One of the best, if not underrated, draft picks the Chiefs have made during the Andy Reid era is center Creed Humphrey.

Kansas City selected Humphrey in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After redshirting as a freshman at Oklahoma, Humphrey burst onto the scene as the Sooners’ starting center in 2018, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.

His dominance continued in 2019 and 2020 as he was named named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in each season. Humphrey was the second center chosen in the 2021 draft behind Josh Myers, who was taken by the Green Bay Packers just one spot ahead.

While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Humphrey reflected on his draft experience.

“A lot of emotions throughout that entire process,” Humphrey said. “So getting that call, it was a huge relief. And it was also a ton of excitement, just because I feel like it was the perfect fit for me. Being close to Oklahoma still, getting to play with a Hall of Fame quarterback, a Hall of Fame coach, all those things. I think it was the perfect fit for me. It was a ton of excitement and a ton of relief too, just having that process over with.”

Not only has Humphrey gotten to stay relatively close to home, he’s began his NFL career on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team in his first season, and has been named an All-Pro twice and to the Pro Bowl three times. Above all else, Humphrey is a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Before the start of the 2024 season, the Chiefs gave Humphrey a four-year contract extension worth $72 million, with $50 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. He is now a veteran leader among Kansas City’s offensive line and locker room as a whole, and will be in line for at least one more big payday so long as he stays healthy and maintains his level of play.