How an overlooked recruit became the NFL's highest-paid center
In short: In 2017, Creed Humphrey was ranked 294th in his recruiting class. Fast forward to 2024, and the Kansas City Chiefs center signed a massive $72 million extension. Discover the journey of a player who rose from a mid-tier prospect to a cornerstone of a championship dynasty.
Creed Humphrey's ascent to professional stardom was not an immediate trajectory. During his high school years at Shawnee, Oklahoma, he was a versatile player, competing at both center and defensive line. While he was a highly-rated four-star prospect, his initial national ranking sat at 294th. Despite this, his talent was undeniable; he was recognized as the third-best center in the nation and one of the top five prospects in his home state.
His collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma established him as a dominant force in the Big 12 Conference. After redshirting in 2017, Humphrey became a fixture on the offensive line, earning the conference's offensive lineman of the year honors in both 2019 and 2020. His performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to select him in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, specifically with the 63rd overall pick.
Since joining the professional ranks, Humphrey has been a vital component of the Chiefs' recent success. He played a key role in back-to-back Super Bowl victories, including Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers. His technical proficiency is reflected in his statistics; between 2022 and 2024, he maintained a pass block win rate of 97.6%, leading all centers in the league. This dominance culminated in a 2024 contract extension worth $72 million, making him the highest-paid player at his position.
Beyond the field, Humphrey's identity is rooted in his heritage as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Creed Humphrey
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