Kansas City, MO – October 25, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ undrafted rookie wide receiver has yet to play a single snap this season — and head coach Andy Reidhas finally revealed the reason behind his surprising absence.
For weeks, fans speculated whether the decision was tied to roster depth, preseason struggles, or injuries. But this week, Reid broke his silence, confirming it stemmed from adisciplinary violation, not football performance.
“He’s got all the talent in the world,” Reid said. “But here, it’s not just about speed or hands — it’s about discipline, effort, and respecting the process every single day.”
The rookie in question is Elijhah Badger, an undrafted signing from Arizona State and Florida, whose speed and elusiveness once made him one of the most promising young wideouts in the Chiefs’ offseason program.
During his college career, Badger racked up more than 2,400 receiving yards, earning a reputation for explosive plays and kick-return ability. Scouts praised his acceleration, balance, and knack for turning short catches into long gains.
Kansas City saw Badger as a hidden gem — a potential special teams weapon with a deep-threat ceiling. However, insiders say multiple mental lapses in practice quickly put him in the coaching staff’s doghouse.
According to team sources, Badger frequently missed assignments and failed to follow route instructions. That inconsistency, combined with poor preparation habits, reportedly led to his eventual benching and release before Week 1.
Reid’s decision reflects his long-held philosophy that discipline outweighs raw ability. The veteran coach emphasized that effort and accountability define success in Kansas City, not highlight plays or college stats.
“If you can’t trust a player to run the right route in practice, you can’t trust him in a game,” Reid added. “Discipline and execution — that’s what builds championships.”
Despite being waived in late August, there remains hope for a return. Badger could rejoin the practice squad, but only if he proves he’s learned from the setback and embraces the team-first mindset.
As Reid put it, the message to every young player is clear: “In Kansas City, your attitude earns your opportunity. Talent opens the door, but discipline keeps you inside.”
