After running over the Steelers’ secondary last night, the New York Jets and Giants might be wondering why they let Chris Hogan walk.
7-Eleven. That’s the nickname that former USC standout and NFL running back Reggie Bush gave to New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan.Why? Because he’s always open.
But even an endorsement that catchy wasn’t enough for Hogan to land a job playing for either of the teams that call New York home – the New York Jets and Giants.
Hogan, a Ramapo, NJ native, tried out for the Jets in 2011, but never received a call back from then head coach Rex Ryan, according to a report from the New York Daily News’ Seth Walder.
The Giants allowed Hogan a few steps further towards his goal of making a roster, signing him to the practice squad in September of 2011. But he was then promptly let go before the calendar even turned to October.
Hogan finally caught on with another east coast team in the Buffalo Bills in 2012, but didn’t enter a game officially until 2013. He amassed 87 receptions with 959 yards and six touchdowns during his three-plus seasons in upstate New York, where he ‘reunited’ with Ryan during his first season as head coach in Buffalo.
But along came New England head coach Bill Belichick, who has many times turned everyday players into stars – and Hogan is no exception.
The Monmouth University product thrived this season in Belichick’s system with Tom Brady, producing 680 yards and four touchdowns, with a whopping 17.9 yards per reception – a number tied for first in the NFL with Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson.
Hogan’s impressive breakout performance came to a head last night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC title game, as he ripped their secondary with nine catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
But his work in 2016 still isn’t over, as the Pats are on their way to another Super Bowl to face the Atlanta Falcons in Houston in two weeks time.
