After hearing their names called during the 2021 NFL draft, rookie minicamp has commenced around the league. With the Kansas City Chiefs, center Creed Humphrey is adjusting to life in the pros.
“I’m excited about the playbook,” Humphrey described to Chiefs’ media. “There’s a lot of stuff that I like. You know, great run schemes, great pass blocking plays; everything like that. I’m excited to dive into it deep and really get everything down.”
Coming from one of the most explosive offenses in the nation under Lincoln Riley, to one of the most efficient in the NFL, Humphrey is ready to battle in the trenches. Everyone witnessed Patrick Mahomes take a beating in the pocket during Super Bowl LV and the Chiefs’ prioritized bolstering the offensive line during the offseason.
As a young player thrust into such an important leadership role, there is immense pressure and mental preparation that must occur for Humphrey. The center sets the tone on offense calling out protections and informing teammates which defenders to pick up. As a first-year player, Humphrey is soaking up his coaches’ instruction.
“I’m coachable,” Humphrey said. “That I take coaching well and that I’m going to work my butt off making sure I’m doing all the right things and showing them that I’m a loyal guy, I’m a team first guy, and just getting down there and competing.”
Whatever his role will be in the Chiefs’ O-Line, the former Sooner is willing to play any position if needed. Andy Reid likes to rotate players during offseason training and Humphrey is no exception.
“I just got here so I’ll be trying out different spots and I’m just ready to come in and compete whether it be center, whether it be guard, whether it be tackle. I’m coming in here to compete and that’s all I know.”
Humphrey did not allow a sack during his collegiate career with nearly flawless technique at the line of scrimmage. His wrestling background plays a pivotal role in his leverage and does not go unnoticed, even by other players. Former Oklahoma teammate Orlando Brown Jr. advocated for Humphrey during the draft process. Humphrey redshirted during Brown’s final campaign with the Sooners, but despite not playing together, he left an impression. The two are now teammates once again in Kansas City and Humphrey is out to prove himself to the coaching staff.