Former Penn State football star inks new NFL deal

The 2018 season does not feel that long ago. That’s the year when the Penn State football community was introduced to the speedy freshman KJ Hamler. He used the 2018 and 2019 seasons to build himself a healthy reputation and was able to be a 2nd round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, his NFL career has yet to find its stride. The former Nittany Lion has dealt with multiple injuries and setbacks but has now found a new home with the Buffalo Bills.

ICYMI: Former Penn State football WR finds new NFL home

KJ Hamler was so electric when he suited up for the Penn State football team. Every time he touched the ball, it felt like a big play waiting to happen. During his Penn State career, he accounted for 98 catches for 1658 yards and 13 touchdowns. He worked himself into a 2nd round pick where the Denver Broncos selected Hamler. He was with the organization between 2020-2022. In his NFL career, he has accounted for 42 catches for 620 yards and 3 touchdowns.

In July of 2023, Hamler posted on Instagram that he suffered a medical setback and that he would be temporarily stepping away from football. Hamler stated, “After feeling some chest pains while working out on the break before camp started, I got everything checked out and was diagnosed with mild heart irritation, called pericarditis.”

Due to the condition, he was waived from the Broncos and signed with the Colts practice squad but was never called up to the active roster. Now, it was first reported by Field Yates of ESPN that Hamler will look to revamp his career with the Buffalo Bills. Who has signed Hamler to a future reserve deal?

The Bills have signed WR K.J. Hamler to a reserve/futures deal.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 20, 2024

Reuniting with a former Nittany Lion in Buffalo

From an alma mater perspective, Hamler will not be alone. KJ will become teammates with guard Connor McGovern who was a 3rd round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys. Hamler and McG0vern shared the field during the 2018 season and will likely be teammates once again. It certainly must be helpful to have a former Nittany Lion at your new organization to help get started.

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