Kansas Metropolis native Felix Anudike-Uzomah, arguably one of the crucial proficient defensive linemen obtainable within the 2023 NFL Draft, had all the time been a kind of guys who flew below the radar.
In actual fact, legend has it that the 21-year-old defensive finish strolled round Kansas Metropolis’s Union Station in the course of the first day of this yr’s NFL Draft occasion in full anonymity.
“No person knew who I used to be,” Anudike-Uzomah informed Sportskeeda.
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So, when the Chiefs chosen Anudike-Uzomah with the thirty first total decide, the previous Kansas State star obtained a a lot totally different reception from followers when he returned to Union Station the next evening when followers and well-wishers abruptly needed to have their jerseys and ball caps signed or their picture taken with the Chiefs’ latest defender.
And following one 24-hour information cycle full of newspaper and radio interviews, large quantities of tv protection and his title and likeness splashed throughout numerous high-profile social media platforms, Anudike-Uzomah was now not only a man, however a budding star on a workforce full of big stars.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah impresses in Chiefs debut
Take his NFL debut final Thursday evening, for instance, the place the defending Tremendous Bowl champions fell 21-20 to the upstart Detroit Lions at house. Anudike-Uzomah, in simply 19 snaps in opposition to the Lions, impressed. He recorded a run cease and two third-down hits that compelled Lions quarterback Jared Goff to launch the soccer off stability.
Whereas he’s nonetheless constructing energy and stamina and adjusting to the velocity, intricacies and particulars of the NFL sport, Anudike-Uzomah has already earned a spot on his workforce’s defensive position rotation and can undoubtedly change into the defensive position’s greatest benefactor now that four-time Professional Bowl defensive sort out Chris Jones is again within the fold after signing a one-year contract reportedly value as much as $25 million.
“I’m simply working laborious and doing my greatest to ensure I perceive what we’re doing as a protection,” Anudike-Uzomah mentioned.
“I need to get to the purpose the place I’m simply taking part in sooner.”
Such has been the way in which of Anudike-Uzomah’s profession. Few folks make a fuss when he first arrives, however everybody is aware of his title by the point he is finished.
It was that means for Anudike-Uzomah when he confirmed up for soccer apply in highschool and far of the identical when he confirmed up for faculty at Kansas State, which promised him solely a future scholarship as a result of its allotment for that yr was gone by the point the Wildcats turned all for him.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnola wax lyrical about Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Anudike-Uzomah has exceeded expectations at every cease. The distinction now could be that as he walks by way of their door for the primary time, the Chiefs’ expectations for him are sky-high.
“It appears to be like like he’s chopping it free extra, in order that usually signifies that he’s choosing it up higher,” mentioned Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
“You’re seeing him play sooner, he’s labored in there with those slightly bit in order that’s additionally good for him to really feel that.”
Added Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnola.
“I believe Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) is climbing, I actually do,” Spagnola mentioned.
“I assumed he was slightly rusty and struggled early. He’s flashing now which is an efficient factor. There’s a studying curve, however I believe he’s doing fairly good.”
Kansas Metropolis (0-1) will look to get again on monitor on Sunday after they journey to Jacksonville for a showdown in opposition to the Jaguars (1-0), who defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 31-21 of their 2023 NFL debut. Kickoff is ready for 1:00 pm EST.