Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Rich Gannon appeared on a recent episode of the ‘Gruden Family Football Show’ with Jon Gruden. He discussed his journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, including his unceremonious exit from the Chiefs.
“I was just so excited to be, you know, be in that little s***** locker room on the other side,” Said Gannon. “Getting a chance to go against a team that kicked me to the curb. You know, Carl Peterson, Marty Schottenheimer, they never really believed in me, Jon.”
Gannon was a backup quarterback for the Chiefs for Steve Bono and Elvis Grbac for two seasons. In 1997, he got a chance to lead Kansas City on a five-game winning streak. The 13-3 Chiefs, however, changed back to starting quarterback Grbac in the playoffs. Marty Schottenheimer’s decision helped fuel Gannon’s eventual move to Oakland.
Gannon threw for 3,997 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 27 regular-season games over his four seasons with the Chiefs (1995–1998).
He had most of his career success with the Raiders, including four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1999–2002, two All-Pro selections, one MVP award, and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII in a losing effort.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Ex-Chiefs QB recalls his unceremonious exit to join a division rival