Shaun Draughn lives out NFL dream with Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Shaun Draughn didn't get to the National Football League like other players. Draughn, who hails from Tarboro, N.C., and played his college football at the University of North Carolina, went undrafted in 2011. He signed with the Redskins after the draft, but failed to make the team.

In October of last season, Draughn was signed to the Kansas City practice squad. There he remained until late December, when he was promoted onto the active roster and signed a contract. He contributed on special teams, but like so many other undrafted free agents, his odds of making it to his second season were long.

Draughn returned to the Chiefs for 2012 training camp and unexpectedly made the squad, backing up Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis at halfback. Back home in Tarboro, Draughn is quickly becoming a local hero. As he told Van Holland of the Daily Southerner, Tarboro's local newspaper:

"It feels good and it is an accomplishment for me. Just to be playing in the league and then to have a role on the team is special to me."

"Just because I am a professional athlete that doesn't change who I am or where I come from. I get a lot of calls from people back home and they are suprised that I pick up the phone and talk to them. I am going to always appreciate where I came from and be humble."

Draughn has 34 carries for 159 yards and a score so far this season, and has added eleven catches for 100 yards. He is listed as backup to Jamaal Charles on the Chiefs' latest depth chart.