Brian Waters Released By Kansas City Chiefs, According To Report

After 11 seasons together, Brian Waters and the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways. Late Thursday night the Chiefs released the five-time Pro Bowl guard, according to reports by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

An undrafted free agent, Waters signed with Kansas City in 2000. He quickly established himself as a top tier lineman, endearing the tenacious 34-year-old to fans and players alike. Waters eventually received the 2009 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and became the only offensive lineman in NFL history to be selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after lead-blocking the Chiefs to eight rushing touchdowns in a single game during the 2004 season.

The move came as a shock to many, though it was a mutual decision according to both sides. Waters will likely be replaced in the Chiefs' starting lineup by 2010 third-round draft pick Jon Asamoah. Kansas City general manger Bill Polian released this statement regarding the announcement:

Brian has played a key role in our progress and I am personally grateful for his contributions to this team. He and I had a good discussion and mutually agreed that this is a sound football decision for both Brian and the Chiefs. Brian has been an integral part of this organization and will always be part of the Kansas City Chiefs. We wish him nothing but the best.

For more on the release of Brian Waters and the impact it has on the Kansas City Chiefs, check out Arrowhead Pride.