Getty Kansas City Chiefs first-round DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah at the 2023 NFL Combine.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off rookie minicamp on May 6 and one key prospect was seen without a helmet — first-round pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Fox 4 KC’s Harold R. Kuntz shared a video of the 2023 draft class’s top prospect on Twitter, in which Anudike-Uzomah’s right hand appears to be wrapped with white athletic tape while the youngster does some light stretches.
1st Round Pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah at #Chiefs rookie camp ..
Although the reason for the defensive end’s lack of participation was unclear, many within the Kansas City media did report on what they saw with additional speculation on what they know.
Chiefs Media Members Report on Felix Anudike-Uzomah Sitting Out Day 1 of Rookie Camp
Here were the tweets from a few well-respected members of the KC beat.
“Just out of the first day of rookie minicamp. The Chiefs’ top selection, No. 31 DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah was seen without a helmet,” relayed Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. “Did a few things here and there but did not participate in team. Looks like he had his right hand wrapped up.”
The Kansas City Star’s Jesse Newell had a similar message for fans.
“Chiefs first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah didn’t participate in team portion of rookie minicamp today. Had a wrap on his right wrist,” he stated with some additional information. “Chiefs team podcast recently mentioned Felix broke his hand on last play of the Sugar Bowl. Unclear if that’s related. Andy Reid talks Monday.”
ESPN’s Adam Teicher went a different route with his theory on Anudike-Uzomah.
“Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the Chiefs’ first round draft pick, did not participate today in first rookie camp practice,” Teicher informed. “He did not test at combine because of right foot injury but it’s unclear whether that’s still an issue. He said before practice he was ready to work.”
Following up on Newell, Sweeney did note later that “head coach Andy Reid will speak to the media Monday, so we’re likely to find out more then.” He went on, calming: “An injury at this stage isn’t much of a concern. Remember, at this time last year, WR Skyy Moore was held out due to injury.”
Chiefs Are ‘Dream Come True’ for Felix Anudike-Uzomah But Pass Rusher Admits: ‘Still Has to Prove Himself’
Anudike-Uzomah addressed the media on May 6 ahead of practice, voicing that he still has the “underdog mentality” despite being a first-round selection. “I feel like the same mentality is still going to be there,” he said. “So, basically just transferring that from K-State to here.”
Growing up as a Missouri native and Kansas City fan, the 21-year-old pass rusher is living out a fantasy, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to take it for granted.
“Coming here and actually saying that I’m playing on the Kansas City Chiefs is a dream come true,” Anudike-Uzomah admitted candidly, adding: “Now that it’s a dream, now [that] I’m here, I actually got to put in the work and actually prove myself.”
He knows that won’t be easy in the eyes of such passionate viewers. As a fan, the defensive end recalled the hard times that the Chiefs franchise has gone through before Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes II. He even recounted a fifth-grade tour of Arrowhead Stadium that he labeled “breathtaking.”
Having said that, Anudike-Uzomah reiterated that he “still hasn’t made the team until he puts the work in.” Those efforts have been delayed for now, but it’s hard not to root for the feel-good KC story once the coaching staff clears him to practice this spring or summer.
For now, the rookie told reporters that his immediate goals are to “learn the playbook” and be a “present” study around the veterans that have won a Super Bowl.