Creed Humphrey’s rise to prominence in the NFL as the center for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of perseverance, talent, and the perfect storm of circumstances aligning to help create one of the league’s premier young offensive linemen. A product of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Humphrey’s journey from high school football standout to a key piece of one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses speaks to his character, work ethic, and the foundation laid during his time as a standout player for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Early Life and High School Career in Shawnee
Creed Humphrey was born and raised in Shawnee, a small city in central Oklahoma. The son of a father who was a former high school football coach, Humphrey was surrounded by the game from an early age. Growing up in Shawnee, he attended Shawnee High School, where he became a football star and began to make his mark as an athlete who could one day make the leap to the highest level of football.
As a high school player, Humphrey was already displaying the physical tools and mental approach that would later define his career in the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in the 300-pound range even as a teenager, Humphrey had the size to play at the collegiate level from the start. More importantly, though, he displayed a deep understanding of the game, excelling both in terms of physicality and football IQ. In high school, he played on both sides of the line of scrimmage, which gave him a broader understanding of blocking schemes and defensive tactics, an advantage that would serve him well in college and eventually in the pros.
Humphrey was named an All-State offensive lineman in Oklahoma, an honor that solidified his reputation as one of the best high school players in the state. Despite playing for a team that wasn’t known as a national powerhouse, Humphrey’s individual performances caught the attention of several college programs.
College Football: Oklahoma Sooners
Humphrey’s next chapter came when he made the decision to join the University of Oklahoma Sooners. He committed to OU as one of the top recruits in the nation, choosing the Sooners over other prominent programs that had shown interest. His decision to play for the Sooners allowed him to remain close to his family in Shawnee, while also stepping into one of college football’s most competitive and prestigious programs.
As a freshman at Oklahoma, Humphrey quickly proved that he was more than ready for the challenge of playing at the highest level of college football. He earned a starting spot as the center in 2017, a rare feat for a true freshman. Humphrey’s immediate impact in the starting lineup was a testament to his exceptional talent and understanding of the game. His ability to read defenses, execute complex blocking assignments, and maintain composure in the face of pressure made him stand out from the competition.
Over the next few years, Humphrey would become a central figure in Oklahoma’s offense, playing under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. As a member of an offense led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, Humphrey had the chance to block for some of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. The experience of working with such talented quarterbacks and explosive skill players helped further refine his blocking technique and gave him the ability to play in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Humphrey’s skills on the field were matched by his leadership off it. By his sophomore and junior seasons, he was considered one of the premier centers in college football, with scouts praising his combination of strength, athleticism, and mental acuity. His ability to both anchor the offensive line in pass protection and move with speed in the run game made him a rare commodity in college football, and he quickly earned recognition as one of the best players in his position.
In 2019, Humphrey was named a consensus All-American, an honor given to only the most elite college players in the country. This recognition set the stage for Humphrey’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft after his junior season. While some of his teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Kennedy Brooks, were generating headlines for their individual performances, it was clear that Humphrey’s leadership and consistency were a major factor in the success of the Sooners’ offense.
The NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Selection
Creed Humphrey’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft in 2021 was an exciting moment for both him and the Oklahoma Sooners football program. Despite the immense talent pool in the draft class, Humphrey was widely regarded as one of the top centers in the class. His strong senior season at Oklahoma, combined with his consistency in both run blocking and pass protection, made him an obvious first-round talent.
The Kansas City Chiefs, who were in need of a reliable anchor on their offensive line to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, identified Humphrey as a perfect fit for their system. The Chiefs, who had a high-powered offense but had struggled with pass protection in the previous season, recognized that Humphrey could be the solution to their problems in the trenches. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected Creed Humphrey in the second round (No. 63 overall), a pick that would prove to be one of the most important decisions of their offseason.
From the moment Humphrey joined the Chiefs, his impact was immediate. As a rookie, he quickly stepped into the starting center role, replacing longtime starter Austin Reiter. Despite the challenge of stepping into a Super Bowl-contending team, Humphrey demonstrated a level of maturity and composure well beyond his years. His technical skills and football IQ allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, and he quickly became a key part of the unit that protected Mahomes and opened up running lanes for star back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Rise to Prominence with the Chiefs
Creed Humphrey’s first season with the Chiefs was marked by consistent, high-level play. He was instrumental in the Chiefs’ offensive line becoming one of the most reliable in the NFL, particularly in pass protection. Humphrey’s quick hands, ability to recognize blitzes, and overall ability to control the line of scrimmage allowed Mahomes to stay upright while still executing explosive plays downfield. The Chiefs’ offense, which is built around fast-paced decision-making and a dynamic passing game, benefited from Humphrey’s ability to establish a strong foundation up front.
Humphrey’s efforts during his rookie season didn’t go unnoticed. He earned a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team and was named an AP All-Pro in 2021, solidifying his place as one of the top centers in the NFL at such an early point in his career. His performance helped propel the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl, where they would eventually fall short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Humphrey’s role in their offense, and his individual play, were viewed as key to the Chiefs’ overall success that season.
What Makes Creed Humphrey Special?
Creed Humphrey is not only a physical specimen but also a player whose football intelligence and technical skills set him apart. He has a rare combination of size, agility, and strength, which allows him to be effective in both run blocking and pass protection. His quickness off the line of scrimmage, ability to make adjustments mid-play, and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations have earned him a reputation as one of the best young centers in the game.
Humphrey’s leadership qualities have also been highlighted throughout his career. In both high school and college, he was known for being a vocal leader on and off the field, helping to guide his teammates and elevate those around him. His attitude and ability to remain focused in critical moments make him a natural fit for a team like the Chiefs, who thrive on leadership and consistency.
Creed Humphrey’s journey from Shawnee, Oklahoma, to the Kansas City Chiefs is a testament to his work ethic, dedication, and football acumen. As a standout center for the Oklahoma Sooners, Humphrey earned recognition as one of the top players at his position, and his transition to the NFL has been nothing short of impressive. As the anchor of the Chiefs’ offensive line, he has already shown that he has the ability to impact the game in profound ways. With a promising future ahead, Creed Humphrey is poised to become one of the top centers in the NFL for years to come, solidifying his legacy as both a Shawnee football star and an Oklahoma football legend.
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