Former Chiefs starter shares emotional reflection on tenure in Kansas City

The start of the new football year includes old faces in new places as the offseason decisions become a reality for the Kansas City Chiefs and the other 31 teams in the league.

Tommy Townsend signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Houston Texans during the offseason, leaving the Chiefs after four seasons. In a recent Instagram post, he shared one last goodbye to Kansas City’s fans and the Chiefs organization.

“Going into this NFL season, I can’t help but look back on these past few years I have been fortunate enough to experience in Kansas City,” Townsend said in his statement. “I couldn’t have been surrounded by better coaches, staff, teammates, and fans to start my career, and I’m happy I was able to end my stint in Kansas City on such a high note. A 1st team All-Pro, a Pro Bowl selection, a few franchise records, and winning back-to-back Super Bowl Championships is almost beyond belief. On top of that, some lifelong friendships and an endless amount of memories.”

Townsend’s best year was 2022, when he earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors in September and AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 15. He also ended the year as a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro with 53 punts for 2,672 net yards and a 50.42 average, while the Chiefs went on to win their first of two consecutive titles in Super Bowl LVII.

“Thank you to the Chiefs organization as a whole for these past 4 years.” Townsend’s statement continued. “My time in KC may have been short, but I am forever a Chief. Eyes on the future… #chiefskingdom”

Townsend and the Texans opened the preseason against the Chicago Bears last night during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.