Band of Brothers: Tejan Koroma being taken care of by Andy Reid

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Tejan Koroma capitalized on his Chiefs rookie mini-camp invite (Photo source: Twitter @brennansports).


Former BYU Cougars center Tejan Koroma saw his odds of making an NFL roster improve today. A week ago, he faced odds worse than those of an undrafted free agent. BYU reported that the four-year starter had just a mini-camp invite with the Tennessee Titans.

By Saturday, Koroma had rerouted and was attending the Kansas City Chiefs rookie mini camp. As the camp ended on Monday, Koroma had earned undrafted free agent status.



No doubt, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had a hand in this. Reid is not just a former Cougar himself; he is a former offensive lineman. While Reid maintains an appropriate level of professionalism, he has a long history of ensuring that his deserving BYU brothers get an opportunity in the NFL.

When he was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Reid saw the value in tight end Chad Lewis and made sure he didn't leave the league as quickly as he came. A few years later, Reid was the one giving Reno Mahe an opportunity to earn a paycheck as an NFL return specialist. Dallas Reynolds had used up all his eligibility as a practice squad player. He had to make a 53-man roster or find another profession. Reid elevated Reynolds that season to second-string center.

Although he is forced to wear red from head to toe in Kansas City, Reid still bleeds blue. He brought in Daniel Sorensen as an undrafted free agent. Now, Sorensen has a fat contract and plays a key role in the Chiefs defense.

Rather than let Koroma's dreams of playing in the NFL die, as they probably would have in Tennessee, Reid has extended them by signing Koroma to a free agent deal. This doesn't have the look of a pity deal. Koroma appears to have a legitimate shot at making the team.

The Chiefs need a back up for Mitch Morse. Jimmy Murray, a rookie from Holy Cross, appears to be Koroma's main competition. Murray has a height advantage (6-foot-5), but practice squad player seems to be the worst case scenario for Koroma.

Bronco Mendenhall coined the phrase "Band of Brothers" while he was coaching at BYU. The truth is this brotherhood had existed long before Mendenhall arrived, and Reid is proving it continues today.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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