Ko Simpson facts for kids
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | November 9, 1983 Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 202 lb (92 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Rock Hill | ||||||||||
| College: | South Carolina | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2006 / Round: 4 / Pick: 105 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||
Yukota "Ko" Simpson (born November 9, 1983) is a former professional football player. He played as a safety. Ko Simpson was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 2006 NFL draft. He also played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Later, he played for the Detroit Lions.
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Early Life and High School Football
Ko Simpson was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He went to Castle Heights Middle School and Rock Hill High School. In high school, he was a star player. He helped his team win a Class AAAA State Championship. He played both offense and defense.
In 2003, Ko decided to play college football at the University of South Carolina. He signed a letter of intent, which is like a promise to join the team. He started playing there in the spring of 2004. His coach at the time was Lou Holtz.
College Football Star
Ko Simpson played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was a very good player from the start.
Freshman Year Success
In his first year, called his freshman season, Ko made 50 solo tackles. He also helped with 11 other tackles. He caught six interceptions from opposing teams. In only his second college game, he intercepted a pass against Georgia. He ran it back 57 yards for a touchdown!
He was even named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. This was for his great play against Arkansas. In that game, he recovered a fumble and ran it 57 yards for another touchdown. His six interceptions were the most in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He was also named the SEC Freshman of the Year. This was a big honor, and he was the first South Carolina player to win it.
Sophomore Year Achievements
In his second year, Ko continued to play well. He made 103 total tackles. He also recovered two fumbles and caught another interception. Because of his strong performance, he was named to the All-SEC team. This means he was one of the best players in the SEC. He was also named an All-American. This means he was recognized as one of the best college football players in the whole country.
Playing in the NFL
After his amazing college career, Ko Simpson was ready for the professional league, the NFL.
Joining the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills picked Ko Simpson in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He was the 105th player chosen overall. This was a big step for him to play in the NFL.
In 2007, Ko was placed on injured reserve. This happens when a player gets hurt and cannot play for a while.
Time with the Detroit Lions
In 2009, Ko Simpson was traded to the Detroit Lions. A trade means one team sends a player to another team. The Lions gave the Bills a seventh-round draft pick in return.
Later that year, Ko was again placed on injured reserve. This time, he had a serious knee injury. He had a torn patella and a separated MCL. These are important parts of the knee.
The Lions released Ko Simpson on September 4, 2010. This means they let him go from the team.
