Byron Pringle

Byron Pringle, born on November 17, 1993, is an American professional football wide receiver and free agent known for a career which has entailed multiple signings, severe injuries, and impressive comebacks. Raised in America, his love for football translated into a successful professional career largely defined by his time at the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chicago Bears, and the Washington Commanders.

After playing college football for both the Butler Community College and Kansas State Wildcats, Pringle got his big break in 2018. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the onset of his professional career. His remarkable performance was a crucial contribution to the Chiefs’ historic victory in Super Bowl LIV.

Despite a promising start, Pringle’s career faced a setback as he sustained an injury in the Chiefs’ final preseason match of the 2018 season. Consequently, he was placed on the injured reserve from September 1. Fortunately, after recovery, Pringle made it back to the Chief’s initial 53-man roster. However, he was later waived on September 10, 2019, only to rejoin the team as a part of the practice squad. After a few days, he was promoted to the Chiefs active roster on September 14, 2019.

In a game against the Indianapolis Colts during the Sunday Night Football in Week 5, Pringle truly shone. Despite the unfortunate loss of the Chiefs by 13-19, Pringle amassed 103 receiving yards and a touchdown, marking his first substantial breakthrough.

The apex of his time at the Chiefs came during the Super Bowl LIV. Standing on the victor’s side, Pringle celebrated the Chiefs’ 31-20 triumph over the San Francisco 49ers. The milestone in his career was further embellished when he accomplished his first career kickoff return touchdown in Week 7, covering 102 yards against the Denver Broncos in the 43-16 victory.

Pringle subsequently suffered an ankle injury during Week 11 that relegated him to injured reserve from November 24, 2020. By December 19 of the same year, he was activated again. What ensued was a successful return as he completed the 2020 season with 13 receptions for 160 receiving yards besides the kickoff return touchdown.

In 2021, despite his limited engagement in the Super Bowl LV, he recorded Mahomes’s first pass completion. However, in their 31-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was only targeted once more during the game. Pringle was later placed a restricted free agent tender by the Chiefs on March 17, 2021, following which he signed his tender on April 29.

In his tenure as a rotational wide receiver and kick returner for the Chiefs, Pringle performed commendably. He achieved 42 receptions for 568 yards and five touchdowns during the 2021 regular season. His performance during the Wild Card Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills further showcased his skills.

Pringle later signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears on March 20, 2022. However, he was placed on the injured reserve again on September 27, 2022. His journey with the Bears ended with his activation on November 12 and his subsequent presence for the rest of the season.

On July 25, 2023, the Washington Commanders would sign Pringle for a one-year contract. He re-signed with the team the following year but was released soon on September 6, 2024. Dashingly, Pringle’s journey was not immune to controversies. In April 2022, he had a brush with the law, being arrested for reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. Despite the ups and downs, Byron Pringle’s career stands as a testament to his skill, resiliency, and his undying love for football.