Tyler Badie Bio
Tyler Badie is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 7, 2000, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Badie faced early adversity when his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He relocated to Maryland, where he developed a passion for sports and showcased his speed as a sprinter before eventually becoming a standout running back at Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee. Badie went on to play college football for the Missouri Tigers, earning Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors in 2021. He entered the NFL when he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After a brief stint with the Ravens, Badie joined the Broncos, where he has continued to make an impact as a versatile offensive weapon.
Early Life and Background
Tyler Badie was born and lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, until August 2005, when his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The devastation forced his family to relocate to Randallstown, Maryland. Growing up in Maryland, Badie developed his speed and athletic abilities as a sprinter for the Owings Mills Track Club. He competed in the 2011 AAU Junior Olympics, demonstrating his competitive nature at a young age.
After his mother accepted a new job, Badie and his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, following his junior year of high school. He transferred to Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee, where his football career began to take off. As a junior, he rushed for 400 yards and three touchdowns on just 40 carries. During his senior season, Badie elevated his performance significantly, carrying the ball 193 times for 1,186 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns, establishing himself as a major college prospect.
Path to American Football
Badie’s outstanding senior season at Briarcrest Christian School earned him a football scholarship to play at the collegiate level. He chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Missouri, joining the Missouri Tigers program. His combination of speed, elusiveness, and vision made him an intriguing prospect for the Tigers’ offense.
Badie’s college career began promisingly, with him making an immediate impact as a true freshman. He played in 12 games during his debut season, finishing with 437 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries. His all-purpose yardage reached 809 yards, and his performance earned him a spot on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team, signaling his potential as a dynamic playmaker in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Tyler Badie Career
College Career (2018–2021)
Tyler Badie played for the Missouri Tigers from 2018 to 2021, steadily developing into one of the most versatile running backs in the SEC. After his freshman season, Badie continued to refine his skills and increase his production. As a sophomore, he rushed for 457 yards and led the team with 32 receptions for 356 yards and five receiving touchdowns, showcasing his ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
His junior season saw continued growth, with Badie accumulating 242 rushing yards on 48 attempts with four touchdowns while also catching 28 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns. The 2021 season marked his breakthrough campaign, as Badie emerged as a dominant force in the SEC. He recorded five games with over 200 rushing yards, demonstrating his ability to take over games and carry the offensive load. His exceptional performance earned him Second-team All-American honors and First-team All-SEC recognition, cementing his status as an elite collegiate running back.
Baltimore Ravens (2022)
Tyler Badie entered the NFL as a draftable prospect in April 2022. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the sixth round with the 196th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Badie joined a Ravens team that featured a strong running back room, and his path to playing time proved challenging during training camp. He was waived on August 30, 2022, during final roster cuts but was signed to the team’s practice squad the following day, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue developing.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2022–Present)
On December 29, 2022, Badie’s fortunes changed when the Denver Broncos signed him off the Ravens’ practice squad. The opportunity came at the end of the season, and Badie made an immediate impression. He made his NFL debut in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In his first professional action, Badie caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson, scoring his first NFL touchdown on his very first touch. This memorable debut announced his arrival in the league.
During the 2023 season, Badie spent time on the Broncos’ practice squad after being waived and re-signed multiple times. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, securing his place with the organization for the future. The 2024 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Badie. After another stint on the practice squad, he was elevated for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded one reception for 2 yards and one rush for 16 yards. The following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Badie delivered his best performance up to that point, leading the team in rushing with 70 yards on just nine carries.
On September 25, 2024, the Broncos formally signed Badie to their active roster, recognizing his contributions and potential. However, his season hit a setback when he suffered a back injury in Week 4 against the New York Jets. He was placed on injured reserve on October 5, ending his momentum for the season. He was designated for return on December 24, 2024, offering hope for his recovery.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tyler Badie’s game is built around exceptional speed, elusiveness, and reliable hands out of the backfield. His background as a sprinter translates to the football field, where he utilizes his quickness to create separation and his vision to find running lanes. Badie’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him a versatile weapon for the Broncos’ offense. His special teams experience as a kickoff returner adds additional value, giving the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him.
Notable Events and Milestones
Badie’s most memorable professional moment came in his NFL debut, when he scored a touchdown on his very first touch—a 24-yard reception against the Los Angeles Chargers. His 70-yard rushing performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 of 2024 represented his most explosive statistical game as a professional. His journey from a sixth-round draft pick to an active roster player with the Broncos demonstrates his persistence and ability to overcome adversity.
Tyler Badie Career Wins
Tyler Badie has accumulated key statistical achievements across his NFL career, primarily contributing on offense and special teams for the Denver Broncos. His versatility as both a runner and receiver has allowed him to make meaningful contributions in limited opportunities.
NFL Highlights
Through Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, Badie has appeared in multiple games for the Broncos. He has recorded 20 rushing attempts for 109 yards and 23 receptions for 163 yards and one receiving touchdown. Additionally, his work as a kickoff returner has produced 452 return yards, showcasing his all-around value to the team. His most productive performances have come in a reserve role, where his explosive speed and playmaking ability have translated when given opportunities.
College Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Badie achieved significant success at Missouri. His senior season in 2021 represented his pinnacle collegiate performance, earning him Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team during his debut season, indicating the early promise he showed in college.
Tyler Badie Family
Family Background
Tyler Badie’s early life was shaped significantly by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The disaster forced his family to leave their home in New Orleans and relocate to Randallstown, Maryland. This early adversity played a role in shaping Badie’s character and work ethic. His mother later accepted a job opportunity that led the family to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee, during his high school years.
Personal Life
Badie continues to maintain his connection to the city where he was born. He can be found on social media at @only1badie, where he shares updates about his football career. His journey from Hurricane Katrina displacement to professional football serves as an inspirational story of perseverance and determination.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents an important chapter in Tyler Badie’s professional career. After returning from the back injury that ended his 2024 season on injured reserve, Badie worked to reclaim his spot on the Broncos’ active roster. His versatility as both a running back and kickoff returner provides value to a Broncos team looking to build offensive depth and explosive playmakers. The Broncos placed an ERFA tender on Badie in March 2026, worth $1.075 million, signaling the team’s commitment to retaining him as part of their future plans.
