Broncos’ KJ Hamler changes number to familiar one to Penn State fans

Former Penn State standout KJ Hamler is changing his number ahead of his second NFL season with the Denver Broncos

The NFL’s rule change allowing players to change to single-digit numbers is one that many across the league are taking advantage of, including Denver Broncos wide receiver and former Penn State Football standout KJ Hamler.

Hamler, entering his second season in the NFL has changed his number to one familiar to Penn State Football fans.

He’ll be wearing No. 1, as he did during his two-year career in Happy Valley.

Hamler, 5-foot-9 and 178 pounds, caught 30 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, averaging 12.7 yards per reception.

This season, Hamler could carve out an even larger target share of the Broncos’ offense, after fellow former Nittany Lion DaeSean Hamilton has been mentioned in ongoing trade rumors this offseason.

Hamler taking the next step in his career wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to Penn State Football coach James Franklin.

“His speed and quickness on the field is matched by his energy and positive nature off of it,” Franklin told FanSided last fall. “You want him in your locker room. He’s just a great guy, fun to coach, and most of all he’s a culture driver. You can’t have enough guys like that. K.J.’s high production and low maintenance.”

In two seasons at Penn State, Hamler caught 98 passes for 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns, while averaging 16.9 yards per reception, prior to being chosen by the Denver Broncos with the No. 46 overall pick in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.