Jeff Demps, Olympic Track Star, Set To Sign With NFL Patriots
Olympic track star Jeffery Demps is on the verge of signing a contract to become part of NFL's New England Patriots, reported Fox Sports on Aug. 17.
Demps, 22, could sign with the team as soon as Friday, one of his agents told NFL.com. Pen has not been put to paper yet but the network's Ian Rapoport tweeted that, based on statements by Demps' party, the runner will indeed sign with the Patriots.
Demps won a silver medal at the London Games in the 4x100 relay so his speed is not a matter of concern for coaches, whether it be on the track or on the football field.
The sports station reported that Demps is expected to arrive in Orlando very soon to join his representatives in looking over any final details of the contract before signing; the official announcement could happen as early as 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 17.
The Florida 5-foot-9-inch native set a national record at the Olympics this year in the men's 4x100 relay finals and also in the round 1 event. Though for some time he focused mostly in training for track, in order to compete in the London Games, Demps is a former Florida Gators running back. He ran 2,470 yards and scored 23 touchdowns while playing for the team, according to CBS Sports.
They also reported that Demps decided to settle with the New England team because "it was a better fit for his skills" and that the Patriots have been pushing for Demp to join them for months now.
Nick Caserio, Patriots director of player personal, said the following about Demps, according to ESPNBoston.com:
"Good with the ball, good speed, caught the ball OK, a little bit undersized. But they had some good offensive players (at Florida). "
If plans do not change, fans will soon be seeing Demps back in a football uniform.
