With minicamp over and training camp just around the corner, the San Francisco 49ers have a number of exciting and potentially awesome wide receivers on their roster. I plan to highlight a few of them in the coming weeks, but I’m going to start with the one that I was most skeptical about a few months back, Jerome Simpson.
After all, Simpson has served multiple NFL suspensions, missed all of last season, and has three arrests relating to alcohol and/or marijuana. Meanwhile, San Francisco is a team that has been leading the league in arrests and is trying to go in a more, shall we say, wholesome direction. I was confused. However, the more I read about Simpson and his work at OTAs and minicamp, the more excited I am about him and the chance he’s being given.
To his credit, Simpson knows that may be his last chance to make it in the NFL. As he told the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch,
“It’s no secret about my past. I told them straight up everything that’s happened. And they did a lot of homework on me. That’s my past. I have a clean slate and I’m just coming in here and working. I’m committed to not making the same mistakes.”
I am all for second (and third) chances! So, in that vein, I present to you:
Five Fun Facts About Jerome Simpson.
1
He has 11-inch hands. That’s big and really helpful in a wide receiver trying to catch balls on the run. Here’s a bonus fun fact, Niners’ rookie WR DeAndre Smelter also has 11-inch hands. I expect no dropped passes when they are on the field.
2
In 2011, while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Simpson did a front flip to score a TD. Oh, and he landed totally upright. In case you missed it or forgot about it, you can watch it here:
3
Per Mr. Branch, Simpson sews and even has his own T-shirt company. I kind of love this about him.
4
Simpson shares his February 4 birthday with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor who has struggled with drugs and legal problems of his own. I don’t think this is related to February 4, just unfortunate coincidences.
5
As discussed in the About Me section of his site, Simpson’s first sewing machine was the Bernina 880 and he bought it in 2013.
I like you Jerome Simpson. I’m rooting for you Jerome Simpson. Welcome to the Niners. I hope you’re here to stay awhile.
Read more of my “5 Fun Facts series” here