The Denver Broncos brought big-bodied wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey back, and he is excited for the veritable homecoming. After news broke of the deal on Wednesday, the Broncos made it official on Thursday.
Humphrey sparked strong reactions from coaches and teammates, who spoke about the quality of player and person that he is.
To that end, Humphrey sent a heartfelt message to his last team, the New York Giants.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey Opens Up About Return to Broncos
GettyLil’Jordan Humphrey #81 of the New York Giants looks on against the New York Jets.
The Broncos announced on X on November 13 that they had “signed WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the Giants’ practice squad.”
Humphrey, who played for the Broncos in 2023 and 2024, spoke about his “excitement,” telling reporters on November 13, “Who don’t want to be wanted? So, I’m just excited to be back and help as best I can.”
Humphrey rejoins the Broncos with four receptions for 55 yards this season.
He posted a 31-293-1 line in 2024 with the Broncos. Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton celebrated the confirmation of Humphrey’s return.
“First off, that’s my dawg. So, when the rumor started speculating, I was like, ‘Heck yeah,’” Sutton told reporters on November 12. “It’s a good thing. I’m happy to have my dawg back. It’s going to be good to see him.”
Humphrey practiced on Thursday for the first time since returning
Asked why he thinks he has earned the Broncos’ trust, Humphrey had to gather his thoughts before touting himself.
“I think I’m just a dependable player, and I like to think I’m pretty smart when it comes to football,” Humphrey told media members. “I think that’s one of the aspects that he really trusts me in.”
Humphrey’s take on how his coaches view him proved quite accurate.
Broncos Coaches Praise Lil’Jordan Humphrey
GettyLil’Jordan Humphrey #84 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Humphrey played for Bronos head coach Sean Payton for the first three years of his career, entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2019. Payton cited depth for the stretch as the reason the Broncos brought Humprhey back.
He also mentioned his football intelligence as “one of his strengths.
“He can play a lot of different spots, and I think it was – we had that roster availability. So, we’ll see how that plays out,” Payton told reporters on November 12.
“We wanted to make sure that during this stretch, we had the depth at that position. But you know exactly what you’re getting from him, and that’s a real good trait to have as a player. Then, you can put him in these places where he can excel. And it was unusual seeing him on the opponent’s sideline a few weeks back, but we’re glad to have him back.”
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi also praised Humphrey, noting that the veteran, who has also played for the New England Patriots in his career, is “really smart” and a “good blocker.”
“I think he’s more productive than people give him credit for. I think if you really understand what he does, or what he’s done for us in the past, you appreciate what a big role player he’s been for us,” Lombardi said on November 13. “He’s not the flashiest player, but he’s a good, solid player. You know exactly what you’re getting from him. You know that if you give him a job, he’s going to get it done, and that’s important.”
Humphrey’s familiarity with the Broncos’ offense should allow him to hit the ground running.
Lil’Jordan Humphey Sends Heartfelt Message to Giants
GettyJaxson Dart #6 celebrates with Austin Schlottmann #65, Lil’Jordan Humphrey #81, and Stone Forsythe #70 of the New York Giants after a touchdown against the New York Jets.
Humphrey signed with the Giants in free agency this past offseason after his contract with the Broncos expired. Despite the short stay, Humphrey shared a heartfelt message to his former franchise and city.
“I would like to take this time to thank everyone within New York Giants organization,” Humphrey posted on X on November 13. “I am incredibly grateful for the chance to grow both as a player and as a person during my time here. The lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve formed, and the experiences I’ve had will undoubtedly stay with me throughout my career.
“I’ll always look back on my time with the Giants with deep appreciation and respect as I continue my journey.”
The Broncos and Giants played earlier this year.
Payton said that it was odd seeing the journeyman on the opposite sidelines. Now, Humphrey is back, bringing experience to an otherwise young wide receiver corps behind Sutton, where Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin continue to emerge as the season progresses.
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