By David Hughes
The Tribune-Star
October 21, 2008 11:03 pm
—
At least Steve Weatherford wasn’t out of an NFL job for long.
Cut by New Orleans immediately after the Saints’ 30-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Weatherford told the Tribune-Star while waiting on a Tuesday night flight that the Kansas City Chiefs have claimed him on waivers.
Weatherford said he’ll be filling in for the Chiefs’ regular punter Dustin Colquitt, who is injured, so this might be a temporary gig.
A former multi-sport standout at Terre Haute North High School, Weatherford averaged 43.8 yards per punt in each of his first two seasons with the Saints (2006 and 2007). This season, he averaged 42.1 yards through seven games.
But on Sunday, his five punts traveled an average of only 35.4 yards.
“I just didn’t have a good day,” Weatherford admitted.
Before the Saints left Charlotte, N.C., for their game next Sunday at London against the San Diego Chargers, head coach Sean Payton had an assistant inform Weatherford that the team would be “going in a different direction” at punter.
“I was really blindsided,” said Weatherford, who called his wife after getting the unexpected news Sunday. “I felt like I swallowed a bowling ball.”
Much happier now, Weatherford said the Chiefs’ player personnel director call him Tuesday and asked how quickly he could get to Kansas City.
“I said, ‘Let me get my cleats,’” Weatherford mentioned.
Weatherford, who thought he might have to wait two or more weeks instead of two days, said he’s thankful to find an NFL team that wants him so soon after being released.
“It’s unbelievable the blessings that I’ve had,” he said. “I’m really excited to go to a new team.”
Earlier this week, New Orleans signed former New York Jets punter Ben Graham to take Weatherford’s place.
“I wish them the best of luck,” Weatherford said of the Saints. “I had 21⁄2 years with those guys and I loved every minute.”
The Chiefs will play at the New York Jets at 1 p.m. Sunday.
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