KJ Hamler

The speedster from Penn State who delivered a last-second touchdown for the Broncos.

KJ Hamler is an American professional football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his time with the Broncos, Hamler showed flashes of his big-play ability, recording his first career touchdown catch with no time remaining in Week 8 of the 2020 season to help beat the Los Angeles Chargers 31–30. He finished his rookie season with 30 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns before injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a hamstring injury in 2022, limited his availability.

Quick Facts

Draft year: 2020
College: Penn State Nittany Lions
Position: wide receiver
Status: Free Agent

Lore & Background

Hamler's arrival in Denver came as a second-round pick, 46th overall, in the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season immediately delivered a signature moment: in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, with no time remaining on the clock, he caught his first career touchdown to lift the Broncos to a 31–30 victory. That play became a highlight of the season, showcasing the deep-threat ability he brought from Penn State. However, injuries defined much of his Broncos tenure. After a concussion ended his rookie year on injured reserve (placed January 2, 2021), he suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 of the 2021 season and was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 28, 2021. In 2022, he played only seven games, recording seven receptions for 165 yards, before another hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve on December 3, 2022. Off-field health issues also emerged: on July 31, 2023, Hamler announced he was diagnosed with pericarditis. He was subsequently waived by the Broncos with a non-football illness designation.

Reader's Guide

KJ Hamler was drafted by the Denver Broncos as a wide receiver in the second round (46th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. His role was that of a deep threat and return specialist. In his rookie season, he recorded 30 receptions for 381 yards and three touchdowns across 13 games (starting 3). His most memorable play came in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, when he caught a game-winning touchdown as time expired. He also had a two-touchdown game in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers. Injuries, however, became a recurring theme: a hamstring injury ended his rookie year on IR, a torn ACL in Week 3 of 2021 ended that season, and a hamstring injury limited him to seven games in 2022. After the 2022 season, he underwent surgery for a partially torn pectoral muscle. In July 2023, he was diagnosed with pericarditis and subsequently waived by the Broncos with a non-football illness designation. He later signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad (September 30, 2023), then the Buffalo Bills (reserve/future contract January 20, 2024; released August 27, 2024; signed back to practice squad; signed another reserve/future contract January 28, 2025; released August 26, 2025). As of January 29, 2026, he is with the Orlando Storm of the UFL.