Sept 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI; Then-Packers defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (99) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former highly-regarded draft prospect will have more time to develop with the Chiefs.
Defensive lineman Jerel Worthy told ChiefsDigest.com the Chiefs signed him Monday to a reserve/future contract.
“I’m just excited about the opportunity coming up,” Worthy said. “I’ve talked to the guys upstairs – they’re excited for me – I’m just ready to get out there.”
The past three seasons have been an unlikely journey for the former second-round pick (51st overall) of the Green Bay Packers in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Kansas City originally signed the 6-2, 308-pound Worthy to the practice squad on Sept. 9 after the New England Patriots waived him in late August. The Chiefs then waived Worthy on Oct. 21 before bringing him back on Oct. 25.
The entire process left a lasting impression on a player who entered the NFL with so much promise.
“Extremely, extremely humbling,” Worthy said. “Being on such a high, and then going through the ups and downs of your career, it just puts everything in perspective. Now you know what’s important, you know how to put everything in perspective and everything in order.”
One of his priorities as the Chiefs players take a break in the coming months is to return to East Lansing, Mich., to take care of unfinished business at Michigan State University.
“I’m going back to school to finish my degree,” Worthy said.
Worthy said he’ll continue to work out and apply the lessons learned from the past year to hopefully make a mark when the Chiefs report for the offseason voluntary workout program in April.
“There’s always opportunity out there if you want to go get it,” he said. “I’m just excited about this offseason and heading into the New Year with the team.”
ADDITIONAL SIGNINGS
The Chiefs signed defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo, linebacker JoJo Dickson and wide receiver Fred Williams to reserve/future deals, according to sources.
Hebron, who measures 6-0, 324 pounds, played collegiately at Brigham Young; the 6-1, 245-pound Dickson played collegiately at Idaho; and the 6-0, 190-pound Williams played at St. Cloud State.
The three players spent time on the practice squad the past season.
The Chiefs have yet to announce the signings.
