Hammond's Versatility is Valuable to Kansas City Chiefs in His Third Year
Thursday, March 26, 2015 | Football
Leading up to start of the 2015 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 30, GatorZone.com is going to check in with some of our current Gators in the NFL to see how they have transitioned to the next level.
This week, we caught up with Frankie Hammond, Jr. (@FHammond85), who enters his third year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Hammond played wide receiver at Florida from 2008-12 and also was a member of the UF track and field team as a high jumper.
After finishing his career at Florida, Hammond signed as a rookie free agent with the Chiefs and was a member of the team's practice squad during the 2013 season. In 2014, Kansas City signed him to the 53-man roster and he played in all 16 games. Although he totaled just four catches for 45 yards, Hammond's value to the Chiefs lies in his ability to play on multiple special teams' units. He had 200 punt return yards (13.3 average) while also serving as a gunner on coverage teams.
1. What's been your favorite NFL memory so far through your first two years?
My favorite NFL memory is from my first year, coming out the tunnel for my first NFL game. It's just one of those indescribable moments that I'll just cherish forever.
2. While at Florida, what helped prepare you the most for the NFL?
The atmosphere of playing in The Swamp, and just playing SEC football in general, has helped me keep up with the level of play in the NFL.
3. What is it like to interact with other former Gators when you have to play against them?
It's always fun to reconnect with old teammates, or any Gator that's in the NFL for that matter. There's always a mutual respect and bond we share knowing that we are family coming from the same stomping grounds.
4. What do you hope to improve in the offseason to prepare for your next season?
There's always room to improve in the game of football, so I'm just trying to become a better receiver than I was a year ago. Whether it's catching, blocking, coming in and out of breaks, body control -- you name it, I'm working on it. Can't forget about special teams as well.
5. What's your favorite thing to do in Kansas City when you're not playing football?
Well, if I'm not eating some BBQ or on my way to nearest Krispy Kreme, I'll be at home on the video games, playing online with my teammates. I'm still adjusting to cold weather since I'm from Florida, so I spend a lot of hours in the house :) lol
