Chiefs Rookie’s Emotional Plea After Sister Injured in Minneapolis School Tragedy — “Life Shouldn’t Be Lived in Fear”
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the start of the regular season, but tragedy off the field has shaken the locker room. A rookie running back received devastating news about his family this week.
Brashard Smith, a sixth-round pick from Miami, learned yesterday that his younger sister was among the victims of the Minneapolis school shooting. She survived the attack, though she sustained injuries that required immediate medical attention.
Smith had just settled into his roster role after making the team as a hybrid running back and return specialist. Instead of celebrating the milestone, he left camp to be with his family during an unimaginable crisis.
The rookie released a statement that quickly spread across social media. “My little sister was shot at school — a place that’s supposed to be safe. I believe only police and the military should carry guns.”
He continued, “When everyone has a gun, life isn’t freedom, it’s fear. We need to protect our kids before it’s too late.” The powerful plea resonated with fans far beyond Kansas City.
Chiefs leadership has rallied around Smith, allowing him time with his family and emphasizing compassion over football. Patrick Mahomes reached out personally, offering support and reminding him that the team is standing behind him.
On the field, Smith had shown versatility in camp, logging over 1,200 all-purpose yards in college and flashing special teams value in preseason. But at this moment, his focus remains far from football.
For the Chiefs, the situation underscores the human side of the game. And for Smith, it is a reminder that life’s most important battles are fought far from the gridiron — protecting family, community, and children.
