He Only Had One Pair of Cleats and a Dream—Now He’s the NFL’s Rookie to Watch!

Brashard Smith wasn’t a five-star recruit. He didn’t have elite offers rolling in during high school, nor did he ever grace the cover of a national sports magazine. What he had was something far less visible, yet far more powerful—unshakable belief in himself. That belief is what carried him from a modest upbringing in Miami to hearing his name called in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Growing up in Miami’s Palmetto neighborhood, Smith didn’t have access to elite training facilities or personal trainers. He practiced on worn-out turf, shared cleats with his brother, and learned to stay grounded amid distractions. “There were a lot of times I felt overlooked,” Smith admitted in a post-draft interview. “But I told myself—I don’t need the hype. I just need one chance.”

That chance didn’t come easy. He began his college career at the University of Miami as a wide receiver, a position that didn’t fully utilize his strengths. After redshirting his first year and barely seeing the field, Smith made the difficult decision to switch positions. In 2022, he moved to running back—essentially starting from scratch. “I had to re-learn the game,” he said. “But I knew if I wanted to make it, I had to adapt.”

That adaptability paid off when he transferred to SMU. In 2024, Smith exploded onto the national scene, rushing for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 327 receiving yards and 4 more scores. Still, NFL scouts questioned his size—just 5’10”, 194 pounds—and left him waiting until pick 248 to get his shot.

For Smith, the draft moment was emotional but not defining. “Getting drafted doesn’t mean you’ve made it,” he said.

But what sets Smith apart isn’t just his 4.39 speed or his All-AAC honors—it’s the chip on his shoulder. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid noticed it right away. “He’s got something to prove

Patrick Mahomes, now the face of a modern NFL dynasty, has already made an impression on the rookie. “He leads by example,” Smith said. “Watching him, you realize success doesn’t come from talent alone—it’s about discipline, attitude, and lifting up everyone around you.”

As the Chiefs seek to bounce back from their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, Brashard Smith might just be the kind of underdog spark they need. Not because he’s flashy. Not because he’s famous. But because he refuses to back down.

No scholarships. No spotlight. Just relentless faith in himself. And now, a real shot at NFL glory.