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Kory Sheets
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Kory Gerren Sheets (born March 31, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Sheets was also a member of the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders of the NFL and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Sheets played for Bloomfield High School,[1] leading the team to a Connecticut State Championship as an all-purpose back. In his senior year, he had 2,588 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in being named the state Player of the Year by The Hartford Courant as well as an all-conference selection. Sheets was also named to the 2003 Connecticut High School Football All-State team by the New Haven Register.[2]
Sheets also earned All-State and All-American honors in track and field, while coming out of high school as the No. 23 all-purpose back in the country by Rivals.com.
College career
[edit]Sheets attended Purdue University, where he played for head coach, Joe Tiller. He majored in Organizational Leadership and Supervision; he had a stellar career for the Boilermakers, as he started for three seasons (2006–2008), was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2008) and was named to the Senior Bowl squad following his senior season (2008). For his career, he ranks #1 in Touchdowns (54), #1 in rushing TDs (48), ahead of NFL greats like Mike Alstott, Mike Pruitt, Otis Armstrong and Leroy Keyes; # 2 in scoring (324 points) behind Travis Dorsch. He is the Boilermakers’ #2 career rushing leaders (3,341 yards) behind Mike Alstott and #2 in rushing attempts (664) behind Otis Armstrong. Sheets is also the #2 Boilermakers in career ‘"All-Purpose Yardage"’ behind Dorien Bryant. He ran for 100 or more yards 9 times in his career, good for a tie at #4 on the school record charts. He twice scored 4 touchdowns in a game; once vs. Michigan in 2008 and against Miami (OH) in 2006. He led the Boilermakers in touchdowns each season of his career and led them in scoring for three seasons. The Boilermakers had a cumulative record of 25–25 // 13-19 Big Ten; with a win in the 2007 Motor City Bowl and an appearance in the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl.
Statistics
[edit]| Year | Rush att | Rush yds | Rush avg | Rush TD | Rush long | Rec | Rec yds | Rec avg | Rec TD | Pass long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 104 | 571 | 5.5 | 10 | 88 | 13 | 132 | 10.2 | 0 | 23 |
| 2006 | 158 | 780 | 4.9 | 11 | 30 | 28 | 213 | 7.6 | 2 | 37 |
| 2007 | 168 | 859 | 5.1 | 11 | 59 | 30 | 216 | 7.2 | 2 | 41 |
| 2008 | 234 | 1,131 | 4.8 | 16 | 80 | 37 | 253 | 6.8 | 1 | 25 |
| Career | 664 | 3,341 | 5.1 | 48 | 88 | 108 | 814 | 8.0 | 5 | 41 |
Professional career
[edit]San Francisco 49ers
[edit]After being undrafted in the 2009 NFL draft, Sheets was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. He did not make the 49ers' final roster out of training camp however he was re-signed to their practice squad after final cuts.
Miami Dolphins
[edit]
Sheets was signed off the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad by the Miami Dolphins on October 13, 2009. With the Dolphins, Sheets had 1 rush for 5 yards.
He was placed on injured reserve on August 4, 2010, due to an injury during a training camp practice. He suffered a right Achilles injury, effectively ending his season.
On August 23, 2011, he was waived by the Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers
[edit]On November 30, 2011, Sheets was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
[edit]The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League signed Sheets on February 10, 2012. In his first regular season game with the Roughriders, Sheets rushed for 80 yards on 12 carries (6.7 yards per carry average) and scored a touchdown. Sheets' play in pre-season helped earn him the starting job at running back for the Roughriders, which came as a surprise to many, as Brandon West was expected to start. Sheets scored his first touchdown on June 29, 2012, in the season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a Saskatchewan win. His play helped the Riders to an early 3–0 start, with a touchdown in every game. Sheets became the second rusher in the CFL to reach 1,000 yards in the 2012 season after Jon Cornish. On October 8, 2012, Sheets ran over the 1,000 yard mark after a 48-yard touchdown run at Rogers Centre against the Toronto Argonauts. Sheets finished the 2012 CFL season second in the league in rushing yards behind Jon Cornish.
