King's Climb: From Gridiron Star to NFL Front Office Luminary
Early Life and Collegiate Excellence at Virginia Tech
Jeff King, a celebrated local talent, honed his skills at Pulaski County High School before dedicating himself to Virginia Tech. He joined the Hokies in 2001, as part of a distinguished recruiting class that included future NFL players such as DeAngelo Hall and Kevin Jones, a class frequently lauded as one of the most successful in the university's history.
Transition to Professional Football and a Distinguished NFL Career
King's collegiate career saw him feature in 58 games, with his final two seasons as the starting tight end for the Hokies. Following his time at Virginia Tech, he embarked on an eight-year career in the NFL, playing for both the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals. During this period, he participated in 108 games, starting 84, and recorded 156 receptions and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability and skill as a professional.
Ascension Through the Chicago Bears' Scouting Department
Upon retiring from playing, King swiftly transitioned into a scouting internship with the Chicago Bears. His aptitude for talent evaluation led to rapid promotions, becoming a pro scout in 2016, then assistant director of pro scouting in 2019, and subsequently director of pro scouting in 2021. His leadership qualities further propelled him to co-director of player personnel from 2022-23, before assuming the role of senior director of player personnel in 2024.
Reaching New Heights: Assistant General Manager
King recently celebrated his most significant professional achievement with his promotion to Assistant General Manager of the Chicago Bears, serving under General Manager Ryan Poles. This advancement fills the void left by Ian Cunningham, who departed to become the GM of the Atlanta Falcons, marking a pivotal moment in King's administrative career, fittingly announced on his 43rd birthday.
A Glimpse into the Future: Prospects for an NFL General Manager Role
This latest promotion positions King just one step away from potentially securing a full General Manager position in the NFL, a role he has already explored through interviews, including one with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Beyond his football prowess, King also exhibited his athletic versatility by playing basketball for Virginia Tech under coach Seth Greenberg.