Ready or not, America is about to become very familiar with Tyler Palko.
The Chiefs quarterback will make his first career start on Monday Night Football against the Patriots. He’ll make his second career start on Sunday Night Football against the Steelers.
The last time we talked about Palko, Gerald McCoy of the Bucs was calling him “Calabaloo” and “Falko” in the preseason. Palko is on his fourth team and has only thrown 13 career passes. He’s played in the UFL and Arena League.
We actually wrote an article in August about how the Chiefs were rolling the dice on such inexperienced backups at quarterbacks. Now, G.M. Scott Pioli’s gamble will be tested.
“Tyler has a high, high football IQ,” coach Todd Haley said via the Kansas City Star.
It’s worth noting that Matt Cassel was only able to lead the Chiefs to 13 points in back-to-back home games against the Dolphins and Broncos. Cassel’s protection was horrendous.
We don’t think this Chiefs season was going anywhere with Cassel. It’s hard to imagine things changing with Palko, but fans all over the country will get a front row seat to find out.
UPDATE: So how did Tyler’s dad Bob, a football coach, find out about the news?
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Bob Palko said he hadn’t spoken to Tyler since Sunday and learned the news via ProFootballTalk.com.”