Following the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, it took about 10 seconds for the team's first-round pick to showcase his infectious personality.
"I can't even explain it," Dee Ford said. "To actually talk to these guys, to Andy Reid, John Dorsey and (Chiefs DC) Bob Sutton, I'm at a loss for words. It's such a blessing to have your dreams come true. I see these guys on TV and these are some of the best coaches in the world, and I was humbled by their call. I hope I don't talk too much; I'm just so happy!"
Ford later described more of his engaging style of communication.
"I'm being me," Ford said. "I can inspire you, if you're down or even if you're not down; I just feel that I can light up a room and I've always wanted to be that light. Life is short and I just want to leave a lasting impression on people and there's no better way to do that than to brighten someone's day."
Not just passionate during interviews, but also on the field, Ford shared where he gets his tireless personality.
"My mom," Ford said. "She is definitely the catalyst to my success. She has been there for me since day one. She's motivated me and she's the reason I have the personality that I have. She's always been upbeat, every time I call. I talk to her at least every other day. We have a great relationship, her and my dad; they've both been great."
During the draft, much is said about how 'early or late' a player is taken in a particular round; Ford never concerned himself with either scenario.
"I wanted to be drafted to a place where I can make a difference and where I can really fit in," Ford said. "This is really a perfect blessing for me and an opportunity for me to learn; it's going to be great. 'Work, hard work' is one of our things that we said all the time at school; it's part of the Auburn Creed, 'I believe in work, hard work' and that's really me. When you think about Dee Ford and when you go to Auburn, that's what you think about, the weight room, the extra work and everything; you have to be a grinder and that's been my mentality and I'm always going to keep it."
Chiefs first-round pick Dee Ford meets with the team's front office staff, the Hunt family and local media, during his first visit to Arrowhead.
When Ford flew in for his introductory press conference, his comfort level with the team was like his first step, after the snap of the ball, instantaneous.
"You guys had a guy meet me as soon as I got off the plane," Ford said. "And then, when I got here to the facility, it's beautiful, historical and I had heard all about the fans and when I met the coaches, I was like, 'Yeah, this is it' and you can't fake that; you know when it's real."
Ford needed just two words to describe the Chiefs coaches.
"Great men," Ford said. "If you're talking about being the best role model, especially at work, they're great examples. They exemplify everything I want to be, high-energy, honest, straight-forward, hard-working and they care. It's perfect. The people who are higher-up are important in your career, so to be under these men is a blessing."
Having Dee Ford in the City of Fountains is just another reason the Chiefs are hoping to accomplish great feats, on and off-the-field, in 2014 and beyond.
