INDIANAPOLIS --- Here's how Colts running back Daniel "Boom" Herron's bio page reads on Colts.com:
Selected by the Bengals in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Signed to the Bengals practice squad on September 1, 2012.
Signed by the Colts from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on October 9, 2013.
Placed on Injured Reserve on December 3, 2013.
141 total yards & a TD vs. Bengals in 2014 Wild Card playoff game, most by Colts RB in 3 years
95 total yards & a TD vs. Broncos in 2014 Divisional playoff game
I added those last two myself to drive the point home that this is not your everyday success story in the National Football League. Herron now has more postseason touchdowns (2) than career regular season touchdowns (1).
"It's special man. It's just a blessing. I'm just honored to be in the position I'm in," said Herron Monday. "Just really taking advantage of every opportunity I get, really seizing the moment."
Carpe diem indeed. The outlook for Herron wasn't as rosy though at the start of training camp. In fact, a roster spot wasn't even guaranteed with Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Vick Ballard figuring to start the preseason ahead of him on the depth chart, but injuries are a part of the game. Herron experienced that himself, going on injured reserve last season. Now, it's his time.
"My goal was always to come in here and get better each and every day," said Herron. "Try to show the coaches something different each and every day, if it's pass blocking, running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield, special teams, whatever it may be to get on this team. I'm still working, still not satisfied."
That showed Sunday at Denver when Herron didn't fumble despite a banged up shoulder, the one knock on him after his impressive 141 total yard performance last week against Cincinnati when he fumbled twice and lost one of them.
"He was challenged, as far as the week before, as far as ball security goes," said head coach Chuck Pagano Monday. "We watched every single snap, every carry, and every time he touched the ball. We made sure that thing was high and tight, and that wrist was never below the elbow. We had guys ripping at it on the look team. "
Pagano praised even more than Herron's ball security too.
"He took some shots, like a lot of guys did in that game," said Pagano. "He's a tough, tough, tough kid."
With a nickname like Boom, you have to be tough. After all, he has the name because he's liked contact since pop warner football. He's prepared like a starter since training camp, and now Boom Herron is one, helping his team get within two games of glory.
