KJ Hamler's latest comeback bid is his most challenging.
The 2020 second-round pick of the Denver Broncos is used to overcoming adversity at every stage. A hamstring issue plagued his rookie campaign. A torn ACL in 2021. Mental health concerns. Another hamstring issue in 2022. A partially torn pectoral muscle in the 2023 offseason.
"I've been through a lot," Hamler told The Buffalo News. "But I've learned a lot. You have to learn from all those little things in the past."
The biggest medical issue was yet to come.
While pushing through his recovery last offseason, Hamler felt severe heart pain that made him feel as though he were having a heart attack. In late July, Hamler was diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart. The Broncos waived him with a non-football illness designation, with the idea of potentially re-signing him if he cleared medical.
Hamler ultimately signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad in late September but was never elevated.
He signed a reserve/future contract with the Buffalo Bills in January.
Now, the 25-year-old is battling to keep his NFL dreams alive.
"I stay positive because I know my grandmother would want me to stay positive," he said. "After all of the stuff I've been through and her being gone these past two years, it's two ways you can go -- bend a little or break. I chose not to break. I chose not to fold."
Hamler entered the NFL as an enticing slot receiver with explosive athleticism who could generate separation. After flashing as a rookie, injuries have kept the talent under wraps; he has 42 catches for 620 yards and three touchdowns in 23 career games.
"The benefit of last year was looking at things from a different view," Hamler said. "Being on the practice squad, I wouldn't say it was humbling, but it was a learning experience. I just tried to be of a benefit to the team without being on the field."
He enters training camp in Buffalo as a proverbial long shot to make the 53-man roster in the Bills' re-worked receiver room. Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins and Chase Claypool currently sit atop the depth chart. Hamler, Justin Shorter, Andy Isabella, Tyrell Shavers, Bryan Thompson and Lawrence Keys are battling for a roster spot.
"I want to be a playmaker," he said. "I want to be the guy they come to on third down and also in the return game. I'm here to do whatever I can to be a spark for the team."
