For an offensive line, trust between individual members is critical on the field. If the players don't gel as a unit, the line will not be successful.
That is why it is so important for linemen to do things together in all aspects of their life, including off-the-field activities.
For the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line in particular, one of those activities involves synonymously participating with the First Downs for Down Syndrome charity.
"It's tradition," OL Jeff Allen said on Thursday. "It's been going on for a long time. It's been passed down from generation to generation of offensive linemen. I think it's been about 15 years.
"Guys like Will Shields, Brian Waters, guys that passed it down to Rodney Hudson. Ryan Lilja passed it down to John Asamoah and it's just been going on and on and it's something that we continue to do, something that we love to do."
According to the charity's website, the mission of First Downs for Down Syndrome is "to raise money for the Down Syndrome Guild, the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Mercy Hospital and other Down Syndrome organizations, to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and the services of the Clinic and the Guild and to create positive images of those with Down Syndrome."
On Thursday evening, Zach Fulton, Curtis Feigt and Aaron Murray joined Allen for the 12th Annual Private Cellar Wine Tasting & Silent Auction.
The First Downs for Down Syndrome Wine Tasting Fundraiser with Chiefs Offensive Linemen.
The event allowed fans to come and meet the Chiefs, taste a variety of wines from around the world, enjoy food provided by Dean and Deluca and bid on unique wines in a silent and live auction.
In addition to the monetary benefits that came with attending the event, Allen said he loved being able to meet with fans.
"For me personally, [the best part] is the interaction with the community members," he said. "You have all different ethnic groups, all different professions, all different kinds of people. Everyone is kind. Everyone is here to support the same cause, which is awesome."
According to First Down for Down Syndrome, the event raised an estimated $180,000 in funds for the organization.
