Percy Harvin wants to be known as a receiver, not gadget guy anymore

Percy Harvin has been known as a versatile player throughout his NFL career, but now he wants to establish a new identity.

Entering his first year with the Buffalo Bills, Harvin says he wants to be known as just a wide receiver.

“I want to be known as Percy Harvin the receiver,” Harvin told The Monday Morning Quarterback. “I’m not that gadget guy anymore. I’m not what I was over the last few years.”

Harvin’s vision for himself is shared by his coaches.

“Percy is a receiver for us, that’s what he is,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman told The MMQB. “People became enamored with the other things he could do, because how many of those guys are out there? Because he was so unique he got typecast. Not anymore.”

There is no doubt about Harvin’s versatility. He’s caught 332 passes, returned 147 kickoffs, and rushed 140 times over his six-year career. Of his 31 career touchdowns, 21 were receiving while five were from kickoffs and another five rushing. But now he and the team are telling us to expect him to do less of the other stuff and focus almost strictly on receiving.

The Bills have some excellent depth at running back between LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson, which is probably why they haven’t planned to use Harvin as a rusher. But with all of their injuries — which left them even considering Ray Rice — you never know what could happen.