Last Stand

Bill Reiter: RIVER FALLS, Wis. | Standing in the heat, his eyes hidden behind thick, dark sunglasses, one of the most embattled men in the Chiefs organization suddenly changed the subject.

Carl Peterson didn't want to talk about his future with the Chiefs or the speculation he may not be with the team next year. He wanted to tell a story.

"How about that circus over there in Green Bay?" he started. "I was talking to the commissioner and we chatted for just a few minutes and he said, 'Look, what do you think?' I said …"

This was Peterson's response when asked about reports that another 4-12 season could end his 20-year run atop an NFL franchise: A story about Brett Favre and Roger Goodell that led, inevitably, back to 1993 and Joe Montana.

In their less flattering interpretations, many who know Peterson say the stories he tells often circle back to the man telling them: Stories about Carl's relationship with late founder Lamar Hunt, Carl's dual role as head of football and business operations, Carl turning around a franchise, Carl and his winning seasons, Carl and 1993, Carl, Carl, Carl.