Jeff Demps is becoming known more for his speed on the track rather than his speed on the football field and that is the way he wants to keep it. The former Florida Gators running back has a promising career in track and field and now has to find a balance with his football career. Demps originally left football to focus on track and then signed with the New England Patriots last year after the Olympics. Now, he is ready to make track his priority once again.
When asked how Demps would approach head coach Bill Belichick about handling the balance of the two sports, Demps responded, "Listen Coach, I want to do both, but in order for me to get to where I want to be on the track and field side, it'll take a full year of preparation. And after the track season, if you guys are willing to let me come back, you know, probably midseason, and work out and train and get ready for the season, I'll be able to do that. If not, then I guess I'll just focus on running."
The 23-year old spent his rookie season on injured reserve and believes that track obligations would have him missing three to four games, returning in the middle of the 2013 season. Demps was added to the 2012 U.S. Olympic roster as a member of the 4x100 meter relay team after Mike Rodgers suffered a stress fracture. He raced the first leg of the preliminary second heat, helping the U.S. break the record for the fastest time of a preliminary round. The team then went on to win the silver medal in the final round of the event. Demps was not part of the relay team in the final heat, but still earned a medal. He is an NCAA champion in multiple track events while running at Florida.
Demps is expected to compete for a spot at the Patriots' primary kick returner. He originally signed a three-year deal with the Patriots, but did not play in 2012 due to a leg injury. Demps is not concerned with the idea of not getting to play football again. He is looking at football as his hobby and track as his career.
"If I am not able to do football anymore, it's kind of like I'm just opening up another chapter of my life," Demps said.
Belichick understands Demps is a player in a specific situation and circumstance. He says they team will deal with every player individually and do the best they can to accommodate them while doing what is best for the team.