Kansas City acquired veteran center Bob Rush from San Diego…
Kansas City acquired veteran center Bob Rush from San Diego in July 1983 for future third- and fifth-round selections. Rush immediately became the Chiefs' starting center and started 47 games across three seasons. San Diego used the 1985 third-rounder on John Hendy, who started 10 games and intercepted four passes as a rookie, while the later fifth-rounder became Doug Landry. Kansas City received the stronger sustained return.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Bob Rush
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1985 third round pick (#69-John Hendy)
- pick 1986 fifth round pick (#118-Doug Landry)
Trade Analysis
Why Kansas City Wanted Rush
The Chiefs needed an experienced center and acquired Bob Rush from the Chargers in July 1983. The price was delayed rather than immediate: San Diego received Kansas City's 1985 third-round pick and 1986 fifth-round pick. That structure let the Chiefs address the offensive line without surrendering a current-year selection.
What Kansas City Received
Rush became exactly the kind of veteran starter Kansas City was seeking. He started all 47 games he played for the Chiefs across the 1983, 1984 and 1985 seasons. Three seasons of uninterrupted starting-center work is a substantial return, particularly for a club trying to stabilize the middle of its line.
How San Diego Used the Picks
The Chargers did not come away empty. Their 1985 third-round selection, No. 69, became defensive back John Hendy. He started 10 games as a rookie, intercepted four passes and returned one for a touchdown. His NFL career lasted only that season, however. The 1986 fifth-round choice became Doug Landry, who did not produce a comparable professional career.
Why Kansas City Wins
San Diego's best return was one productive season from Hendy. Kansas City received three years of full-time starting work from Rush. Even accounting for the value of two draft choices, the sustained certainty the Chiefs bought outweighed the shorter contribution generated by the picks.
Final Verdict
Kansas City earns a B+ and the Chargers a C+. Hendy's rookie season prevents this from being a lopsided result, but Rush's 47 starts over three seasons gave the Chiefs the more durable and valuable football return.