Kory Sheets started the 2013 CFL season with his career's best performance, rushing for 131 yards. He then beat his career best the following week, July 5, 2013, amassing 133 yards on the ground. The very next week he beat his career best again posting 178 rushing yards, helping the Riders to a 3–0 start to the season. Sheets owns the record of "Most Rushing Yards In The First Three Games Of A Season", being the first player in CFL history to have 442 rushing yards in the first three games of a season, earning "Offensive Player of The Week" in the CFL for Week 3. He ran for 130 yards in Week 4 and 140 yards in game 5, extending his consecutive games with 100 yards to 5 (142.5 average per-game). As result he now has the record for both "Most Rushing Yards In The First Four Games Of A Season" and "Most Rushing Yards In The First Five Games Of A Season". In Week 6, Sheets ran 133 yards against the Stampeders, going six consecutive games with 100+ yards rushing. Sheets' 6 game 100 yard rushing streak came to an end on August 17, 2013 (Week 8); rushing for 73 yards. However, the next week, on August 24 against the Edmonton Eskimos, Sheets ran for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns and was named Offensive Player of The Week. Following the Roughriders game on October 19, Sheets was named the Offensive Player of the Week for Week 17. He rushed for 148 yards with 25 carries and one touchdown in the 35–14 win over the BC Lions. This game was the ninth 100-yard rushing game by Sheets that season, tying him with George Reed for the Saskatchewan franchise record. Kory Sheets finished the season with 1,598 rushing yards, 215 yards behind Jon Cornish who led the league with 1813 rushing yards. On November 24, 2013, in the 101st Grey Cup, Sheets established a CFL record for most yards rushing in a Grey Cup game, carrying 20 times for a total of 197 yards and two touchdowns, winning the game's most valuable player award in the process.[3] His Grey Cup record eclipsed that of Johnny Bright, who ran for 169 yards in 1956.
Oakland Raiders
[edit]On February 12, 2014, Sheets signed with the Oakland Raiders, returning to the National Football League. The Raiders waived Sheets on August 26, 2014.[4]
Sheets had a workout with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League in late February 2016.[5]
CFL statistics
[edit]| Rushing | Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Games | No. | Yards | Avg | Long | TD | Games | No. | Yards | Avg | Long | TD | ||
| 2012 | SSK | 18 | 229 | 1,277 | 5.6 | 48 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 3.8 | 9 | 0 | ||
| 2013 | SSK | 15 | 287 | 1,598 | 5.7 | 41 | 12 | 3 | 65 | 442 | 6.8 | 39 | 3 | ||
| CFL totals | 31 | 516 | 2,875 | 5.6 | 48 | 23 | 4 | 70 | 461 | 6.6 | 39 | 3 | |||
References
[edit]- ^ "24 Kory Sheets Profile". Purdue Official Biography. PurdueSports. Retrieved December 16, 2006.[permanent dead link]
- ^ 2003 Connecticut High School Football All-State team
- ^ "Riders RB Kory Sheets named Grey Cup MVP". CBC News. November 24, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
- ^ Raiders Announce Transactions
- ^ "Sheets reveals on social media he worked out for Redblacks". TSN. February 27, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
External links
[edit]
- Official Website
- Kory Sheets on Twitter
- Purdue Boilermakers bio Archived August 31, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
Kory Sheets
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and childhood
Kory Sheets was born on March 31, 1985, in Manchester, Connecticut.[6] He grew up in Manchester, where he spent his childhood immersed in the local community.[1] As a young child, Sheets demonstrated natural athletic talent, particularly excelling in baseball due to his left-handed throwing ability and speed on the field.[7] By the fifth grade, he began to recognize sports as a potential pathway to fund his education, sparking a deeper commitment to athletic pursuits.[7] Although details about his family's specific influences on these early interests remain limited in public records, his foundational years in Manchester provided the backdrop for transitioning into structured high school athletics.[8] No early measurements of his physical attributes, such as height or weight during youth, are documented in available sources.High school career
Kory Sheets attended Manchester High School before transferring to Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where he played football as a running back during his junior and senior years.[8][9] During his senior year in 2003, Sheets led the Bloomfield Warhawks to the Class SS state championship, defeating Brookfield 34-14 in the final game at Ken Strong Stadium.[10] In that championship, he was named his team's MVP after contributing significantly to the victory.[10] Earlier in the playoffs, Sheets had standout performances, including 400 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the semifinals against Notre Dame-Fairfield.[11] Sheets was recognized as the Courant 's 2003 Connecticut state Player of the Year for his dominant season, in which he rushed for 2,588 yards and scored 41 touchdowns.[8] His exceptional performance helped establish him as one of the top high school prospects in the state.[12] Following his senior year, Sheets attracted attention from college programs and committed to Purdue University, signing his national letter of intent on February 5, 2004.[13]College career
