Jovan Belcher
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Career Summary
Jovan Belcher was a University of Maine linebacker who became an undrafted NFL starter with Kansas City.
He played four seasons for the Chiefs and developed from a special-teams contributor into an inside linebacker.
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Early Life
Belcher attended high school in West Babylon, New York.
The NFL reported that wrestling was his first passion before he pursued football as a college team sport.
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High School
Belcher was a three-time wrestling All-American at West Babylon High School.
He later chose to pursue football at the college level.
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College Career
Belcher was a standout linebacker at the University of Maine.
He earned consensus first-team All-America honors, was named 2008 CAA Football Defensive Player of the Year and finished second in Buck Buchanan Award voting.
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Path to the NFL
Belcher signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in 2009.
He built his NFL opportunity through special teams before earning a starting role at inside linebacker.
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NFL Career
Belcher played 59 games and made 44 starts for Kansas City from 2009 through 2012.
He recorded 227 tackles, one sack and four passes defensed over his NFL career.
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Career Accomplishments
Belcher earned a starting role after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
His 2011 season included 82 tackles, and the NFL reported that he ranked second on the Chiefs with 87 tackles in its accounting.
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Playing Style
Belcher developed from a special-teams player into a productive inside linebacker.
Chiefs game notes credited him with 200 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and eight quarterback pressures through his first three seasons.
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Legacy
Belcher's football legacy includes a rapid rise from undrafted player to NFL starter.
At Maine, he earned consensus first-team All-America recognition and was the 2008 CAA Football Defensive Player of the Year.
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22334, 00-0026869, 1987-07-24, Jovan Belcher, Jovan, Belcher
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