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In 2008, Jerome Simpson was the most hyped Coastal Carolina player drafted in the NFL when he went in the 2nd round to the Cincinnati Bengals, but barely saw the field in his first two years. The story remained the same for most of the 2010 season as Bengal fans thought that Simpson was a bust. But then, in the final three games of the 2010 season, Simpson exploded on the scene.
Simpson had 6 catches for 124 yards and his first NFL touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in week 16. He followed that up with 12 catches for 123 yards and another score against the Baltimore Ravens. With 20 catches for 277 yards and 3 TD's - Simpson finally showed fans across the nation, what CCU fans saw for four years.
"They let me off the leash, they let me play and I had to show the world what I had. The people in my hometown of Reidsville, NC and here in Conway, SC (Coastal Carolina) they knew what I could do. I just had to go out there and get my chance and when I did get my chance I went out there and did what I was supposed to do and do what I've been doing for years."
With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco likely gone, Simpson is getting a full season to showcase his talents in 2011. There are many question marks in Cincinnati starting with Carson Palmer who says he'll retire before playing for the Bengals again, and then there's the lockout - Simpson just wants to get back to work as soon.
I got to learn from a lot of great wide receivers - TO, Chad Johnson (Ochocinco), TJ Houshmandzadeh, Laverneus Coles. I'll be ready for it. I'm always up for the challenge of this game so it's nothing new. I've always had success. I just had to sit back and learn a little bit more and become more professional.
Click on the link below to hear Mark Haggard's conversation with the Bengals WR on a number of subjects including Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco:
Simpson on Carson Palmer and the 2011 Bengals
This fall on the David Bennett Show, Jerome and Coach Bennett sit down and look back on the top 5 moments from his college career. Here's a look at the top 5 moments including his famous hurdle against Winston Salem-State and "The catch" against James Madison that made ESPN SportsCenter's #1 play.
Top 5 Jerome Simpson moments at CCU
