Junior Hemingway CHIEFS

Submitted by HAIL 2 VICTORS on

Although Chiefs fans are simply devastated (I moved here from Chicago 18 years ago and although a BEARS fan root for the Chiefs) after yet another playoff failure in a painful 45-44 loss I wanted to take note of Junior Hemingway and his performance this year.

Although his stat sheet is limited with just 13 receptions on 19 targets for 125 yds and two TD's (2 fumbles one lost) he was a very big part of special teams for the Chiefs.  As a 7th round selection I was happy to see him make the team after an excellent spring camp where his size and hands were on display. 

Alex Smith on more then one occasion has complemented Hemingway for his work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to make his way onto the field.  After the Colts loss local media had a difficult time finding players to comment but when asked what the Chiefs could take away if anything from this year Junior mentioned the growth of the team as a whole as players went down to injury and they learned to believe in each other.

I am not sure how long Junior will be in the NFL but he has done everything he can to put himself in the best position possible to be depended on wherever he is needed.

GoBlue1997

January 5th, 2014 at 6:33 PM ^

I think he will stick around in the NFL for a while as a serviceable back-up receiver plus special teams player. It is good to see Wolverines doing well in the NFL.

NOLA Wolverine

January 5th, 2014 at 6:38 PM ^

I thought he would catch on quicker than he did, but he's on track now. He was critical in bailing out Denard time after time in the '11 season. Won more than his fair share of 50/50 balls. Without him I don't think we reach a BCS bowl that year. 

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

January 5th, 2014 at 6:43 PM ^

He injected energy when he played with downfield blocking and overall hustle.

Side observation: he looks probably 10 lbs lighter and faster than he did at UM as a sr, although the roster says 225 like UM.

MGoBlue24

January 5th, 2014 at 8:10 PM ^

Glad Junior has been afforded the opportunity to excel in the NFL, and I wish him the best going forward as a player and as a contributor to the team.

Mr. Yost

January 5th, 2014 at 8:15 PM ^

Andy Reid may try to use Hemingway like Jason Avant.

Avant was the last man from getting cut 4-5 times but kept coming up clutch and just knowing the system and learning the offense. Now he's one of the most experienced players on the team and everyone in Philly loves him.

JayMo4

January 6th, 2014 at 8:53 AM ^

For a guy with his ability level, any time spent hanging on to a roster spot in the NFL is a big plus, and a real testiment to his work ethic.  We've had guys with more natural talent than JR that fizzled out of the league much faster or never got there at all.

dragonchild

January 6th, 2014 at 10:16 AM ^

He smoked the cone drill; I think he was actually #1?  Scouts thought he'd rocket up the draft after his Combine showing but he still wound up getting drafted late.  I usually respect NFL scouts about as much as dog turds but here I happen to agree; it was rather boggling.

He's an underrated receiver, probably because he doesn't have breakaway speed, so NFL coaches (I guess) think he's an oversized "possession" receiver.  Weird thing is that he's listed as a TE.

Jeremy Gallon will also probably be drafted late because of his size & speed.  I dunno, man. . . after all these years teams still put all their eggs in the tall speedsters even if almost every other aspect of their game is flawed -- including catching the damn ball.

Uper73

January 6th, 2014 at 3:19 PM ^

I think Jr played extremely well and fit into Reid's offensive scheme well as he is an excellent blocker. He is physical and was used in many goal line / red zone passing situations because of his physicality and strong hands.