Tamba Hali sat at his locker, smiling on Sunday. To his left, fellow outside linebacker Dee Ford — one of the heroes of the Chiefs’ 30-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts — was holding court among a throng of media members.
Hali looked Ford’s way and grinned, ever so slyly.
“Go talk to him,” Hali said, in a way reminiscent of a proud father.
Hali was not being dismissive; far from it. It’s just that, for the better part of 2 1/2 years, Hali has cajoled and counseled Ford on the art of pass rushing, and after what may ultimately be remembered as Ford’s breakout game — the former first-round pick sacked Colts quarterback Andrew Luck 3 1/2 times on Sunday — the 33-year-old Hali wanted to make sure his protege got some love.