Hall has no hard feelings about being traded by KC

***BerlinThunder*** · -08-30-2007

By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
30.08.2007

The first thing Dante Hall would do as commissioner of the NFL is shorten the preseason.

"A couple of weeks of training camp, two preseason games ... then let's get it on," Hall said.

In that scenario, the regular season would have kicked off last week. In the real world, one more exhibition contest is on the schedule for the Rams. It will come tonight, when Hall's former team — the Kansas City Chiefs — visits Edward Jones Dome.

In seven seasons, Hall became one of the most dangerous return specialists in league history. His mark of six kickoff returns for touchdowns ties the NFL record, and his 11 kick and punt returns for scores are two short of another league mark.

The 5-foot-8, 187-pound former Texas A&M running back has amassed 10,526 return yards. Tack on his 1,615 receiving yards and 215 rushing yards, and the numbers add up to this: Every time Hall touched the ball in those seven seasons, the Chiefs advanced 16.7 yards on average.

Hall's production dipped last year and the Chiefs sent him here April 25 for a fifth-round pick in the 2007 draft. Hall acknowledged that watching his former teammates on film in preparation for the Governor's Cup tilt "is not registering right."

Hall said he wasn't surprised about being dealt but was amused to learn that the Chiefs signed veteran returner Eddie Drummond this week. Apparently, they're still trying to identify a worthy successor to Hall.

"Looks like it," he said, smiling. "I thought they had their guy. I've always liked (Drummond's) game, and I wish him the best. But ... wow."

Still, Hall insisted he wouldn't have revenge on his mind tonight.

"They chose to get rid of me, but I can't really have any hard feelings," said Hall, 28. "What good is it going to do? Returning one in the preseason against my old team, what's that going to do?

"I'll tell you what would be good: if I make it back to the Pro Bowl this year."

Hall earned that distinction for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. The Rams, who haven't had a consistent return threat for several years, are figuring that Hall will at least be a significant upgrade.

"It's second nature for him," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "He plays returner like a center fielder. He catches the ball square to the coverage teams. He understands that his No. 1 job is to field the football in great position so that he can use his talents and return the ball."

Because he was hindered for a time with a sore hamstring, Hall has seen scant action in exhibition games. He has returned two kickoffs for 53 yards and a punt for 12 yards, and along with most of the other regulars, might not play tonight.

"I've gotten plenty of work," he said. "Get me to Sept. 9 (for the opener vs. Carolina). I'm ready, my body's ready, I'm mentally ready. I can't wait."