Knipfel signs free agent contract with Cincinnati Bengals

HAMPTON – A mere few hours after the 2020 NFL Draft ended, Hampton native Josh Knipfel signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, April 25.

His phone started to blow up with texts and messages of well wishes right after the announcement.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” Knipfel admitted on Sunday afternoon. “I’ve been getting messages, notifications, it’s been a great 12 hours.”

The Bengals were the one team that Knipfel said he thought he might have a chance with.

“This is a team that has been talking to me the past month,” Knipfel said. “We had a few phone calls, were one of a few teams (that were) talking with me in the whole process, but really they were the only team that called me and talked and interviewed me for 20 to 25 minutes.”

Even though he didn’t get drafted in the seven-round, 255-player draft from April 23-25, he still has that chance to make a team.

“I always wanted an opportunity,” Knipfel said. “Thanks to the coaches for the chance, it means a lot to me and my family. When things are finally settled down (with the coronavirus) and I head to Cincinnati, I’m excited for whenever that day happens.”

When asked if he’d heard of a possible date for reporting since the pandemic has placed plans on hold, he said he hasn’t heard a specific date.

“Maybe (I’ll hear) later today (Sunday) or (Monday morning) on the exact situation,” Knipfel said. “I think the (New Orleans) Saints are saying their veterans aren’t reporting until the end of July. I was hoping to find out soon.”

In addition to going to the Bengals with Iowa State University teammate Marcel Spears, he’ll join in camp the overall top pick, Joe Burrow of LSU.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Knipfel said. “He won the Heisman, one of the parts that helped LSU win the national championship; you can tell he’s a winner and knows what it takes to be a winner. He and a lot more people (were drafted) in the organization who want to win and be successful.”

Knipfel, a co-captain with the Cyclones and started all 39 games in his career on the offensive line. He was a two-time honorable mention all-Big 12 selection and was a key contributor to ISU’s record-setting offense in 2019.

He said he knows it will take a lot of work to earn a spot with the Bengals after camp.

“I’ve got to work and keep working hard,” Knipfel said. “I’ve been told through the whole process, it doesn’t really matter (if I am drafted or not). There are guys who get drafted and it doesn’t work out for them, others who don’t get drafted and they get on a team. They cut guys, I understood going into this, getting cut is a possibility. I’ll keep going and do a little more, see where the chips may fall after that.

“Everyone wants to get drafted, everyone wants to hear his name (called); at the end of the day, you have to work hard and fight to make the team, that’s how it goes. Less than one percent of guys get to play in the NFL from college, so I’ve just got to keep working hard.”

And Knipfel has a lot of people who helped him along the way.

“I would just say thanks to everyone who sent me messages congratulating me and my family,” Knipfel said. “I appreciate that a lot. It means a lot throughout the process and journey.”