Derrick Nnadi was a free agent for the first time in his NFL career back in March. A former third-round draft pick in 2018, Nnadi says he chose to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs for a few reasons. First, he noted the relationship and rapport that he has with a lot of his teammates
“I work well with them,” Nnadi told reporters on Sunday.
Something else that played a key factor in Nnadi’s return to Kansas City, though. He was convinced to return by someone entirely unfamiliar.
“The conversations that I had with (defensive line) Coach Joe Cullen,” Nnadi continued. “I feel like he’s been the type of person that I have really been looking for to really up my game to the next level.”
One of the main coaching staff changes the team made this offseason was to move Brendan Daly to linebackers coach and hire Joe Cullen to take over on the defensive line. We learned from the first episode of the new season of “The Franchise” that the 54-year-old Cullen is a bit of a character. He’s someone that preaches effort and brings a lot of energy to the practice field.
Nnadi has clearly taken to his coaching style, but what is it about that style that is so appealing? Cullen seems to be pushing Nnadi to get better and to play faster, while also providing precise details on how he can become a better pass rusher.
“He challenges me, he really does,” Nnadi said. “He expects a lot out of me and he challenges me every day. So every day, it’s a mission. ‘Like what are we doing today? How will we get better? How fast, how hard can we play?’ So, I’m always up for the challenge.”
Only time will tell if Cullen can help turn around the defensive line in Kansas City, but it’s clear that veteran players like Nnadi have bought into what he’s selling.
