FOXBOROUGH – Sometimes, Efton Chism III has to pinch himself when he considers his football journey, and how far he’s come.
Playing at Eastern Washington. Going undrafted in April. Choosing the Patriots to sign with over several other suitors. Being a healthy scratch the first five games and not knowing if he’d ever get a chance to crack the lineup.
To now being two days away from his first playoff game, and contributing to the Patriots cause, filling in for injured wide receiver Mack Hollins.
“It’s been crazy,” Chism said Friday as he was surrounded by a media horde at his locker ahead of Sunday night’s Wildcard showdown with the LA Chargers at Gillette Stadium. “I mean coming from Eastern Washington, a small FCS school, (being) undrafted … you really don’t realize until you take a step back from it .. I’m so blessed, so thankful for this organization that gave me an opportunity. I can’t thank them enough.”
At 5-10, 198 pounds, Chism isn’t quite a carbon copy of the 6-4, 221 pound Hollins. But he’s doing his best to be a reasonable facsimile.
The final two games of the regular season, Chism had three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
“I’m super grateful for the opportunity. I’m definitely not taking it for granted. Just trying to fill those shoes of Mack (Hollins),” Chism said. “He does a lot of dirty work here. Trying to do my best to continue that and bring a little different energy to that.”
Chism is one of many players on the Patriots roster who are about to experience the playoffs for the first time. Chism is soaking it all in, and listening to whatever the veterans have advised about handling the moment.
“Obviously, it’s playoff football, but don’t treat it too big. It’s just a football game,” Chism said, relaying some of the advice shared by the vets. “Go out there, be in the moment, take it all in, and go play ball.”
He says the week lead-up has been “super exciting” and it’s special to be a part of this team.
Asked if he was prone to getting pre-game jitters, Chism acknowledged having to deal with those.
“For sure. I think everyone kind of does a little bit,” he said. “Just the preparation I put in during the week calms those nerves so I can go out there and play free and not think about anything in a negative way. Just go play free.”
