The relentless pursuit of an NFL roster spot
In short: For most, being waived from a professional football team is a career setback. For Lil'Jordan Humphrey, it is a recurring rhythm. Discover the gritty reality of a wide receiver navigating the volatile cycle of practice squads, active roster elevations, and the constant fight to stay in the league.
The professional trajectory of Lil'Jordan Humphrey is a masterclass in resilience. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, the former Texas Longhorns standout has navigated a career defined by extreme instability. His journey has seen him move between the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants, often oscillating between the active roster and the practice squad within days.
The mechanics of his career involve a cycle of being waived and re-signed. In 2019, shortly after joining the Saints, he was waived on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad just one day later. This pattern repeated throughout his tenure in New Orleans, where he was elevated to the active roster for specific matchups—such as games against the Chiefs, Vikings, and Panthers in late 2020 and early 2021—only to revert to the practice squad after each appearance.
Despite the lack of a permanent roster spot, Humphrey has produced significant statistical bursts. His junior season at the University of Texas featured 86 receptions for 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns. In the NFL, he has demonstrated the ability to contribute when called upon, such as recording his first career touchdown in a 32–29 loss to the Chiefs, and later recording 55 yards on four catches for the Giants in October 2025. His career is a testament to the 'next man up' philosophy, often finding opportunities through injuries to teammates like Caden Sterns and Baron Browning.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Lil'Jordan Humphrey
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