Kansas City Chiefs

Dee Ford got a few extra reps this offseason from Tamba Hali

Published Jul. 18, 2015 11:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tamba Hali can't run around like a second-year player anymore.

He'll leave that up to 2014 first-round pick Dee Ford -- and he'll leave Ford some of his practice snaps, too.

"They let me take a lot of reps off in OTAs and allowed him (Ford) to get more reps under his belt," Hali told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "He's progressing. as far as rushing the passer, he has that. It's natural for him."

Hali is no spring chicken. The nine-year veteran had a knee procedure this offseason and could use a little time on the sidelines.

Truth be told, he's just as valuable on those sidelines than in an OTA practice. Hali is still a star, but at this point in his career, he's a valuable mentor to players like Ford, too.

Hali hasn't been afraid to critique Ford, who figures to earn more time in the starting lineup this fall.

"It's a little technique here and there," Hali said. "In coverage, he's picking it up so well. He's another smart guy. The transition hasn't been hard. He's fast, he's strong and he can run."

Hali can sense the end is near. He's being a team-first guy by grooming the player who'll replace him one day.

(h/t Arrowhead Pride)