ALLENDALE – NFL receiver Jahdae Walker returned to Grand Valley State University on Saturday to cheer on his former teammates.
Walker was on the sidelines as GVSU beat Lincoln University 45-9 in the season opener for the Division II football powerhouse.
“We got a weekend off,” Walker said. “So I texted Coach (Scott) Wooster and I was like, ‘Can I come to the game and get a sideline pass?’ I was excited to see the guys again. It’s definitely a great environment. One of the best Division II’s ever. It’s an awesome place and it’s awesome to be back.”
The 6-foot-3 wide receiver, made the Chicago Bears 53-man roster this week after a strong preseason.
“It’s amazing,” Walker said. “It’s a blessing. I’m just trying to keep going.”
Walker spent his first two collegiate seasons at GVSU. His sophomore season, the Cleveland native had 30 catches for 623 yards and four touchdowns.
After the season, he transferred to Texas A&M. He went undrafted after two strong seasons at Texas A&M and signed as a free agent with the Bears.
“Early on in the transfer-portal world, there’s some heartbrokenness and frustration when guys leave,” Wooster said. “But then you take a deep breath and continue the relationship with guys like Jahdae.”
Walker said he was happy to spend his first two years in Allendale.
“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “But being here was a huge part of my process and my development for my college career. I’ll never forget this place.”
Wooster said he still follows Walker’s career and is excited that he made the Bears roster.
“We followed with how he was doing in Bears’ camp, and he made some big plays,” Wooster said. “It’s a different world (in the NFL), but the relationships that you build and the love you have … those things don’t change.”