Former Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster joins National Arena League
By Matt Conner
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster is furthering his professional football career in the National Arena League.
If you’re looking for where former Kansas City Chiefs running back/wide receiver Dexter McCluster is at these days, you can still find him on the gridiron. While it’s been a couple years since he played in the National Football League, McCluster is still using his agility and speed in the National Arena League with the Massachusetts Pirates.
McCluster hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season when he was with the San Diego Chargers for a short six game stint before breaking his forearm. He finished the season on injured reserve. After that, he sat out a season before joining the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts for four games of the CFL season. He was released earlier this month by Toronto and was looking for new work when the opportunity with the Arena league came.
"“It’s definitely different, more condensed,” he says. “You score faster and more often, you get open quicker. Me coming in at the bye week was an extra advantage to get used to it, acclimated to indoors, learn the playbook and allow me to have a pretty good game."
McCluster says he’s been working out quite a bit and still “feels 22.” He also recognizes that he’s not quite that young anymore, so the ability to still play football of any kind is a nice achievement.
"“I’m not old at all … but I am not 22 anymore. It goes to show if you have the competitive edge and still want to chase your dream or compete in the game you love, take care of your body,” said McCluster in a press release from the team."
McCluster began his career in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft after a strong career at Ole Miss. He was drafted by Scott Pioli and stayed with the team through the duration of his rookie contract through Andy Reid’s first season in K.C. in 2013. He then spent two more seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
McCluster’s best season came back in 2011 when he rushed for 516 yards and caught 46 passes for another 328 receiving yards. He also served as the team’s primary kick returner during his tenure.