The Washington Football Team reunited with DB Kendall Fuller this offseason after trading him to the Kansas City Chiefs as part of the deal to acquire QB Alex Smith 2 years ago. Fuller talked about building chemistry and trust with the players and coaches on this new version of his old team. Versatility is a big deal with the new coaching regime, and Fuller says he that has been working on it since his days at Virginia Tech.
Fuller said there is a different vibe in Washington this year, and this time around. Head Coach Ron Rivera is trying to install a new culture here, and Fuller notices similarities to his time with last year’s Super Bowl winners. “The work never stops” is one of the main things he picked up while with the Chiefs.
Washington Football Training Camp Live 20 https://t.co/Y3bL6vdJrl
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 5, 2020
Building chemistry:
Fuller said the focus is still learning the defense. He and the rest of the secondary are starting to build their chemistry. And their goal is to be the best defense in the league.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
Building trust:
Kendall Fuller: "Coach Rivera wants to trust us, and we want to trust him. That's what weve got to build and that's what were working on."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 5, 2020
Kendall Fuller to @BenStandig on difference from last time he was in DC with the team: Rivera is bringing a culture change. He wants to trust us, wants us to trust him. #culture
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) August 5, 2020
Versatility:
Kendall Fuller says his versatility really started back at Virginia Tech when coaches stressed knowing each position in the secondary pic.twitter.com/a5OfyKEnk9
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 5, 2020
Fuller has always been taught to learn every aspect of the defense, and that's the way Chris Harris is coaching the defensive backs. He's listening to the assignments to every position, even safety.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
Kendall Fuller is up on Zoom with the media. Follows what Coach Chris Harris has said - they are DB’s first. Says coach will ask corners what safeties should be doing and vice versa. The way the game is trending is demanding the secondary be versatile. #washingtonfootballteam
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) August 5, 2020
DBs Coach Chris Harris:
Fuller mentioned the energy and passion that DBs coach Chris Harris coaches with, even during Zoom meetings.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020
"Hes been getting us right."
Fuller has enjoyed working with Chris Harris. He comes to meetings with energy and focus every day. He's been a spark for the secondary, and Fuller said they'll have to take over that spark once they get on the field.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
Golfing during quarantine:
Fuller said that all he did during quarantine was work out and golf. Jon Allen also golfed a bunch during quarantine.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020
Jimmy Moreland:
Fuller said Jimmy Moreland has a "dog" mentality and doesn't shy away from anyone. Fuller is now the veteran on the team, and he's approaching it by trying to be the best vocal leader he can be.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
Ping pong:
Kendall Fuller said that he came into the locker room letting guys know he wants to be the ping pong champion. He thinks that's why they removed it. He said that with a laugh
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 5, 2020
Kendall Fuller said his goal when he signed back with Washington was to beat Tress Way and Dustin Hopkins in ping pong. Fuller thinks maybe that's why Rivera got rid of the table
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 5, 2020
Different vibe in Washington this year:
Kendall Fuller says the vibe is "way different" from his first go-around with Washington.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 5, 2020
Opting out:
Fuller said he respects any player that decides to opt out. He added that the decision was probably easier for him since he does not have a family.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020
Kendall Fuller said the decision to play was easier for him because he lives by himself. Doesn't have a wife and kids. Respects other players who have concerns and opt out.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 5, 2020
COVID-19 regulations:
Kendall Fuller said the players will police themselves as it relates to COVID-19. Said if people aren't doing the right things, they're going to talk about it, because they're all in this together.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 5, 2020
Fuller said the players will definitely police each other when it comes to making sure everyone is staying safe outside of the facility.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020
"That's what a good family does: holding each other accountable."
Chase Young:
Fuller has not been around Chase Young too much, but he did say that he does not seem like a rookie.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020
Says he's hungry and "seems like a professional."
Fuller hasn't spent much time with Chase Young, but he's been impressed with Young's professionalism. He has that vibe where he doesn't feel like a rookie, which is a good feeling to have for a young player.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
The work never stops:
The work never stops @KeFu11er pic.twitter.com/03bLGepWzW
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 5, 2020
Kendall Fuller: "One of the main things I picked up from Kansas City is when you're in the building, the work never stops."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 5, 2020
Fuller played for Kansas City for two years, and the biggest thing he took from that time is that the work never stops. Players are always working on their craft, and luckily Ron Rivera already has that mentality.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 5, 2020
Fuller said his biggest takeaway from being with the Chiefs was how "the work never stops." There's no hanging around when they're at the facility, Fuller added. It's all about working.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 5, 2020