The Chiefs selected Willie Gay Jr. in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft
The Saints finished with a 9-8 record on top of the NFC South last season
Willie Gay Jr. gave many thanks in an emotional farewell to the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fanbase on Wednesday.
After four seasons with the Chiefs, the 26-year-old running back reached an agreement with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.
Gay, who joined Kansas City as a second-round pick in 2020, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude towards the Chiefs and excitement for his new venture.
‘Chiefs Kingdom!!!!’ he opened with red and yellow heart emojis. ‘Man, I’m so blessed you took a chance on this country boy from Mississippi. Lord knows I was so scared moving 10 hours away from home, lol, but the Amazing fans and people in general here made my transition so much easier. People of Kansas City, I love you all.
‘To The Hunt Family, Brett Veach, Coach Spags, and my favorite, lol, BIG RED, THANK YOU GUYS for accepting me for who I was coming in as just a young, energetic football-loving Young man. Over four years, I’ve been to 3 Super Bowls and four AFC championships and won 2 rings. Ok, I’m done bragging.’
Willie Gay Jr. thanked the Kansas City Chiefs fanbase in an emotional farewell on Wednesday
After spending four seasons in Kansas City, Gay agreed to join the New Orleans Saints
Gay tallied 150 solo and 83 assisted tackles in 57 appearances during his tenure in Kansas City
‘But I’m so thankful for the Chiefs organization. I LOVE YALL FOREVER. Now I have to see if I can get my son to stop watching and singing the Red Kingdom videos. I’m so excited for the next chapter of my career #WHODAT NATION it’s go time.’
Gay established himself as an impactful playmaker and became a significant contributor to the Chiefs’ success. His exit comes as the Chiefs aim for the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
Throughout four seasons in Kansas City, Gay played in 57 games and tallied 233 tackles. Of his stops, 150 were solo and 83 were assisted. He also recorded five sacks for the Chiefs.
During their back-to-back title run, Gay contributed 95 solo and 50 assisted tackles.
In his absence, the reigning champions will rely on linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill this upcoming season. They may also target a prospect in that position in April’s draft or explore available options during free agency.
Gay joins the Saints, who finished last season with a 9-8 record on top of the NFC South.
