We officially have a touchdown on Christmas in Kansas City. The first touchdown of the game was caught by Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith, which was also the first of his career. This touchdown was also the first passing touchdown of quarterback Chris Oladokun’s career.
Brashard Smith Praised by Former Super Bowl Champion
Smith was drafted in the 7th round (228th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Chiefs, following three years at Miami and his senior year at SMU. He was a backup at Miami, but SMU saw the potential in him and let him lead their backfield. He ran for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games.
Coming into this game, Smith has been used sparingly as a runner and was utilized early in the year in the passing game; however, his role has since been diminished, with only four total touches over the last four games. Smith concluded the tie on Thursday night with three catches for five yards and one touchdown.
In total, Smith has rushed for 95 yards on 32 carries and has caught 20 passes for 165 yards with one receiving touchdown. His 32 carries rank fourth on the team behind Kareem Hunt (151), Isiah Pacheco (109), and Patrick Mahomes (64).
He has looked electric in spurts in the passing game and has caught the attention of many around the football world, including some former Chiefs players. One took to X to express his opinions on Smith’s usage after he got his first touchdown.
Hey that 24 kid seems to make plays when he has the ball in his hands maybe they should try that more often
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 26, 2025
That is four-time All-Pro offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz showing support for Smith, and although he is no longer on the roster, it is clear that he supports his old team like a fan and questions his old coach for not using him more.
Smith makes plays in the return game for Kansas City as well, and it is always tantalizing to try to get those players incorporated into the offense to add another element. If he continues to score in big games, expect his role to expand further, and then he will have a full offseason to work with the brilliant minds of the Kansas City coaching staff.
Even though Kansas City, which ranks 11th in the PFSN Offense Metric, will not be in the playoffs for the first time in Andy Reid’s tenure, it is safe to assume that they are aware of what they have in Smith and will keep him in mind in planning the roster for the future.
You would think that Schwartz, of all people, would have this sort of trust in the staff, having been in the room, but I think this is more about humanizing him as a fan now, just like the rest of us, versus any actual criticism.
