All-time Clemson great C.J. Spiller was one of the most electrifying running backs to ever grace the college football stage and is arguably the most important player in the history of the Tigers’ program, helping usher in the Dabo Swinney era with his stellar play and uncommon leadership ability.
Since taking his talents to the NFL, Spiller has experienced his fair share of success, particularly with the Buffalo Bills. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 2012 and, similar to his backfield partnership with James Davis at Clemson, formed a formidable rushing duo with Fred Jackson.
However, injuries have prevented Spiller to developing into the All-Pro that he was expected to be, and he has bounced around from team to team in recent seasons, attempting to rejuvenate his once-promising career.
Now, Spiller is garnering what is likely his final shot at NFL glory, as the Kansas City Chiefs have signed the 29-year-old to a contract. With Jamaal Charles, former lynchpin at running back for the Chiefs, going from being one of the NFL’s best and brightest rushers to being plagued with injury issues, the running back situation in Kansas City is somewhat up in the air heading into the offseason.
Roster move: We have signed free agent running back C.J. Spiller. pic.twitter.com/ef6tmnaqJW
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 24, 2017
Charles could potentially get cut, leaving the door open for Spiller to earn his keep in a backfield featuring plenty of inexperience and youth. In his prime, Spiller was as quick in the open field as any running back, and his expert returning ability made him a threat on special teams, as well.
Considering that the Chiefs, a team that thrived by way of the multi-talented Tyreek Hill this past season, are known for utilizing diverse weapons on offense, Spiller could ultimately mesh very well with Kansas City’s scheme.
The Chiefs are now the fifth NFL team that Spiller has been a part of in his professional career and his fourth such team in a span of only two years. With that being said, Father Time is not too kind to running backs in today’s NFL, as teams are now far less apt to hang onto veteran backs as they once were.
Therefore, Spiller needs to make the most of this newfound opportunity because it might be the last that he is presented with. Performing well in OTAs and at training camp are the primary goals that Spiller should be focused on right now, and if he fares well in both events, he could very well revitalize his career with one of the NFL’s best teams.