First a Spartan. Then a Hawk. Now, Ben Niemann is a Chief.
The former Sycamore and Iowa linebacker signed with Kansas City on Saturday after the NFL Draft.
"It's really exciting and a dream come true," Niemann said. "It's kind of cool to see that come forward and I'm excited for the opportunity."
Monica Maschak - mmaschak@shawmedia.com DeKalb halfback Dre Brown gets snagged by Syamore safety Ben Niemann in the first quarter at Huskie Stadium on Friday, September 13, 2013.
Niemann was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chiefs. He said he had about eight to 10 teams interested in signing him, but like the fit with the Chiefs the best.
He said he had heard from different people that he may have been drafted in the sixth or seventh round, but going undrafted gave him the option of signing with a team on which he feels he fits in well.
"If you get drafted in the seventh it may not necessarily be the best fit, and I got to hand pick where I went from a group of teams," Niemann said. "I pulled out the depth charts to see how many linebackers a team had, how old those guys were and things like that. It was nice having that option."
Niemann helped the Spartans reach the Class 5A State Semifinals in 2013. At Iowa, he started 40 games in his last three seasons, finishing with 80 tackles, a sack and an interception last year.
"We're obviously extremely proud of him. He put himself in a great position and hopefully he can continue to play some more years," Sycamore coach Joe Ryan said. "Being on an NFL roster is difficult but I think he has that capability."
Niemann was a receiver and safety for the Spartans, and Ryan said that athleticism – plus being well-coached by the Iowa staff – will give him a chance to succeed in the NFL.
"He's obviously progressed a long way cause he was a receiver and a safety for us and now he's an NFL linebacker," Ryan said. "He's physical enough to play early and athletic enough to play late. It also helps him on special teams. He's multiple, an the more multiple you can be the better chance you have to make a roster."
Niemann is the second former Spartan under Ryan to get a shot in the NFL – Jason Schepler had camp invites with the 49ers and Titans.
Blake signs with Falcons: Former Northern Illinois wide reciever Christian Blake signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
Despite a run-heavy offense by the Huskies in 2017, Blake had his moments. His best game of the season was at San Diego State, where he recorded 12 catches for 154 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Wimann picked up by Patriots: Former NIU tight end Shane Wimann signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.
At the end of the 2017 season, NIU coach Rod Carey called Wimann the best tight end in program history.
Wimann was one of NIU's most reliable players, finishing with 30 receptions for 283 yards and a team best seven touchdowns. His seven scores mark the most by any NIU tight end.