Exclusive: Dexter McCluster heads home

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Now that the Chiefs season is over, one of their young stars is going home.

Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster packed up his belongings on Wednesday morning at his country club plaza apartment. He’s heading home to Largo, Florida for the offseason.

NBC Action Sports caught up with McCluster, who said he’s looking forward to going to warmer weather.

“Today, I woke up at 5 this morning, me and my parents, and we got to packing,” McCluster said. “I’m headed back to Florida. I didn’t want to go home so soon. But I had a great season here in Kansas City. I’m ready to get back and anxious to get back. Right now, I’m going to go home and enjoy some family.”

McCluster missed five games during the season. He said he had a high ankle sprain and the coaches didn’t want him to rush back before he was 100 percent. McCluster said he’s going to put on 10 pounds and work out hard during the offseason. He’ll train at the IMG headquarters in Bradenton, Florida.

The former Ole Miss running back/wide receiver also said he wishes the season hadn’t ended so early. The Chiefs fell 30-7 against Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs. Next season, the Chiefs face a brutal schedule. They’ll play six playoff teams. But McCluster isn’t worried and said his team will be up for the challenge.

McCluster was part of a Chiefs rookie class who made quite an impact on the team this season. Despite missing five games in the middle of the season, McCluster finished with 21 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown. Tony Moeaki, Javier Arenas, and Kendrick Lewis were other Chiefs rookies who made significant contributions this season.

Look for more on McCluster on Wednesday's NBC Action News at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m..