DJ Humphries’ comeback with the Chiefs is fueled by doubt and determination

DJ Humphries seems to be a motivated man. Part of it has to do with him signing with a Super Bowl contender like the Kansas City Chiefs, and part of it comes from a pain — namely, that the people around him thought it was unlikely was that he would play in the National Football League again.

Humphries is a strong choice to be the Chiefs’ starting left tackle for the duration of their journey into 2024 – a career that could bring them a third straight Super Bowl title. But as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season with the Arizona Cardinals, the journey back to the field was emotional for the veteran lineman, with surprising reactions from those around him wondering what’s next after football “would come.

The Chiefs signed Humphries to a one-year deal earlier this week to bolster the left tackle role, and at his introductory press conference he was candid about the lack of trust around him.

“Man, it was interesting,” Humphries said. “It’s like you say, when you go through things like that, you find out things about yourself. I already knew I was a tough guy, but I had to go through these things and say to myself, ‘Man, you’ve had such a great career.’ . What a run!’ These texts were really stressful for me. Damn, people just assume it’s over because I’m hurt. That was probably the hardest part.

It’s even more interesting because Humphries himself has been there a few times in his career. It’s not like last season’s injury was his first major injury. A back injury cost him the second half of the 2022 season, while knee injuries cost him large portions of the 2017-18 season.

The fact that the people around him believed that he would call it quits after a long break makes things all the more interesting – and from his perspective, all the more painful. Maybe that’s because no team has the backing of an official contract, or maybe it’s because of his increasing age. Either way, Humphries took it personally.

The good news is that Humphries can use his frustration to prove once again that he can be a plus pass blocker on the field for a team that needs help. Humphries’ motivation could be a crucial factor in providing the Chiefs with reliable outside help after Wanya Morris overcomes injury and Kingsley Suamataia faces a steep learning curve.

Given the short week and his new addition to KC, Humphries is uncertain for Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders, but fans should expect to see him very soon.