Deneric Prince is no stranger to the grind of NFL training camps, nor to the fleeting spotlight of being a preseason standout. But as the 25-year-old running back has learned, preseason buzz doesn’t always translate to a guaranteed spot on an NFL roster. From his days as a fan favorite with the Kansas City Chiefs to his latest opportunity with the New England Patriots, Prince’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unrelenting drive to keep his NFL dream alive.
Two years ago, Prince burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent with the Chiefs, capturing the hearts of fans with his explosive play during the 2023 preseason. His speed, vision, and versatility made him a dark horse to crack Kansas City’s roster. However, when general manager Brett Veach finalized the 53-man roster, Prince found himself on the outside looking in. Undeterred, he earned a spot on the Chiefs’ practice squad and even saw action in two regular-season games that year.
In 2024, Prince returned to Kansas City on a futures contract, hoping to cement his place in the NFL. Despite a strong offseason, he was cut again before the regular season. The Miami Dolphins gave him a lifeline with a practice squad role, but a promotion to the active roster never materialized. For many, this might have been the end of the road—but not for Prince.
This past winter, Prince took his talents to the United Football League (UFL), signing with the Memphis Showboats. There, he showcased his all-around skill set, proving he was more than just a one-dimensional back. Prince racked up 380 rushing yards, hauled in 18 receptions for 110 yards, and added 11 kickoff returns to his resume. His 5.5 yards-per-carry average—honed during his three seasons at Tulsa, where he scored 17 rushing touchdowns—translated seamlessly to the professional level, reminding scouts of his untapped potential.
The New England Patriots, in need of depth at running back, came calling after rookie Lan Larrison landed on injured reserve following the first round of preseason games. The team signed Prince to a contract on Sunday, alongside other roster moves, giving the 25-year-old a fresh shot at NFL glory. With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson anchoring the top of the depth chart, and former Washington Commanders back Antonio Gibson in the mix, Prince now faces stiff competition. He’ll vie for reps against Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty in the Patriots’ upcoming preseason clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
What sets Prince apart? His versatility. Beyond his prowess as a runner, his experience as a kick returner—albeit limited in college with just four returns in his sophomore year—adds an extra dimension to his game. In an NFL increasingly valuing multi-faceted players, Prince’s ability to contribute on special teams could be his ticket to a roster spot.
At 25, Deneric Prince is still young, hungry, and brimming with potential. His journey—from preseason darling to practice squad journeyman, from the UFL to a new opportunity in Foxborough—embodies the grit it takes to chase an NFL dream. As he steps onto the field for the Patriots, all eyes will be on whether this former Chiefs standout can turn his latest chance into a lasting role.