Huntsville Alumnus Nicholas Morrow’s Cinderella Story Continues with Buffalo Bills
The rags-to-riches story of Nicholas Morrow, a Huntsville High School alumnus and now a veteran linebacker in the NFL, is set for another promising chapter. After a steady climb from the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad to an indispensable team player, Morrow has now signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills for the 2024 NFL season.
From Huntsville to Buffalo
Morrow, a Huntsville native, had a humble beginning in high school. Initially, he played mostly as an offensive lineman until he switched to the outside linebacker position in his senior year in 2012, where he helped the Panthers secure a win over Florence in the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs with a score of 37-19. However, despite his potential, he did not receive any scholarship offers and instead opted to join NCAA Division III Greenville University to play football while studying biology.
Rising Through the Ranks
In his time at Greenville, Morrow made phenomenal strides, racking up impressive stats including 222 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions in just 34 games. Not only did he excel in defense but also displayed versatility, recording 26 yards and two touchdowns on four rushing attempts, catching a 19-yard pass, and returning 11 kickoffs. His performance earned him a spot as a second-team selection on the American Football Coaches Association’s NCAA Division III All-American team, marking him as Greenville’s first All-American in 2016.
Morrow’s NFL Journey
Morrow began his professional career as an undrafted rookie with the Oakland Raiders in 2017, becoming the first Greenville alumnus in the NFL. Over time, he developed into a crucial player for the team, with the Las Vegas Raiders using a second-round tender on him in 2020 during his restricted free agent period. He then signed a new one-year deal with the Raiders in 2021, but an ankle surgery caused him to miss the entire season. In 2022, Morrow joined the Chicago Bears as a free agent and led the team with 116 tackles, playing in every defensive snap. He became a free agent once again in the 2023 offseason and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he started 12 regular season games and one playoff contest.
Morrow’s Transfer to Buffalo Bills
Details of Morrow’s agreement with the Buffalo Bills have not been disclosed yet. The Bills already have a strong lineup of linebackers for the 2024 season, including Terrel Bernard, who led the team with 143 tackles, and 2022 All-Pro Matt Milano. Morrow’s inclusion in the team, following his 2023 performance where he recorded 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks among other promising stats, is set to add more defensive prowess for the Buffalo Bills.
Conclusion
Nicholas Morrow’s NFL career trajectory is a testament to his determination and hard work. His journey from a Huntsville High School player to a critical component in the NFL draws an inspirational narrative for young aspiring athletes. As he advances into the new season with the Buffalo Bills, followers eagerly anticipate what this new chapter will bring for the Huntsville alumnus.
