Updated 5:55 p.m.: Former Eastern defensive end Pierre Walters has survived the final cut Saturday, making the Kansas City Chiefs’ final 53-man roster.

Walters – who the Chiefs converted to outside linebacker – is the first Eastern football player since current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to make an active NFL roster.

“Words can’t describe the feeling I got when I received the news,” said Walters via a phone interview Saturday. “I just had an out-of-body experience for a little while. I was in shock. It’s such a blessing.

Walters said he was nervous all day awaiting the news and tried to play video games in his hotel room to calm his nerves. But when he got the phone call from his agent he was in a euphoric disbelief.

“It was such a surprise to me. I really had no idea if I was going to make it,” Walters said. “I don’t even remember what happened after he told me. I was shaking for like, an hour after I got the news.”

After calling his family and text messaging numerous friends, Walters gave Eastern defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni, who coached Walters during his four years at Eastern, a call to share the news.

“I’m really, really happy for him,” Eastern defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “He worked hard to get where he’s at. I got to watch him grow up as a person and a player. If anybody deserves success it’s him.”

Walters said he hasn’t spoken with any of his coaches from the Chiefs yet, but will probably find out more about what his role will be with the team either tomorrow or early next week when the team resumes practices.

The 6-foot-4, 269-pounder out of Westchester St. Joseph’s High School finished the 2008 season with 48 total tackles and a team-high 16.5 tackles for a loss.

The Chiefs open their season at noon Sunday, Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Md.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.