Purdue Boilermakers
Kory Sheets arrived at Purdue University in 2004 and redshirted his first year, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to college football.[3] As a redshirt freshman in 2005, he made his debut on the field, appearing in games and contributing to the Boilermakers' rushing attack, including a notable 18-yard touchdown run against Illinois that helped secure a 37-3 victory.[14] His role expanded gradually, building on his high school success as a recruit from Bloomfield High School in Connecticut. By 2006, Sheets emerged as a breakout performer, earning the starting running back position and seeing a significant increase in carries as the primary option in Purdue's backfield following the departure of previous starter Jerod Void.[15] He maintained starter status through the 2007 and 2008 seasons, becoming a key component of the Boilermakers' offense under head coach Joe Tiller. In major games, such as the 2008 season opener against No. 16 Oregon, Sheets rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime loss, showcasing his versatility and power.[16] His senior year in 2008 marked the pinnacle of his development, where he led the team in rushing and earned recognition for his leadership on the field. Over his four-year career from 2005 to 2008, Sheets etched his name into Purdue's record book, finishing second in school history with 3,341 rushing yards and setting the all-time record for rushing touchdowns with 48.[17] For his performance in 2008, he received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both media and coaches, reflecting his consistent productivity despite team challenges.[2] Academically, Sheets majored in organizational leadership and supervision, graduating in December 2008 with a bachelor's degree.[2] Following the 2008 season, Sheets prepared for the NFL Draft by participating in Purdue's pro day and showcasing his skills to scouts, but he went undrafted in 2009 due to concerns over his size and a competitive running back class.[18] Despite this, his college production highlighted his potential as a durable, touchdown-producing back, paving the way for undrafted free agent opportunities.[19]College statistics
Kory Sheets redshirted his freshman year at Purdue in 2004 before emerging as a key contributor from 2005 to 2008.[3] During his playing career, he demonstrated versatility as a running back, excelling in rushing while also contributing significantly through receiving. His performance evolved steadily, with his senior year marking a breakout as one of the Big Ten's top rushers. In 2005, as a true freshman, Sheets appeared in 11 games, rushing for 571 yards on 104 carries with 10 touchdowns and adding 132 receiving yards on 13 catches.[20] As a sophomore in 2006, he played all 14 games, accumulating 780 rushing yards on 158 attempts with 11 scores, alongside 213 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns on 28 receptions.[20] His junior campaign in 2007 saw him in 13 games, rushing for 859 yards on 168 carries and 11 touchdowns, with 216 receiving yards and 2 scores on 30 catches.[20] Sheets capped his college career in 2008 with a senior season of 1,131 rushing yards on 234 attempts and 16 touchdowns in 12 games, plus 253 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 37 receptions.[20]| Year | Class | GP | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD | Fumb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | FR | 11 | 104 | 571 | 10 | 13 | 132 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | SO | 14 | 158 | 780 | 11 | 28 | 213 | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 | JR | 13 | 168 | 859 | 11 | 30 | 216 | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | SR | 12 | 234 | 1,131 | 16 | 37 | 253 | 1 | 0 |
Professional career
San Francisco 49ers
Following his college career at Purdue, where he rushed for over 2,200 yards in his final two seasons, Kory Sheets signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2009.[24] As a rookie running back, Sheets entered training camp competing for a roster spot in a crowded backfield led by Frank Gore and featuring established players like Michael Robinson.[25] During training camp and preseason games, Sheets impressed with his speed and productivity, scoring three touchdowns across the 49ers' four exhibition contests, which accounted for nearly half of the team's preseason offensive scores.[26] Running backs coach Tom Rathman provided rigorous instruction, emphasizing precision and accountability; Sheets later described Rathman's approach as intensely demanding, noting that even minor errors drew sharp corrections to foster improvement.[25] Despite his efforts, Sheets saw limited on-field exposure primarily in preseason action, with no regular-season appearances during his time with the team. On September 5, 2009, following the 49ers' final preseason game, Sheets was waived as part of the roster reduction to 53 players.[26] The next day, on September 6, he was re-signed to the team's practice squad, where he continued to contribute in non-game settings by simulating opponents and supporting preparations.[27] His stint with the 49ers ended on October 13, 2009, when he was signed away by the Miami Dolphins.Miami Dolphins
