Chiefs cornerback Antonio Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the league's top special teams players.
Hamilton, whom the Chiefs signed to a one-year deal from the New York Giants during free agency, excels as a gunner, a position that splits wide of a punt formation and is responsible for getting down the field to attack the returner.
And it shouldn't surprise that special teams coordinator Dave Toub recently said Hamilton is the best at the position on the current roster.
"We brought Antonio Hamilton in from the Giants, who probably was the Giants' No. 1 gunner last year," Toub said. "When you put the tape on, he made a lot of plays for them and we're really happy to add him to the mix."
Hamilton, who previously played for the Oakland Raiders (2016-17) and Giants (2018-19), is aware of his reputation.
But he also knows he wouldn't be at this point of his career without hard work and proper mentorship, including from Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey.
So, what exactly did Hamilton learn from one of his former position coaches?
"He explained to us how it is being a gunner," Hamilton said. "First, it's a fight. Second, it's a track meet.
"So, my mentality is depending on what team we're playing and how the guys are in front of me let me know, No. 1, do I get ready to fight or can I beat them with quickness and just outrun everybody depending on the scheme and depending on the type of player I'm facing on the opposite side of the ball."
That's a lot of information for a player to process at the snap of the ball, but Hamilton quickly became highly adept at getting down the field.
So much so that Hamilton has noticed how opponents have adjusted to dealing with his skill-set in recent seasons.
"Most of the time the last two years, I've been double teamed almost every snap," he said. "So, I'm thinking fight first and I'll figure it out on the way down the field because a lot of it is improvise. It happens so fast, your body just takes over and whatever your instincts kick to, trust it and go with it."
The Chiefs have options to consider for the gunner positions in 2020 among Hamilton and a trio of wide receivers consisting of Byron Pringle, Marcus Kemp and Gehrig Dieter.
But there's little doubt of the pecking order with one week to go before the Chiefs open the regular season by hosting the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 10.
"Right now I'd probably say Antonio is in the lead, with Pringle _ obviously, Pringle was our gunner all year last year _ and then we have a number of guys behind them," Toub said.
Meanwhile, standing out on special teams is but one part of Hamilton's game that the Chiefs will utilize during the regular season.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Hamilton provides immediate depth at the cornerback position, a key spot with starter Bashaud Breeland serving a four-game suspension to start the season.
Hamilton also brings flexibility at his natural position with a body of work during his career that shows he can play outside, the slot in a nickel cornerback role and even safety if needed. Those attributes come in handy for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who utilizes numerous sub-packages with various roles for the defensive backs.
And when his number is called, expect Hamilton to attack like he does on special teams.
"Whatever role they call me all on or to be on, I just try to give my best effort that I can and whatever accolades or whatever praise they want to give me is solely on them I don't try to go out and do nothing more and nothing less," he said. "I just try to go out there and perform at my best ability."
