Earlier than the NFL season kicks off, we’ll see the annual coaching camp and preseason slate. That is the time when each fan base has not less than one beforehand unknown participant who all of a sudden finds himself an area movie star.
One Kansas Metropolis Chiefs participant who might win the hearts of the followers over the subsequent few weeks at Missouri Western State College in St. Joe is large receiver Andrew Armstrong. Standing 6 ft 4 inches tall, Armstrong has taken an extended highway to maintaining his NFL desires alive.
As a no-star recruit in 2019 out of Bishop Dunne Catholic College in Dallas, Texas, Armstrong dedicated to close by Texas A&M – Commerce (now East Texas A&M). Nevertheless, he didn’t get on the sector his first season on the Championship Subdivision and redshirted.
He must wait an additional yr to get onto the sector, as this system’s 2020 season was canceled utterly as a result of COVID pandemic.
After easing into motion in 2021, Armstrong broke out in 2022 with 62 catches for 1,020 yards and 13 touchdowns.
That season earned him a switch to Arkansas. In two seasons as a Razorback, Armstrong totaled 134 catches for 1,904 yards whereas discovering the tip zone six occasions.
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 28: Arkansas Razorbacks large receiver Andrew Armstrong (2) catches a go alongside the sidelines through the Southwest Traditional recreation between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies on September 28, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photograph by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures) Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Armstrong was not chosen within the 2025 draft, and he didn’t make the Miami Dolphins roster (and even follow squad) after catching on as an undrafted free agent. After a brief stint on the Detroit Lions’ follow squad, Armstrong signed a Reserve/Future contract with Kansas Metropolis through the first week of January.
Talking on the conclusion of the rookie portion of Chiefs’ coaching camp, Armstrong detailed his journey by way of the 2025 season.
“I started undrafted,” he recalled. “I ended up going to Miami. It didn’t work as much there. I ended up getting cut. After I got cut, I was off a team for literally 15 weeks… Just working out. A lot of people ask me if I was working out. I know the type of player I am. I know that type of area that I want to get to in life and on the field as well.”
“I had a workout with the Chiefs. I got signed in January, and then I’m here now. I’m ready to show what I can do.”
Although Armstrong is a Texas native, he has robust household ties to Kansas Metropolis. He additionally appreciates the surroundings head coach Andy Reid and large receivers coach Chad O’Shea foster.
“It’s been great,” Armstrong remarked. “My dad lives in Kansas City, Missouri. My brothers, my aunts, my cousins — everybody is from here. Just coming back to here has been amazing. Coach Reid, teammates, the receiver room, Coach O’Shea — it’s just been great all around.”
When beat reporters have been across the crew, O’Shea has been seen working with Armstrong extra intentionally than many gamers on reserve/future contract gamers usually see. The wideout is aware of the worth of the coach’s consideration.
“I love Coach O’Shea,” mentioned Armstrong. “He’s going to be hard on me. That’s the type of coach I love to play for. A coach that’s really going to get on you, really going to tell you what you need to do [and] the small details — that’s exactly what O’Shea does. When I get that coaching from him, I love it. That’s the type of way I want to get coached.”
The Chiefs face questions in regards to the large receiver depth chart. Armstrong, nonetheless, values the surroundings he has present in Kansas Metropolis greater than seeing the crew as a extra direct path to catch on the roster.
“It wasn’t too much of knowing the best way to earn a roster spot,” he defined. “It’s just coming in to work and knowing that nothing is given to anybody. I knew I was going to have to come in here and do the best that I can, be the best type of player I can on and off the field. In the training room, inside of the locker room, [they’re] great teammates. It’s just little things like that that help me come in here and fight for a spot.”
A pair of additional practices to work straight with quarterback Patrick Mahomes earlier than the complete squad studies to St. Joe this week has additionally been beneficial.
“It’s been great,” Armstrong famous of catching from the face of soccer. “Just working in the summer, before the summer in OTAs and things like that, it was great just catching the ball from him…Being here and being able to catch with him and earn that chemistry with him, it’s been great. It’s been fun.”
As a soon-to-be 26-year-old but to play a regular-season NFL snap, Armstrong faces lengthy odds to make the roster. He needs to show to his coaches how arduous he’ll work for any alternative.
“Whatever I can do to help the team,” he said of his ambitions. “Wherever it is. If it’s on offense, special teams, if they need a safety. Wherever they need to put me, I’m just here to work and be the best player that I can be.”