Sheets was signed to the Miami Dolphins' active roster from the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad on October 14, 2009, to provide depth at running back following an injury to Patrick Cobbs.[28] This move marked his transition from practice squad duties to potential regular-season opportunities, where he served primarily as a depth player and special teams contributor behind starters Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.[1] During the 2009 season, Sheets appeared in two games for the Dolphins, debuting against the Carolina Panthers on November 19 and seeing action in the regular-season finale versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 3, 2010.[29] In reflecting on his early NFL experience, Sheets highlighted the challenge of adjusting to the league's professional demands, stating that "learning to be a professional, because just playing the game is only a small part," represented the biggest shift from college football.[7] The increased speed and physicality of NFL play required him to adapt quickly to a reserve role, focusing on preparation and special teams responsibilities rather than extensive offensive snaps.[7] Sheets returned for the Dolphins' 2010 training camp but suffered a torn right Achilles' tendon during a non-contact special teams drill on August 4, leading to his waiver by the team later that day, ending his season.[30] This injury concluded his tenure with Miami after less than a year on the active roster.[31]Carolina Panthers
Sheets joined the Carolina Panthers' practice squad on November 30, 2011, after spending time as a free agent following his 2010 release from the Miami Dolphins.[32][3] During the 2011 season, under first-year head coach Ron Rivera, Sheets contributed to the team's preparation efforts on the practice squad, helping simulate opposing offenses as part of the scout team while providing depth amid injuries to running backs.[33] Rivera's defensive-minded approach fostered a rebuilding environment focused on discipline and player development, though Sheets' stint proved unfruitful in terms of elevation to the active roster.[33] He remained on the practice squad through the end of the 2011 season before becoming a free agent and signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in February 2012.[3][34]Saskatchewan Roughriders
After being released by NFL teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers, Kory Sheets signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on February 10, 2012, seeking a fresh start in the Canadian Football League.[34] Initially hesitant about playing in Canada following his undrafted NFL journey and injuries, Sheets prepared by studying CFL rushing records on his phone prior to joining the team, which helped him adapt to the league's wider field, three-down format, and motion rules.[33] He connected with teammates like Carlos Thomas during training camp in Florida, easing his transition and allowing him to focus on his vision-powered running style that suited the CFL's open spaces.[33] In the 2012 season, Sheets emerged as the Roughriders' starting running back, marking his breakout year in professional football with a strong ground game that complemented quarterback Darian Durant's passing attack and helped the team reach the playoffs.[33] His performance earned him recognition as one of the league's top rushers, finishing second in total rushing yards behind Calgary's Jon Cornish and solidifying his role in Saskatchewan's offensive resurgence.[33] Sheets built on his 2012 success in 2013, reaching 1,000 rushing yards faster than any player in CFL history during the regular season and powering the Roughriders through the Western Division playoffs to the 101st Grey Cup.[33] In the championship game on November 24, 2013, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, he delivered a record-setting performance with 197 rushing yards on 20 carries, including two touchdowns (a 1-yard run and a 4-yard run), breaking Johnny Bright's 1956 Grey Cup record of 169 yards and earning him the Most Valuable Player award.[35][36] His dominant first-half output of 128 yards and a touchdown helped Saskatchewan build a 31-6 lead en route to a 45-23 victory, securing the franchise's fourth Grey Cup title and first home-field win in league history.[36][37] Sheets' contributions extended beyond the field, as he became a beloved figure among Roughriders fans in Regina, often reflecting on his time in Saskatchewan as the "best years of my life" and maintaining connections with supporters who expressed their admiration and desire for his return.[37] His Grey Cup heroics amplified his impact, inspiring the passionate fanbase and contributing to the electric atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium during the championship run.[37]Oakland Raiders
