The four-year Chief speedster was able to create a spark with big time plays on offense and special teams.
After a stellar senior season at Ole Miss where he recorded 11 touchdowns and nearly 1700 scrimmage yards, running Dexter McCluster back would get an opportunity at the next level. That chance came in the second round when the Chiefs selected him thirty-sixth overall.
A big asset the Chiefs saw was McCluster’s impressive speed. The running back ran the 40-yard dash at 4.44 seconds at his pro day, according to NFL Combine Results.
This quickness would help grant McCluster an immediate opportunity with the Chiefs, which McCluster used to get off to an amazing start in his professional debut.
On Monday Night Football, with two minutes left in the first half, McCluster went out to field a punt against the San Diego Chargers. McCluster would return it a 94-yard punt for a touchdown and set the Chiefs franchise record for the longest punt return.
That record was broken by Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the 2016 regular-season finale against none other than the Chargers. Hill narrowly beat out McCluster with a 95 yard returned touchdown.
His second season saw a much greater role within the organization. McCluster needed to step up at running back when teammate Jamaal Charles suffered a torn ACL two games into the season.
McCluster rushed for 516 yards on 114 carries, according to Pro Football Reference. McCluster started in four games throughout his second season alongside fellow running backs Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle.
In the 2012 season with Charles returning, McCluster transitioned into more of a receiving role with the Chiefs. McCluster went on to catch 52 passes with 452 receiving yards and a touchdown.
In his last season under contract, newly signed head coach Andy Reid felt McCluster should be utilized more on punt returns. McCluster did just that, as he was the team’s primary option for punt returns.
McCluster took two punts back to the house that season, including an 89-yard return against the New York Giants. McCluster would be selected to his first and only Pro Bowl that season.
Despite making some explosive plays, McCluster would not return to the Chiefs and would sign a contract with the Tennessee Titans.
McCluster isn’t one of the all-time greats in Kansas City, but he provided to be a reliable piece at numerous positions when his number was called. With his elusiveness and pretty cool sounding name, McCluster became one a fan favorite on the early 2010 Chiefs teams.
