Joe Dineen Jr., Set for Rookie Debut, Chris Harris Jr., in Action for Broncos

LAWRENCE, Kan. – A pair of Kansas Jayhawks are set to kickoff the 2019 National Football League (NFL) preseason on Thursday, as Joe Dineen Jr., is set to make his rookie debut, while Chris Harris Jr., enters his ninth season with the Denver Broncos, as the Broncos take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Hall of Fame Game at 7 p.m. CT.

The pair of Jayhawks are the first of 11 to enter the preseason on an NFL roster, as players fight for a spot on the final 53-man roster to be finalized on August 31.

After a standout senior season with the Jayhawks in 2019, Dineen Jr., enters his first NFL preseason after signing an undrafted free agent deal with the Broncos in April. Meanwhile, Harris Jr., enters his ninth NFL season, all with the Broncos, after starting 12 games in 2018 where he tied a career-high three interceptions throughout the season.

Harris Jr., looks to be a front-runner for the Broncos’ starting cornerback job, where he has had success as one of the top corners in the league. After signing with Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Harris Jr., has been named to four Pro Bowls, tallying 19 career interceptions, while also adding a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2016.

For Dineen Jr., he looks to compete throughout camp and fight for a roster spot throughout the preseason. Denver has been a popular landing spot for Jayhawks in recent years, including Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Steven Johnson.

"They seemed to have a plan for what they wanted to do with me, and I liked that. I just felt like it was the best opportunity for me to go in and make the team. So we pulled the trigger. "

Joe Dineen Jr.

The 2019 Hall of Fame Game kicks off at 7 p.m. CT at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The game will air live on NBC with Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya on the call.