K.J. Hamler’s NFL journey has been one marked by adversity. Since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the young wide receiver has faced an unrelenting series of injuries that have hampered his promising career. Yet, as he embarks on a new chapter with the Buffalo Bills, Hamler is hopeful that his fortunes are about to change.
Hamler’s rookie season showed glimpses of his potential, as he caught 30 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games. However, a hamstring injury curtailed the end of his first year, and the subsequent seasons have been a test of his resilience. In 2021, Hamler suffered a torn ACL, and the 2023 offseason brought another setback with a partially torn pectoral muscle.
“I’ve been through a lot,” Hamler candidly told The Buffalo News. But he quickly followed with a note of optimism: “But I’ve learned a lot. You have to learn from all those little things in the past.”
Indeed, Hamler’s journey has been one of constant learning. His time with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad last year, although frustrating, provided a different perspective on the game.
“The benefit of last year was looking at things from a different view,” Hamler reflected. “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.”
Here's a look at Josh Allen with his the #Bills new-look WR group.
Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Curtis Samuel, K.J. Hamler, Mack Hollins, and Chase Claypool all in action today at OTAs. pic.twitter.com/rqchW0qVXF
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) May 21, 2024
Now, with a futures contract signed in January 2024, Hamler sees Buffalo as a place for a fresh start. His excitement for the opportunity is palpable, and he draws strength from personal motivations.
“I stay positive because I know my grandmother would want me to stay positive,” Hamler 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 joins a Buffalo Bills squad that is undergoing significant changes, particularly in its wide receiver corps. The offseason saw the departure of both top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, along with veterans Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty. The new-look offense promises a more distributed passing attack, a scenario that could provide Hamler with ample opportunities.
Dalton Kincaid, the standout rookie tight end from 2023, highlighted the team’s shift in offensive strategy.
“It’s just the culture of this team. It’s just a lot of selfless guys who just want to win,” Kincaid told SB Nation’s Rachel Auberger. “That comes with, you know, just doing whatever is asked of you to help the team win.”
With a diverse receiving corps featuring newcomers like Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, and Chase Claypool, the Bills are poised for a dynamic offensive scheme. Jon Scott of Spectrum News Buffalo captured the excitement around this new group, tweeting a glimpse of them in action at OTAs.
Kincaid emphasized the collective strength of the unit, downplaying the notion of a singular go-to receiver.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the guy. I think we have quite a bit of weapons on offense,” Kincaid said. “You know, we’re going to open everybody up, and with Josh back there, he’s going to get everybody the ball. I think definitely a couple more targets this year, which will be nice.”
For K.J. Hamler, the 2024 season represents more than just a comeback. It’s a chance to redefine his career, to show the potential that once made him a coveted draft pick, and to contribute meaningfully to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. As he steps onto the field with the Bills, Hamler carries with him the lessons from his tumultuous journey, a positive mindset, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
