Kansas City, MO – August 26, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason roster cuts are always tough, but this summer one rookie story has taken an unexpected and emotional turn. The front office’s decisions were focused on trimming down to the 53-man limit, and most cuts drew only brief notice from fans. What nobody expected was that a little-known running back would end up leaving the NFL entirely, not just Kansas City.
Preseason battles in Kansas City centered around wide receiver depth and the offensive line shuffle, while the running back room seemed secure with established veterans. For most, undrafted additions were viewed as camp bodies, fighting for a practice squad look at best. It was inside that fierce competition that one rookie found himself out of opportunities.
That player was Elijah Young, a running back who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent earlier this offseason. Despite showing flashes of speed during drills, Young was released on August 18 as Kansas City finalized depth behind Isiah Pacheco. Days later, the Buffalo Bills took a flyer on him, offering another chance at preseason redemption.
The reprieve didn’t last long. Buffalo cut Young again before final roster day, a decision that might have sent most rookies scrambling for another camp invite. Instead, Young stunned everyone by announcing his retirement from professional football — not to rest, but to serve.
In his statement, Young explained: “Football has always been my dream, and I’m grateful to both Kansas City and Buffalo for believing in me. But after a lot of thought, I know my greater calling is serving my country. That’s where I belong now.”
The reaction across the league was immediate. Chiefs coaches and teammates praised the rookie’s maturity and courage, noting how rare it is for a young player to step away from football with such purpose. The Bills organization also issued words of respect, acknowledging the sacrifice behind his decision.
For Young, the NFL chapter closes before it truly began. Yet in Kansas City, his brief time as a Chief has already left a mark. His choice has sparked conversations not just about roster battles, but about the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and duty.
Whether or not Elijah Young ever returns to football after his service remains unknown. What is certain is that his story will be remembered in Chiefs Kingdom as more than just a preseason cut — it’s the journey of a young man who traded the gridiron for a higher mission.