Steven Sims Jr., making immediate impact with Washington Redskins

video via Redskins.com

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Steven Sims Jr., more than left his mark on the Kansas football program and early in his professional career with the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL), Sims is doing more of the same.

Through the first three games of the 2019 NFL season, Sims leads the league in kickoff return yards with 168 yards on seven attempts. He turned in a career-long run of 45 yards in the Redskins’ Monday Night game against the Chicago Bears.

A pretty impressive start for the undrafted free agent wide receiver/kick returner.

“My focus during training camp was ‘go take a spot,’” said Sims, who concluded his KU career ranked second in the school record books for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. “I knew the odds were against me. I knew I had to make my mark on special teams to get my name known. I was doing everything I could in practice: kickoff returns, kickoff coverage, punt returns, punt coverage. I was doing everything I could to catch their eye.”

Apparently, the plan worked out for the Houston, Texas, native, as Sims is the primary kick returner for the Redskins and has seen increased playing time on offense, as well.

Sims is one of nine Jayhawks currently in the NFL, but is the lone offensive player to have worn the Crimson and Blue, a stat he would like to be a part of changing.

“I look at my opportunity as a chance to make a way for the guys behind me too,” said Sims, who has recorded three receptions for 27 yards in his three games with the Redskins. “I know we have talent at Kansas on offense with guys like Daylon (Charlot), AP (Andrew Parchment), Stephon Robinson and of course Pooka (Williams) and Khalil (Herbert).

“I take pride in being a Jayhawk in the NFL, and I am ready to help make a way for those guys coming behind me.”