Matt Cassel once went nearly nine years between starts. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was not about to let the loss of a body part keep him out of the line-up.
The only starting quarterback in modern NFL history never to have started in a college game was taking snaps last Sunday, 11 days after an emergency appendectomy. The Chiefs defeated St Louis 27-13 to preserve the AFC West lead they have maintained all season.
"He was going to be throwing up blood, or he was going to be playing football," said Brian Waters, a Chiefs teammate. "That's the kind of guy he is."
The guy is impatient, for good reason. Between the end of his senior season at Chatsworth High School in California and the second week of his fourth pro season, Cassel began every game on the bench. He backed up Tom Brady with New England, and Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at the University of Southern California
His college highlight? Recovering an onside kick to clinch a victory over rival UCLA.
Lowlight? Being asked by the coach Pete Carroll, now with the Seahawks, to switch to tight end. (He declined.)
Cassel's football career would have been over in 2005 if he had not caught the eye of NFL scouts at an audition for USC players. He was drafted by New England in the last round.
Brady suffered a knee injury during the 2008 opener, thrusting Cassel into the role of starter. He excelled. In 2009, with Brady's return imminent, Scott Pioli, general manager of the Chiefs, knew a quality quarterback might be available. Pioli had been the Patriots' personnel director when they drafted Cassel.
He traded for him and gave him a six-year contract.
The Chiefs went 4-12 in his first season, but Cassel has adjusted in the run-first offence. He is fifth in the NFL's passer ratings, with an outstanding touchdown/interception ratio of 24/5.
His appendix flared up on December 8, leading to its removal. Even then, he was determined not to miss a game.
With a childhood spent rising at dawn to push hay-filled wheelbarrows to feed the family's horses, what is a little discomfort in the midsection?
Still, he stayed home, suffering with fellow Kansas supporters who watched the Chiefs' 31-0 defeat in San Diego on television. Three days later, he was back at practice, fully engaged.
"He pulled a Superman routine," wide receiver Chris Chambers said after last Sunday's win. "He knew we needed him."
No more than Cassel, who believes the football gods owe him, needed it for himself.
sports@thenational.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
57%20Seconds
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
