So Long, Dexter McCluster
By Ben Nielsen
Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) celebrates with the fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Last week the Chiefs lost what seemed like half of their roster in a 90-minute frenzy. Today, we finally get around to saying good-bye to one of those lost on day one of free agency.
Dexter McCluster was a famed second-round pick of Scott Pioli in April 2010 who took awhile to develop into the playmaker everyone thought he would be from day one.
Well, actually, he was a playmaker on day one. Remember this punt return against San Diego in his first career game?
Ah, memories. Unfortunately, McCluster would not return another kick or punt for a touchdown for the rest of the 2010 season… or the 2011 season… or the 2012 season.
There were plenty of reasons to think McCluster would never be a significant contributor to a good team, and some thought he should be cut from the team. From 2010-12, McCluster averaged less than three catches per game, 8.3 yards per catch, and totaled just five touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing and one glorious punt return). In fact, McCluster had more fumbles (8) than total touchdowns (5). Hope seemed lost.
Then the miracle of 2013 occurred.
McCluster broke out and for the first time in his career he had more total touchdowns in a season (4) than fumbles (2)! And not only did he provide more positive plays than negative plays for what seemed like the first time in his career, McCluster gave
the world
Chiefs Nation a touchdown dance to be remembered forever.
Dexter McCluster does the salsa after returning a punt for a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Be still my beating heart.
It is beloved former editor Patrick Allen who gives us McCluster’s swan song. May McCluster’s dance be in your thoughts as you listen to the lovely sounds of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance.”
So long, Dexter McCluster.