Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. said goodbye to the Chiefs community in a post on X, previously known as Twitter, on March 13.
“Chiefs Kingdom!!!! I feel very lucky that you took a chance on this rural boy from Mississippi. God knows I was really scared moving 10 hours away from home, haha, but the incredible fans and people here made my move much easier,” Gay wrote. “People of Kansas City, I have love for all of you. To The Hunt Family, Brett Veach, Coach Spags, and my favorite, haha, BIG RED, THANK YOU GUYS for embracing me for who I was when I arrived as a young, passionate football-loving young man.
“In four years, I’ve been to 3 Super Bowls and four AFC championships and won 2 rings. Okay, I’m finished boasting, but I’m extremely grateful for the Chiefs organization. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. Now I have to see if I can get my son to stop watching and singing the Red Kingdom videos. I’m so excited for the next chapter of my career #WHODAT NATION it’s go time.”
Willie Gay’s Time With KC Lasts 4 Years
Gay, 26, was chosen by the Chiefs in the second round — 63rd overall — in the 2020 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter for three of the four years he was with Kansas City and earned two championships during his time with the team.
Over the last four seasons, Gay played in 57 regular season games and recorded 169 tackles, 101 stops, and 4 interceptions, according to PFF.
Gay entered free agency this offseason and signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 12. He will team up with former Chiefs defenders Tyrann Mathieu and Khalen Saunders, who also play for the Saints.
With Gay no longer with the Chiefs, Kansas City’s linebacker room currently consists of Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones, and Cole Christiansen.
Twitter/X Reacts to Willie Gay’s Farewell Message
Users on X reacted to Gay’s goodbye message to Chiefs Kingdom.
“You will be so missed. Your energy was unmatched & so appreciated always! Best of luck to you on your next journey, champ! You’re my mom’s favorite player, she’s heartbroken we didn’t re-sign you. One of mine as well. Love ya Willie G!!! Good luck with the saints,” one user wrote.
“Willie we’ll always love you. All we want to see from our teams and players is that they have as much passion as we do as fans. Your passion was so awesome, we never had to doubt that you cared as much as we do,” another user wrote. “Good luck in New Orleans champ!”
“We loved you here in KC Willie!! We’ll always root for you just like we do other past chiefs,” another user wrote. “Just of course not when facing the chiefs! I hope you ball out there and show everyone how great of a player you are!”
“I only wish the best for you. You played your heart and soul out for the Kingdom,” another user wrote. “You were a leader and a pulse for our whole team. You will be missed. Go be great and show them all what you can do.”
