Jeff Demps: Olympic Silver Medalist Looking to Play in NFL in 2012

It isn't uncommon to hear grumblings about track and field stars wanting to partake in other sporting endeavors, but the case of Jeff Demps is different.

Update: Wednesday, August 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET by Sam Quinn

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have some competition to deal with in their quest to sign Olympic sprinter Jeff Demps to an NFL contract.

According to NJ.com, the New York Jets have been in touch with Demps: "The Jets are among the teams who have reached out to Demps, according to a person with knowledge of the team's contact with Demps' camp."

Demps wouldn't make much sense for the Jets as a kick returner, as Joe McKnight averaged 31.6 yards per return and took one back for a touchdown. However, Jeremy Kerley didn't turn many heads as a punt returner, so maybe Demps' value lies there.

On the offensive end, the Jets could be looking to rekindle an old flame with Demps and Tim Tebow, as the two played together at Florida under Urban Meyer.

Wherever Demps winds up, he is good enough—and fast enough—to help out.

---End of Update---

The former Florida Gator and, more recently, United States Olympic silver medalist in the 4x100 relay, is exploring the possibility of beginning an NFL career (via NFL.com).

As a Gator, Demps rushed for 2,470 yards and averaged 6.73 yards per carry in four years in Gainesville. His primary value in the NFL will likely be as a kickoff returner, in which he averaged 28.8 yards per return during college.

According to PewterReport.com's Scott Reynolds (via NBC Sports), there is already at least one team interested in taking a chance on Demps:

"

Sources tell PewterReport.com that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seriously interested in signing former Florida running back-receiver-return man and Olympics sprinter Jeff Demps in an attempt to upgrade the team’s speed and playmaking ability on offense and special teams. 

"

Demps chose a track career over a career in the NFL not too long ago, but now that he has fulfilled every Olympian's dream of winning a medal, he has decided to test his athletic abilities in a different sport.

Last season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick returners averaged just 22.3 yards per return and failed to bring a kickoff back for a touchdown in 46 attempts.

Special teams play is a more crucial facet to a football team's success than most people realize, so Demps would likely be a welcomed addition to the club.

Far too often we see athletes wishing to dabble in sports that they don't belong (i.e. Chad Johnson in soccer during the NFL lockout, Michael Jordan in baseball), but Demps' experience on the football field gives him a serious chance of playing in the NFL.

Demps is capable of playing wide receiver as well, so don't be surprised if Demps, Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams and Tiquan Underwood become a productive receiving corps this upcoming season with Josh Freeman under center.

Either way, speed kills, so football fans everywhere should be looking forward to seeing Demps take the field one day.