Chiefs QB will have sad memories this week

Nov 12, 2009 - 10:56 PM By DOUG TUCKER AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo.(AP) -- Preparing for Oakland this week has triggered memories for Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel that are both sad and uplifting.

Last season, when he was with New England and the Patriots were getting ready to travel for a game against the Raiders, Greg Cassel died. Matt lost his father on the Tuesday before the Sunday game.

He left the team for two days to be with his family and help make funeral arrangements. Then he had a long and emotional talk with coach Bill Belichick and his offensive coordinator, and decided to go ahead and play.

"It was a tough game," Cassel said Thursday. "It's a tough go any time you lose your father."

Determined to honor his father with a good performance, Cassel set his emotions aside and threw a career-best four touchdown passes to lead the Patriots to victory.

"It was such a whirlwind of emotion," he said.

Those feelings and memories have been tugging at Cassel all week as he gets ready for his first trip back to Oakland.

"It was a great way to honor him by getting a victory up there," Cassel said. "The team rallied around me. It was a special day in my career, no doubt about that."

One thing he will never forget is the way his teammates gave their support.

"I think it was pretty special because of the whole team and how they reacted, and even after the game there was a lot that was said. There's always those memories there. They're not all good memories. It will probably be a little bit emotional."