This isn't a study by the Census Bureau. It's a study of the Kansas City Chiefs. Where's the middle class? Indeed, the Chiefs 2007 roster is a peculiar mix of age and youth. Further examination of the roster illuminates why the Chiefs are in a "retooling" mode.
The Chiefs have 16 players that are 30 years of age or older. That number ranks second in the league to the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins who both have 17 such players. The most glaring position for the Chiefs "30+ group" is the offensive line, where all five starters were born before 1978. Why? The Chiefs drafted four offensive lineman from 2002-2005, players who should be in the pivotal "middle class" of their careers. Will Svitek is the only player drafted in that group that remains on the roster.
The other noteworthy position is defensive back. Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are 33 and 31 respectively. The Chiefs drafted three d-backs during the 2002-2005 time frame and none are on the current squad. Thus, leaving a void in the "middle class" demographic in the defensive backfield.
Interestingly, the Chiefs have 14 rookies or first year players on their roster. The Indianapolis Colts (THE COLTS????...DIDNT THEY JUST WIN THE SUPER BOWL?) are the only NFL team that has more such players with 16 on their roster. As a result, the Chiefs are a unique mix of the old and the new.
The strategy now is to build this team through the draft, while developing the current players to avoid such a .....void in the future. If America is concerned about a shrinking "middle class", the Chiefs are too.
This team "middle class" or not needs a win over the Vikings. I'll see you at Arrowhead!
