For Pete’s Sake

‘Chiefs Kingdom loves you.’ KC fans and media pay tribute to punter Dustin Colquitt

By Pete Grathoff

April 28, 2020 8:27 AM

Chiefs fans awoke Tuesday to the news that longtime punter Dustin Colquitt had been released by the team.

Colquitt shared the news on Instagram and on Twitter, and many fans were saddened to see him leave. Over a 15-season career, Colquitt has appeared in 238 games, the most in franchise history.

Last year, Colquitt was the Chiefs’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Colquitt, who turns 38 next week, also appeared in two Pro Bowls.

Fans were stunned and saddened to hear that Colquitt won’t be on the Chiefs sideline next season.

This is a sample of what people were saying on Twitter including tributes from many media members:

No KC Chief on our current roster deserved to win a Super Bowl Championship more than Dustin Colquitt. He spent 15 yrs. earning that ring. He stayed loyal thru ugly & tragic seasons, 4 GM's, 5 HC's, many asst. coaches, 13 starting QB's, roster carousels, he took pay cuts too. pic.twitter.com/Dsa3hlclz8
— Connie Jo (@cjkc_life09) April 28, 2020

A Chief AND a Super Bowl Champion. Dustin, you sir did everything the right way. Chiefs Kingdom loves you.
— Austin Kitch (@rainshadow_WBG) April 28, 2020

No lie, I don’t think I’ve met a better all-around person in athletics than @dustincolquitt2. A tremendous #Chiefs career AND impact on the KC community… it was a pleasure working with him on one of our most rewarding @LetItFlyMedia projects yet. He’ll crush whatever’s next. https://t.co/XqSs8J0c4a
— TOM MARTIN (@LetItFlyTom) April 28, 2020

If you weren’t around when Dustin Colquitt was the chiefs best offensive weapon, consider yourself blessed. To not only an all-time chief, but one of the best punters in pro football history — thank you @dustincolquitt2.
— Red Sea Reader (@RedSeaReader) April 28, 2020

The list of Chiefs starting quarterbacks Dustin Colquitt played with-
Trent Green
Damon Huard
Brodie Croyle
Tyler Thigpen
Matt Cassel
Tyler Palko
Kyle Orton
Brady Quinn
Alex Smith
Chase Daniel
Nick Foles
Matt Moore
Patrick Mahomes
If this is the end, what a way to go out. @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/abJxTcU14K
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) April 28, 2020

This will forever be my favorite moment of Dustin Colquitt in a Chiefs uniform #ChiefsKingdom| @dustincolquitt2 pic.twitter.com/RZnzhs6iGK
— Chiefs Focus (@ChiefsFocus) April 28, 2020

Tommy Townsend, the rookie punter out of Florida, was a coveted UDFA whom the Chiefs signed. That, in addition to Dustin Colquitt's salary, had a lot to do with this morning's decision. Still, no @Chiefs player ever wore the uniform in more games than DC. What a guy and career.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 28, 2020

No!!! So very sad to see you go, it has been our pleasure to watch you play! The kingdom won't quite be the same without you! Best of luck in all you do. Man this sucks.
— Allie_Lawrence (@Allie_Lawrence3) April 28, 2020

Chiefs Kingdom will always love you Dustin. You will be missed. God bless
— Joe Smith (@Joelibera) April 28, 2020

He is also an amazing person off the field and I hope he chooses to always call KC home
— Cody Tapp (@codybtapp) April 28, 2020

HOF punter.. Chiefs HOFer... thank you for being a AWESOME player and Even BETTER MAN...
— Doc Holiday (@prod_docholiday) April 28, 2020

Dustin Colquitt, a weapon,one of the best ever, all class. He never said no to an interview and didn't give trained responses, always thoughtful. Great guy in the community, not just a face for a charity but he, his wife and even kids jumped in and worked at it. He'll be missed.
— frank boal (@realfrankboal) April 28, 2020

Damn man!!! This kills me. @dustincolquitt2 you are one of my all time favorites!!! Forever will be. There are not many Vols and Chiefs diehard fans out here and I’m one of the few!!! I’ve been with you for 19 years brother!! I hate this so bad!!
— Chad Nowell (@ChadNowell) April 28, 2020

Wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Can’t tell you how many times I saw you bail the team out of a bad situation. You are a Chiefs’ legend. If you aren’t ready to hang them up, much success with your next team.
— Brad Berry (@brad_berrybrad) April 28, 2020

Dustin Colquitt was so much more than a punter. He was an amazing Kansas Citian. He stepped up every time someone asked and gave back to our town all the time. Athletes come and go but Colquitt will always be a big part of this community. #chiefskingdom
— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) April 28, 2020

Dustin, I can’t begin to imagine how hard this is for you... but thank you for an amazing 15 years! You will forever be a part of this team. You’re a foundational block this current program was built upon. I am forever grateful! Thank you, Champion!
— JamesP (@JJPJ86) April 28, 2020

Dustin Colquitt announces he is leaving the #Chiefs..... Thank you to the greatest punter in franchise history. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/WTc5iKISLR
— Sea of Red Nation (@Chiefs__Kingdom) April 28, 2020

God has greater things in store for you brother, we appreciate you!
— Matt (@WhereYaSoulAt) April 28, 2020

Oh Dusty ... Chiefs Kimgdom loves you SO much. You go from being our best player in a 2-14 season to hardly needing to see the field. You’ll always hold a special place in Chiefs Kingdom
— Taylor Medlin (@Medleyyyy) April 28, 2020

You are a super bowl champ for life!!!!!
— Ryan Wilkey (@RdubMT) April 28, 2020

Pete Grathoff

The Kansas City Star

816-234-4330

From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.

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