Four KU Players Sign Free Agent Deals

May 2, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Four members of KU’s football team — Nick Reid, Charlton Keith, Charles Gordon and Mark Simmons — have signed free agent contracts with NFL teams. All four players accepted free-agent offers earlier this week; Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, Keith with the Cleveland Browns, Gordon with the Minnesota Vikings and Simmons with the San Diego Chargers.

Reid, a third-team All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, will stay close to home and join the Kansas City Chiefs. A native of Derby, Kan., Reid led last year’s club with 112 total tackles, including 14 tackles-for-loss. He was KU’s leading tackler in each of the last three seasons.

Keith, an All-Big 12 first-team selection by the league’s coaches in 2005 will become a member of the Cleveland Browns. A native of Akron, Ohio, Keith started all 12 games last season and finished the year ranked fourth on the team with 61 total tackles. He holds the KU single-season record with 23 tackles-for-loss.

Gordon, a versatile performer for KU each of his three seasons in Lawrence, will join the Minnesota Vikings. Last year he earned All-Big 12 honors as a defensive back, wide receiver and punt/kick returner. Gordon ended the 2005 season with 28 total tackles and a pair of interceptions. He also hauled in 34 catches including two touchdowns. The Carson, Calif., native is also KU’s career punt return leader with 999 return yards.

Simmons, KU’s all-time leader with 155 career receptions, will join the San Diego Chargers. Last season, the DeSoto, Texas, native led all Jayhawk receivers with 44 catches and 631 yards. He also caught a team-best four touchdown passes.