The Las Vegas Raiders are giving a familiar face another shot at the NFL. Former Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler recently worked out for the division on Monday, hoping to revive his football career. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out.

Broncos Wire beat writer Jon Heath highlighted the surprising tryout in a recent report. 

"Notably, wide receiver KJ Hamler, a second-round pick out of Penn State in 2020, worked out for the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Monday," Jon Heath wrote.

Hamler’s journey per Broncos Wire's Jon Heath in the NFL has not been easy. Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State, the 27-year-old struggled with constant injuries early in his career. Between 2020 and 2022, he missed 27 out of 50 games for the Broncos. 

Things took a tougher turn in 2023 when Denver released him after he was diagnosed with pericarditis, a heart condition.

Thankfully, Hamler recovered from the illness, had brief stints with two other NFL teams, and then proved his health and talent in the UFL

Since stepping away from the NFL, Hamler spent this past spring playing in the United Football League (UFL) for the Orlando Storm. He made a strong impression during his brief time there, racking up 563 all-purpose yards and scoring four touchdowns across seven games. 

His solid performance quickly caught the attention of NFL scouts once again, which is why the Raiders invited him for a tryout. However, as of now, Hamler remains a free agent looking to return to the NFL, as the Raiders did not sign Hamler after his workout.

KJ Hamler’s journey through heartbreak and recovery 

Former Denver Broncos receiver KJ Hamler recently opened up about his severe struggles with mental health. He shared that early in his NFL career, he reached such a dark place where he had almost given up on all hope.

Adjusting to professional football in Denver at just 20 years old was tough, especially after suffering no major injuries during his college career. Everything quickly spiraled out of control when he dislocated his hip and tore his ACL in a single play. 

“I had dislocated my hip and tore my ACL at the same time,” Hamler said in a video posted by the Storm on X back in May. “Getting told I would never play ball again, and on top of that, the mental aspect, I had the injury, and my cousin passed, and my grandmother passed, and I think that’s when everything went rock bottom.”

Doctors told him he might never play football again. While dealing with the painful recovery, Hamler also lost his cousin and his grandmother, pushing him to a breaking point where he felt completely helpless.

However, Hamler didn't give up. He survived that moment. To help heal his mind and process his deep grief, he turned to writing and recording music as an outlet for his emotions. 

He continues to pursue his football goals while prioritizing his mental health, and his recovery remains on track with great progress.

Read more at the Denver Broncos Community!

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote