You Make the Choice

I enjoyed the first post about this so much, I've decided to do it again. The first post, of course, was on which Chiefs quarterback had the best Pro Bowl season. This was in response to Matt Cassel's recent discovery that he would be filling in for Tom Brady in this year's Pro Bowl.

Well, Ive decided to do this same post for all the Chiefs players that have made the Pro Bowl this season; comparing their seasons to other players from the Chiefs that have made the Pro Bowl for that same position.

We begin with running backs. Six running backs from the Chiefs have made the trip to the Pro Bowl. Three of those have made it multiple times. But, who had the best season?

1981 - Joe Delaney: Delaney's story is one of the saddest in all of the NFL. But, before we get to why, let's go over the season that earned him a Pro Bowl. Taken in the second round out of Northwestern State, Delaney's rookie year was stellar. In 234 attempts, Delaney rushed for 1,121 yards (4.8 average) and 3 touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 246 yards. With that 1981 season, Delaney was named the Rookie of the Year and set franchise records for most yards in a season (1,121), most yards in a game (193 vs. Houston), most consecutive 100-yard-plus games (three) and most 100-yard games in a season (five). Delaney's performance also help lead Kansas City to a 9-7 record, its first winning record since 1973. Tragically, following the 1982 season, Delaney drowned while trying to save three children from drowning in Louisiana. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Ronald Reagan.

1989 - Christian Okoye: Okoye was drafted in the second round in 1987 out of Azusa Pacific. Nicknamed the "Nigerian Nightmare," Okoye would become a great power runner for the Chiefs. In 1989, Okoye rushed for 1,480 yards on 370 attempts (4.0 average). This was good enough to earn Okoye the rushing title that year. Okoye had 12 rushing touchdowns as well as two receptions for 12 yards. This season earned Okoye his first Pro Bowl and the UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year.

1991 - Christian Okoye: Okoye made his second and last trip to the Pro Bowl in 1991. That season Okoye had 225 attempts and 1,031 rushing yards (4.6 average) for 9 touchdowns. He also had 3 receptions for 54 yards. Okoye helped lead the Chiefs to a 10-6 record and the first playoff win under Schottenheimer.

1993 - Marcus Allen: In Allen's first season with the Chiefs, he made the Pro Bowl. This selection was probably due to Allen's name more than his numbers. On 206 attempts he gained 764 yards (3.7 average) and 12 touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Nevertheless, Allen was important to the Chiefs and helped them reach the AFC Championship game that season. He was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2001 - Priest Holmes: Holmes originally started his career as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens and was signed by the Chiefs following the 2000 season. In Holmes' first season with the Chiefs he had 327 carries for 1,555 yards (4.8 average) and 8 touchdowns. This mark won him the rushing title that season. Holmes also had 62 receptions for 614 yards and 2 touchdowns. These numbers landed Holmes his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

2002 - Priest Holmes: Now a known threat throughout the league, Holmes' numbers only increased. This season he had 313 attempts for 1,615 yards (5.2 average) and 21 touchdowns. In addition, he had 70 receptions for 672 yards and 3 touchdowns. He won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

2003 - Priest Holmes: Surprise, surprise, Holmes was still good. In 320 carries, Holmes had 1,420 yards (4.4 average) and set the then NFL record for rushing touchdowns at 27. He also had 74 receptions for 690 yards. Holmes was a huge reason why the Chiefs went 13-3 that season and earned a playoff spot.

2005 - Larry Johnson: After injuries caught up with Holmes, Johnson was given his opportunity. He shined. In  this season, the Chiefs' first round pick out of Penn State in 2003 had a fantastic season and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. Johnson had 336 carries for 1,750 yards (5.2 average) and 20 touchdowns. He also contributed 33 receptions for 343 yards and a touchdown.

2006 - Larry Johnson: Johnson followed up his first Pro Bowl season with another one. Going for 1,789 yards on 416 carries (4.3 average) and 17 touchdowns, Johnson set the NFL record for most rushing attempts in a season. He added another 410 yards and 2 touchdowns off of 41 receptions. At times carrying the team because of quarterback injuries, Johnson guided the Chiefs to a 9-7 record and a playoff appearance.

2010 - Jamaal Charles: After Johnson's falling out in Kansas City during the 2009 season, Charles was given his chance to show the coaches what he had. He had a lot. The 2008 3rd round pick from Texas dazzled coaches, players, and fans with his performances, culminating in a monster and nearly record setting game against Denver. In 2010, he not only lived up to expectations, but blew them away. Rushing for 1,467 yards and 5 touchdowns on 230 attempts, Charles was one negative play away from breaking the all-time NFL record for highest yards per carry average. He ended with 6.4, only behind Jim Brown. Charles also had 45 receptions for 468 yards and 3 touchdowns.