Following his standout performance as the MVP of the 2013 Grey Cup, where he set a record with 197 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Saskatchewan's victory, Kory Sheets leveraged the achievement to secure an NFL return. On February 12, 2014, the Oakland Raiders signed him to a one-year contract worth $525,000, including a $30,000 signing bonus, aiming to bolster their running back depth after a workout with the team in late January.[17][38][39] Sheets entered a crowded Raiders backfield featuring Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Latavius Murray, limiting his opportunities during the 2014 preseason to a backup role with occasional special teams duties like punt returns. In training camp and early exhibitions, he showed flashes of productivity, breaking off long runs in 11-on-11 drills and demonstrating burst despite a minor groin issue, but his carries remained sparse amid the competition. The narrower NFL field presented adaptation challenges compared to the CFL's wider dimensions, offering less "wiggle room" for his running style and requiring quicker decision-making to navigate tighter spaces.[40][41][18] Sheets' tenure ended abruptly during the August 22, 2014, preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, where he suffered a torn Achilles tendon after three carries for 11 yards, sidelining him for the season. The Raiders waived him injured on August 26, 2014, as part of final roster cuts, concluding his brief return to the NFL without any regular-season appearances.[42][43]Attempted comeback
Following his season-ending Achilles tendon injury during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 22, 2014, Sheets was waived by the Oakland Raiders three days later, marking the end of his active NFL pursuits and leading to an initial retirement from professional football.[42][44] The injury, combined with the abrupt release, effectively sidelined him for nearly two years, as no further contracts were signed in the interim, signaling a challenging transition away from the sport he had dominated in the CFL just a season prior.[45] In an effort to revive his career, Sheets participated in a workout with the Ottawa Redblacks in late February 2016, where he showcased his skills but failed to secure a contract offer.[46] His comeback attempts continued in April, as he attended the Montreal Alouettes' mini-camp from April 27 to 29 in Florida, yet again without resulting in a roster spot.[47] These unsuccessful tryouts underscored the difficulties of returning after a major injury and time away, ultimately confirming Sheets' effective retirement from professional football, as no further opportunities materialized.[48] In a 2019 interview, Sheets reflected on the emotional toll of his career's end, stating that the injury and release "hit me abruptly that my career was over," leading to a period of depression as he grappled with the transition.Career statistics and records
NFL statistics
Kory Sheets' NFL career statistics are limited, reflecting his brief appearances in regular-season games across multiple teams. Over two games played exclusively with the Miami Dolphins in 2009, he recorded 5 rushing yards on 1 carry, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt, with no rushing touchdowns.[1] He had no receiving statistics or fumbles during his NFL tenure.[49] His sole NFL carry occurred in the Dolphins' 2009 regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 3, 2010, where he gained 5 yards.[29] Sheets appeared in one other game that season but had no offensive statistics. With the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Oakland Raiders, he spent time on practice squads or rosters but did not register any regular-season statistics.[1]| Year | Team | Games Played | Rushing Att | Rushing Yds | Rushing Avg | Rushing TD | Receiving Rec | Receiving Yds | Receiving TD | Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | MIA | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
CFL statistics and records
Kory Sheets demonstrated exceptional productivity as a rusher during his two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL, totaling 2,875 rushing yards on 516 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry and 23 rushing touchdowns. His consistent performance helped anchor the team's ground game, contributing to back-to-back playoff appearances and a Grey Cup championship in 2013. Sheets also added value as a receiver, catching 86 passes for 781 yards and 2 touchdowns, while occasionally contributing on kick returns early in his tenure.[50][4] In 2012, Sheets burst onto the scene with 1,277 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking second in the league in rushing yards and establishing himself as a key offensive weapon. The following year, he elevated his game to 1,598 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, again finishing second league-wide and showcasing improved vision and burst that complemented the Roughriders' balanced attack. These totals underscored his rapid adaptation to the CFL's wider field and physical style of play.[50][3]| Season | Team | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush Avg | Rush Long | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec Avg | Rec Long | Rec TD | KR | KR Yds | KR Avg | KR Long | KR TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | SSK | 229 | 1,277 | 5.6 | 48 | 11 | 49 | 517 | 10.6 | 76 | 2 | 4 | 74 | 18.5 | 23 | 0 |
| 2013 | SSK | 287 | 1,598 | 5.6 | 41 | 12 | 37 | 264 | 7.1 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| Total | 516 | 2,875 | 5.6 | 48 | 23 | 86 | 781 | 9.1 | 76 | 2 | 4 | 74 | 18.5 | 23 | 0 |