Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs

For most of the 2025 NFL season, Josh Jackson was a name only diehard Kansas City Chiefs fans knew—an undrafted free agent wide receiver spending his days on the practice squad, running scout team routes and waiting for a chance to prove himself. That chance came in Week 15, when starting receiver Justyn Ross suffered a shoulder injury, and Jackson was elevated to the active roster for the Chiefs’ high-stakes game against the Baltimore Ravens. What followed wasn’t just a one-game cameo; it was a breakout performance that turned Jackson from a practice squad afterthought into a key contributor. Over the next three weeks, Jackson’s consistent, clutch plays—from third-down conversions to red-zone touchdowns—earned him a permanent spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster, a testament to his work ethic, talent, and ability to seize opportunity. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus chronicles Jackson’s journey from the practice squad to the active roster, and how his strong play became a bright spot in the Chiefs’ playoff push.

To understand how Jackson earned his spot, it’s essential to revisit his path to the Chiefs and the work he put in before getting his chance. A product of the University of Florida, Jackson went undrafted in 2025 after a college career that saw him tally 89 catches for 1,203 yards and 7 touchdowns—solid numbers, but not enough to catch the eye of most NFL teams. The Chiefs signed him to their practice squad in September, drawn to his 4.43 40-yard dash speed and ability to track deep passes. For the first 14 weeks of the season, Jackson showed up to every practice two hours early, working with wide receivers coach Greg Lewis on route precision and hand-eye coordination. He studied film of Chiefs greats like Tyreek Hill, mimicking their release moves and learning how to read defensive coverages. Even when he wasn’t activated for games, Jackson treated practice like a game day, giving 100% on every rep to show coaches he was ready. “I never let myself get discouraged,” Jackson said in an interview. “I knew if I kept working, my chance would come. I just had to be ready when it did.” That readiness paid off in Week 15, when Ross’ injury opened the door for Jackson to make his NFL debut. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus frames Jackson’s work ethic and preparation as the foundation of his success.

Jackson’s breakthrough game came in Week 15 against the Ravens, where his clutch plays helped the Chiefs secure a 24–21 victory. With the game tied 14–14 in the third quarter, Jackson entered the game and immediately made an impact: he hauled in an 18-yard pass on third-and-10, extending a drive that ended with a Chiefs field goal. In the fourth quarter, with the Chiefs clinging to a 20–14 lead, Jackson made the biggest play of his young career: he beat Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey on a slant route, catching a 12-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes and fighting through a tackle to reach the end zone for his first NFL touchdown. Jackson finished the game with 3 catches for 42 yards and 1 touchdown, and his performance earned him a spot on the Chiefs’ active roster for the next game against the Las Vegas Raiders. “Josh didn’t just fill in—he made plays that won us the game,” Mahomes said after the Ravens win. “When you’re a practice squad guy, it’s easy to mail it in, but Josh never did. He earned every bit of that touchdown.” Jackson’s ability to perform under pressure—against one of the NFL’s top defenses—proved to coaches that he belonged on the active roster. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus highlights his breakout game as the turning point in his journey.

In the weeks following his Ravens performance, Jackson continued to impress, solidifying his spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ active roster with consistent play. Against the Raiders in Week 16, he caught 4 passes for 56 yards, including a 23-yard deep ball that set up a Chiefs touchdown. In Week 17’s division-clinching win over the Denver Broncos, Jackson made a crucial third-down catch in the red zone, leading to another touchdown and helping the Chiefs secure the top seed in the AFC. Over three games, Jackson totaled 10 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns, and his 15.4 yards per catch average ranked second among Chiefs receivers (behind only Tyreek Hill). For the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson’s emergence wasn’t just a nice story—it was a strategic win. His speed gave the Chiefs a deep threat to replace Ross, and his reliability on third downs helped keep drives alive. “Josh has been a revelation,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “We knew he had talent, but we didn’t expect him to contribute this quickly. He’s become a key part of our offense, and we’re lucky to have him.” Jackson’s strong play also earned him the respect of his teammates, with Hill calling him “the hardest worker in the room” and Kelce praising his humility. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus emphasizes how Jackson’s consistency turned a temporary opportunity into a permanent spot.

Jackson’s success also highlighted the Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to find and develop hidden talent—a hallmark of their organization. The Chiefs have long been known for their ability to turn undrafted free agents and late-round picks into contributors, from Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce (a third-round pick) to Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes (a first-round pick, but one many teams passed on). Jackson’s journey fits this mold: the Chiefs saw potential in him that other teams missed, gave him a chance to develop on the practice squad, and trusted him to perform when called upon. General manager Brett Veach has often spoken about the importance of “scouting for character” as much as talent, and Jackson’s work ethic and attitude made him a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ culture. “We don’t just look at stats when evaluating players,” Veach said. “We look at how they work, how they handle adversity, and whether they fit our team culture. Josh checks all those boxes. He’s a Chief through and through.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson’s success is a reminder that talent can be found anywhere—if you’re willing to invest in it. It also gives the team confidence that their practice squad is full of players ready to step up when needed, a crucial advantage during the long NFL season. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus explores how Jackson’s story reflects the Chiefs’ commitment to player development.

Looking ahead, Jackson’s spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster is secure, and he’s poised to play an even bigger role in the team’s future. With Ross set to return from injury in the playoffs, Jackson will likely move into a rotational role, but his performance this season has shown coaches he can be trusted in key situations. Beyond 2025, Jackson has the potential to become a long-term contributor: his speed complements Hill and Toney, and his ability to make clutch catches makes him a valuable asset in the red zone and on third downs. For Jackson, earning a permanent spot on the Chiefs is just the beginning. “This is a dream come true,” he said. “But I’m not done yet. I want to keep working, keep getting better, and help this team win another Super Bowl. That’s why I’m here.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and hard work—a reminder that every player, no matter how they start their NFL career, can make a difference if they’re willing to put in the effort. As the Chiefs head into the playoffs, Jackson’s strong play has given them another weapon on offense, and his journey has become an inspiration for teammates and fans alike. Earns Spot with Strong Play for the Kansas City Chiefs thus concludes by emphasizing that Jackson’s success isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a win for the Chiefs’ culture, their player development system, and everyone who has ever chased a dream against the odds.