There are plenty of NFL players signed via unconventional ways these days, from checking in with old coaches on social media to tweeting highlight film at teams to attending open pay-to-play tryouts, but the story of newly-signed New York Jets’ receiver Joe Anderson might be the most unusual yet. Anderson went undrafted out of Texas Southern in 2012, posting 47 receptions for 638 yards and four touchdowns in his senior year in 2011, but he signed a three-year deal with the Bears that offseason. He played in just nine games with Chicago from 2012-13, though, mostly on special teams, and signed with Philadelphia in 2014, but didn’t play much thanks to injuries.
Then, this fall, he posted an Instagram picture that went viral; himself standing outside the Houston Texans’ stadium, holding a “WillRunRoutes4Food” sign:
Anderson’s approach is certainly novel but NFL teams aren’t signing guys to the practice squad just because of signs. However, the advantage of a stint like this is it can put forgotten players back on the NFL’s radar and get teams to check out their highlight tape. Here’s Anderson’s tape from college:
It’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean Anderson’s on track to a sure-fire NFL career. Players are signed to and released from NFL practice squads all the time, and many of them don’t stick in the NFL. Many bounce back and forth, too; a fascinating example is Chris Matthews, who went from CFL rookie of the year to cut by the Seahawks to working at a Foot Locker to a return to the Seahawks and a starring performance in last year’s Super Bowl, and then was cut again this November before being signed to Baltimore’s practice squad. Glory is fleeting, and even if Anderson is able to make the Jets’ active roster, that doesn’t ensure a long NFL career. However, regardless of where he goes from here, this is certainly a step up from holding a sign in a stadium parking lot.
[ESPN]