National Football League

This Chiefs UDFA played high school ball 10 minutes from Arrowhead

Published May. 19, 2015 2:33 p.m. ET

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He grew up a huge Chiefs fan. He played high school ball 10 minutes away from Arrohead Stadium.

Now, Pittsburg State's De'Vante Bausby is living out his dream as a player for his favorite team.

“Everybody is telling me ‘Welcome to Chiefs Kingdom,’” Bausby told the team's official website. “But little do they know that I have been a member since I was born."

That gives the lifelong fan a little added motivation to stand out among the team's 12 other undrafted college free agents.

Bausby said he couldn't pass up such a great opportunity -- with his childhood team, no less. The former three-time All-State player starred at Hogan Prep, a ten minute drive from the Chiefs' team facility and Arrowhead Stadium.

His road to the Chiefs took him away from Kansas City and to Pittsburg State, about two hours south of Kansas City. It kept him close enough to the Chiefs that he was designated a local tryout player after four making plays like these for the Gorillas.

That's when he caught head coach Andy Reid's eye -- first, for his Chiefs fandom and then for his on-field exploits.

“He’s a huge Chiefs fan and we noticed that during our workout here for the locals," Reid said. "That’s when we saw him. Then he comes in and cranks out like a 4.35 and does the drills well. So we said, ‘come out, we’ll give you a shot here and see what you can do.’"

Former Gorilla John Brown broke out for the Cardinals last season as a rookie, so Bausby wouldn't be the first Pitt State player to find success if he sticks in K.C. 

Bausby knows he's got a chance to make something special happen.

“Everything is just good vibes right now,” he said. “I’m just trying to take advantage of my opportunity.”

(h/t Kansas City Chiefs)

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