For over a decade, Kansas City Chiefs’ long snapper James Winchester has been a model of consistency. As he enters his 11th NFL season — all of it Kansas City — Winchester still finds himself in awe of his journey.
“I would have called you crazy if you would have said I would be going into Year 11, having had the opportunity to play in five Super Bowls and be a part of three championships,” Winchester told the media during a Zoom press availability on Thursday. “That’s not including all the AFC West championships and [other] things that we’ve got to be a part of… it’s been a dream come true.”
While longevity is rare in an organization often called the “Not For Long” league, that’s exactly what Winchester has found with the Chiefs. In March, the team re-signed him to a one-year, $1.65 million contract. He credits head coach Andy Reid and special teams coordinator Dave Toub, whose presence in the organization has provided him with stability throughout his career.
“The longer you play, you realize [that in] players, coaches [and] staff, there’s just a big turnover,” Winchester explained. “I feel like in Kansas City, I’ve been fortunate to be with those guys from the top down. Our head coach hasn’t changed, and then you run through one of the best coordinators to ever do it in Dave Toub. Getting to play for that guy? It doesn’t get any better than that.”
At this stage of his career, the 35-year-old Winchester isn’t focused on multi-year contracts or long-term security. He’s simply grateful to keep doing what he loves — with the team he loves — one season at a time.
“I think early in your career, you’re more concerned with getting that big deal and signing for multiple years,” he said. “But for me, I’m thrilled to just be back on the team one year at a time… There’s nowhere else that I would rather be. There’s so many who would love to play for an organization like Kansas City. So being able to do that for another year? It was a no-brainer.”
And when younger players ask him about his longevity, Winchester passes along advice he received from former Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, who played 17 seasons in the NFL — including his first 15 in Kansas City.
“The younger guys ask me, ‘How did you play 11 years?’ — and I’m like, ‘I’m going to give you the Dustin Colquitt answer: I don’t know,’” Winchester said with a smile. “A lot of things have lined up in my favor, and I continue to just try to perfect my craft [and] work hard. [I’ve] been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a lot of great coaches and teammates that have allowed us to have some amazing success.”
