CHASING HIS NFL DREAM, OSWEGO PLAYER TO TAKE TO FIELD FOR 1ST GAME

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Are you ready for some NFL football?
Oswego's Mike Kallfelz certainly is.
Kallfelz, a rookie free agent tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, expects to see playing time tonight when the Chiefs play their first preseason game against the host Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome. - NFL Football -
"I should be getting some reps," Kallfelz said from the Chiefs' training camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. "I'm very excited. I want to be able to show what I can do in game situations."
Kallfelz, 22, who graduated in May from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, knows he faces an uphill battle in his attempt to make Kansas City's final roster. - NFL Football -
"I'm behind the 8-ball," he said. "I'm hopeful I can make the team in some way, shape, or form."
Few would have given him a chance to make it this far, but Kallfelz, at 6-foot-4, 272 pounds, has earned the opportunity.
At Oswego High School, Kallfelz starred defensively in his senior year, getting a team-high 98 tackles and six sacks to earn All-Central New York honors. - NFL Football -
He went on to NCAA Division III St. John Fisher and enjoyed a fine college career. As a senior, he caught 13 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Cardinals went 10-2 and reached the NCAA Division III East Regional Semifinals, where they lost to Delaware Valley 26-20. Kallfelz earned second-team All-Empire Conference honors.
Kallfelz worked out for the Buffalo Bills and sent highlight tapes to NFL teams. Still, he was not selected in the NFL Draft in April. - NFL Football -
Shortly after that, Kallfelz worked out for the Chiefs. He ran his fastest 40-yard dash time (4.97 seconds) and impressed the team with his footwork, blocking, and pass-catching skills.
About two weeks later, the Chiefs called and asked Kallfelz to report to the team's rookie camp in Kansas City, Mo. They signed him to a two-year contract.
The team cut Kallfelz prior to training camp. "They had seven tight ends at the time," Kallfelz said. "They told me I'd be the emergency tight end for camp." - NFL Football -
Just over a week ago, the Chiefs called Kalfelz again. "They called me on Thursday and said they had quite a few injuries at tight end," Kallfelz said. "I flew in (to training camp) Friday morning and was practicing Friday afternoon."
The Chiefs announced on Saturday that they had signed Kallfelz to a one-year contract. Kallfelz's agent, Joel Melnicoff, said that Kallfelz will earn $230,000 if he makes the team's final active roster. - NFL Football -
Although he is listed fifth on the Chiefs' depth chart at tight end, injuries to others at his position had Kallfelz lining up this week against some first-stringers.
"When I go up against the 'ones' I notice the difference," he said. "I've got to get stronger and work on my technique."
When they signed Kallfelz this time, the Chiefs made room for him by cutting another rookie free agent tight end, Willie Walden of Montana. - NFL Football -
Perennial All-Pro Tony Gonzalez, in his ninth year, is the Chiefs' starting tight end. The others listed ahead of Kallfelz are Jason Dunn (6-6, 274, 9th year), Kris Wilson (6-2, 251, 2nd year), and Edwin Thompson (6-4, 260, rookie free agent from Idaho State).
The NFL mandates that rosters be down to 65 by Aug. 30, and to 53 by Sept. 3. Kallfelz, who wears jersey #47, said that NFL teams generally carry three tight ends on the roster, four if there are injury concerns. - NFL Football -
If he doesn't make the final active roster, there are other options. Kallfelz could be placed on the practice squad (up to eight players), or he may be asked to play in NFL Europe.
For for now, his focus is on making the NFL team. He believes his effective blocking could be the ticket.
"I'm a good blocker. I think that's why I'm here," he said.

MIKE LEBOEUF, Sports Editor