Badgley’s journey with the Lions has been a tale of perseverance and resilience spanning two years. His initial foray began in 2022 when he joined the team’s practice squad.
Following his promotion to the active roster, he showcased his prowess by successfully converting 20 out of 24 field goal attempts in the final 12 games of the season.
In 2023, the Lions opted to introduce several contenders to vie for the starting kicker position, among them Riley Patterson and John Parker Romo. Badgley found himself released before the commencement of training camp, only to be re-signed to the practice squad as the season kicked off.
Although Patterson initially assumed the role of the team’s kicker for the 2023 season, Badgley reclaimed the position after a mid-season showdown.
“Throughout a span of six weeks, Badgley consistently outperformed his competitors, and we chose not to rush into a decision,” explained special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. “We believed in affording him a fair opportunity, and it became evident that he was the stronger player.”
Badgley validated this decision by maintaining a perfect record during the regular season, converting all four field goals and 13 out of 15 extra points (one being blocked).
In the playoffs, his reliability persisted as he successfully converted three out of three field goals, notably including a pivotal 54-yard kick during Detroit’s Wild Card triumph over the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite Badgley’s reinstatement, the Lions may explore additional options at the kicker position for the forthcoming 2024 season, ensuring healthy competition and depth in the roster.
