The chances of becoming a professional athlete in the National Football League are razor thin but never impossible. That’s right the NFL is a tough profession, but only the smart, durable and robust survive the game. The demanding mental and physical gamut of NFL football is a tough way to earn a living. Kansas City Chiefs safety Ron Parker meets all the criteria to play football at this level.
Parker represents everything good NFL players do on and off the field. His journey from Beaufort, South Carolina, showed his dedication, perseverance and determination to succeed in a violent sport.
He moved closer to his roots and made the best of the opportunities he received. Parker’s story has not yet ended, but it has only begun to take flight with the Chiefs 8-1 record this season.
The University Of Ron Parker
Ron Parker enjoyed an excellent playing career at Beaufort High School, yet no noteworthy college football factories expressed interest in him. There was no media fanfare on National Signing Day but he never hung his head with self-pity. Parker enrolled at Independence Community College (Kan.) and transferred to Newberry College in South Carolina. He chose to be closer to home to help his family.
As a safety, Parker was one of the most notable players in Newberry College players history. He earned the All-American honor to cap a stellar season in his junior year. He received the 2009 South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as well as a first team all-SAC honoree and DAKTRONICS first team all-Super Region 2 selection.
Daktronics, Inc. sponsored Newberry College who is an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition. Voting for the all-region and ATHLETICSITE.COM powers all-American teams.
The Journey Back To The Chiefs
Parker solidified his passage to the NFL through hard work and a will to succeed. The first team to sign the undrafted safety to a contract was the Seattle Seahawks in 2011. Within a two-year period, he spent two additional stints with the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Parker as a cornerback on Sept. 1, 2013. The Chiefs released him after five seasons. Additionally, Parker spent time on the Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons rosters.
It took 1,827 days for the Chiefs to resign Parker from September 2013 to September 2018. Kansas City became Parker’s chosen destiny and home again seven days before their regular season opener.
The Second Time Around Is The Charm
In 2014, Parker enjoyed a career-high 94 combined tackles (81 solo), 12 pass deflections, one interception, one sack and a forced fumble in 16 games and 15 starts.
He started all 16 games for the Chiefs at free safety in 2015 and 2016, recording 78 and 61 tackles, 12 passes defended both seasons, one and two forced fumbles and three and one interceptions, respectively.
Parker’s playing style is reminiscent of ex-Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. He plays smart and aggressive not being afraid to make big tackles.
He was released from the team in 2018, but the Chiefs resigned Parker to replace injured Chiefs safeties, Daniel Sorensen and Eric Berry. They needed a seasoned team player who naturally fit into their defensive system. Parker filled the strong safety position perfectly so far this season.
During his first five seasons with the Chiefs, Parker has logged eleven total interceptions. In game seven this season versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Parker returned Bengals QB Andy Dalton‘s interception for a touchdown this season. Both Parker and the Chiefs are feeling the love harmoniously.
This season he has 39 solo tackles with 8 assists with 2 interceptions in just nine games. Never count Ron Parker out of any team equation. He is an asset to the Chiefs, and their defense is a home for him.