Kansas State WR striving to be the latest local player to make it with the Kansas City Chiefs
Last year the Kansas City Chiefs had two former Kansas State Wildcats – defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe – on their roster. This year, undrafted rookie free agent wide receiver Phillip Brooks is the third. Brooks grew up near Kansas City in Lee's Summit, Missouri and played running back at Lee's Summit West […]
Last year the Kansas City Chiefs had two former Kansas State Wildcats – defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe – on their roster. This year, undrafted rookie free agent wide receiver Phillip Brooks is the third.
Brooks grew up near Kansas City in Lee's Summit, Missouri and played running back at Lee's Summit West High School. He then committed to play his college ball at Kansas State, which is just a little over two hours away from his hometown. Brooks transitioned to receiver for the Wildcats, but before that he made an immediate impact as a kick returner.
In 2020 Brooks was named First Team All-Big 12 as a return specialist, and Second Team All-Big 12 in 2022. He totaled 1,559 return yards and four touchdowns from 2018-2023. He really started to come on as a receiver in 2021 when he caught 43 passes. He caught 141 passes and 11 touchdowns during his final three years at Kansas State.
Now Brooks is a member of the team he grew up watching and rooting for, and he told the media on Monday that he is grateful for the opportunity.
He will begin the uphill climb of making the Chiefs' roster, which currently has 11 total receivers with Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worth as locks. That only leaves three spots at most open, and Brooks is the only rookie receiver on the roster.
Brooks is as seasoned as a rookie can get with six years of college experience. His special teams abilities are also a plus as the Chiefs need a return man who can not only make plays but can play smart and not make crucial mistakes.
His versatility as a receiver and a runner will also be valuable, especially in coach Andy Reid's offense. A spot on the practice squad is likely more attainable for Brooks in 2024 with an eye towards the future for the main roster.
