There were probably a few people who shook their heads in exasperation on April 24, 2005, when the Chiefs used a third round pick to draft Colquitt out of Tennessee. Drafting kickers is seldom popular among fans.
But looking back, it’s hard to be troubled by the decision. Almost no matter the position or draft capital expended, it’s difficult to criticize drafting a player who can stick around for 14 seasons — and he’s not done yet. Colquitt still has two years remaining on his contract.
But this week — as the Chiefs prepare the New England Patriots in the team’s first appearance in the AFC Championship game since 1993 — Colquitt provides one end of a bridge to the past.