Hamilcar Rashed Jr.

Hamilcar Rashed Jr.'s Biography

Hamilcar Rashed Jr., born January 2, 1998, who has established a reputation for himself as a professional American football testifies of what determination, skill, and relentless dedication can achieve. Currently, he holds it down at the Calgary Stampeders, a contingent of the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he fulfills the demanding role of a defensive lineman.

Rashed’s journey to his current success draws a roadmap from humble beginnings, inspired by his inherent love for the football. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he spent a portion of his early educational years at Caesar Chavez High School before moving to Chandler High School for his senior year, cementing a start to his football career – a choice marked by his commitment to Oregon State University to further his ambition in college football.

The year 2016 saw the start of his college career at Oregon State University. It was a year of growth, as he was redshirted – keeping him from active games to allow him to focus more on personal development. The following year, Rashed took a leap into the field, playing in all 12 games and making his mark with six successful tackles.

His sophomore year in 2018 marked a step higher with his participation in 10 of 12 games, escalating his previous year’s performance by a notable margin. Here, he recorded a commendable 58 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The young star wasn’t done pushing boundaries yet, and in his junior year, he not only started 11 of 12 games but also set new records. He completed 62 tackles, an eye-catching 14 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss– the highest nationally. These impressive numbers etched his name in the school records, and he was accordingly recognized as a first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, and Phil Steele.

On May 3, 2021, Rashed’s professional career got a significant boost when he signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. The course of the year was not without its share of challenges, particularly when he was waived on August 31 and reassigned to the practice squad a day later. He, however, saw the new year in with a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2022. Despite this progress, he was waived on August 8 in the same year.

August 10, 2022, marked another chapter in Rashed’s career when he was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers. By the end of the month, he was waived again and then placed back on the practice squad. His stint with Steelers ended in November when he was released. Rashed didn’t have to wait long to find another team, as he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad on December 14, before signing another reserve/future contract on January 17, 2023. The Buccaneers waived Rashed on August 28, 2023, marking another turn in his career.

Rashed landed a spot on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on December 15, 2023. However, after the season, he didn’t sign on a reserve/future contract causing him to venture as a free agent when his practice squad contract expired.

Despite the numerous highs and lows Rashed encountered, he continued to stay focused and determined. He found a new professional chapter with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFR on May 20, 2024. Here again, he had a brief stint with the practice roster before the commencement of the regular season and was later promoted to the active roster on July 21, 2024.

Hence, if there is one thing Hamilcar Rashed Jr.’s thrilling football journey educates us about, it is the unwavering persistence of his will. His progress may have been punctuated with occasional hitches, but his spirit remains indomitable – reflecting the heart of a true professional.