for the Red and Gold. In the community, the Rookie Club has made a similar impact as they’ve visited various organizations throughout the metro. Continuing the team’s commitment to help better Kansas City, these rookies have made quite an impression. Even though their veteran teammates set a high standard in this arena, these NFL newcomers were certainly up to the challenge. That fact was evident again this week as the Rookie Club participated in their eighth and final appearance of the year at Operation Breakthrough. As has become commonplace, they did so with the confidence of a seasoned NFL professional.

It was apparent right from the beginning that the Chiefs rookies were having quite an enjoyable experience at their final official gathering. As they entered various pods at Operation Breakthrough they spent time playing and speaking with the children. Other activities included sharing in games, arts & crafts, reading books and joining in sing-alongs with the Center’s children. At the end of the day, everyone convened on the playground for some extra fun.

“This entire Rookie Club experience has been so memorable,” noted LB Pierre Walters. “I know that each and every one of us rookies are going to cherish the experiences we’ve had. I think that every stop we’ve had has been just as fun as the previous one. Being here today at Operation Breakthrough was a perfect place for us to finish out the year. It kind of brought out the kid in us all today.”

Earlier this fall, the Rookie Club made a pair of memorable visits with local youth. First they kicked off the season visiting with youth from Della Lamb as part of the annual NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle. That event included a Play60 theme as the rookies led these kids in some of the Chiefs Sports Lab’s “in-school” games and interactive computers. Then, in observance of Veterans Day, the Rookie Club hosted youth from Derrick Thomas Academy as they explored the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial during a special field trip.

Before the season began, the Rookies made five other community visits. Stops on that initial Rookie Club tour included Children’s Mercy Hospital, Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc, Heartland Habitat for Humanity, the Upper Room program, and the National Sports Center for the Disabled 4th Annual Chiefs Sports Camp. Much like they did this fall, the rookies tackled each visit with the ferocity of a grizzled NFL veteran.

Members of the 2009 Chiefs Rookie Club include 15 players that were either draft selections or college free agents. In the ninth year of existence, the Chiefs Rookie Club was the first of its type but has now become commonplace throughout the NFL. The goal of the group is to introduce these players to community organizations in their new hometown.

Operation Breakthrough is a not-for-profit corporation that began in 1971 as a response to requests from parents and citizens in the central city for quality child care for children of the working poor.

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