On Kalija Lipscomb‘s journey, being born in the New Orleans area comes with a few additions besides a new crib. First of all, the sport of kings down in the ‘Big Easy‘ is football. Between the New Orleans Saints and LSU, the year-round chatter is plenty stocked with takes from experts breaking down opponents and even their family heirlooms. Next to football is the catholic influence of the city. The catholic church and New Orleans are bonded together in an eclectic mix of unique ingredients.
Kalija Lipscomb’s Journey from New Orleans to Kansas City to Pursue the NFL Dream
New Orleans Guides his Balance of Structure
Oh yeah and there’s Mardi Gras; the ultimate celebration of debauchery. Witnessing the free party would seem to conflict with the strong catholic influence over the city. But actually, the bond is strengthened in religion, as well as the freedom to be whoever you want in a city full of characters. This one insight from Timothy O’ Malley from the Notre Dame Church Journal says it all.
“New Orleans alone, to me, provides the perfect image of the church, of the scope of those who could be redeemed in Christ. Of those who will join me in heaven itself. Around St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, you’ll find Mass-goers, drunkards, fortune-tellers, tourists, shysters of all sorts, wedding parties, and horse manure galore. This is the mission field of the Church.”
Being from a place like New Orleans makes a person adaptable anywhere. Because in New Orleans, you’ve seen more in a week than most people have seen in a lifetime. In my opinion, this is an advantage when moving to another area. Ultimately, the balance of living in a place where people-watching is free entertainment versus striving to build a life is an accomplishment. So when Lipscomb got the call from the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent the additional chapter began to adapt to a new environment.
Lipscomb Joins Chiefs Kingdom
The wide receiver joins the reigning Super Bowl champions. He comes to a team flying high. And no other team can compare to talent up and down the roster than the Chiefs. Normally, the buzz would be astronomical after a Super Bowl season. The joy of finally winning a championship after 50 years of heartbreak would normally last until kickoff in September. However, the COVID-19 outbreak dampened the spirits here. Moreover, the challenge to an undrafted player making a roster is an obstacle in itself. Add in a global crisis…well the odds are even more daunting.
Lipscomb went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Jesuit is a renowned institution of high Catholic tradition. He played on the championship team there before heading to Vanderbilt. At Vanderbilt in 2018, he led the SEC with 87 receptions and 916 yards with a 10.5 yard per catch. Add on nine touchdowns and 75 yards rushing; his star was shining bright. In 2019, his production fell a bit with only 47 catches for 511 yards and three scores. Still, he was the leader in catches that year for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
He signed with $110,000 in guaranteed money and a $10,000 signing bonus. These numbers suggest the Chiefs had eyes on him for a while. No guarantees he makes a roster, but his chances are better with guaranteed money. He could work on his consistency catching the long ball. He also tends to have problems with cornerbacks lining up close to him on the line of scrimmage and is not a burner by any means. That being said, he has enough speed to cause issues with his size and is smooth taking the ball in. In addition, he could work into a punt returner eventually.
All in all, Lipscomb understands what it takes to fight and adapt. His upbringing in his Catholic roots can serve him well to propel him to new heights. Sometimes it’s the faith inside of a man that moves the needle beyond capability.
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