HBCU Legends

'The Rock' Gives HBCU Star Badejo an XFL Shoutout on Twitter

HBCU defensive star Michael Badejo gets an XFL Shoutout from "The Rock."

Kyle T. Mosley

When Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson gives you a shoutout via Twitter, it makes the weeks of going undrafted and waiting for teams to call a little sweeter for HBCU star Michael Badejo.

Michael Badejo Rock Responds XFL 2

Twelve or more NFL and CFL teams had conversations with Badejo before the 2022 NFL Draft in April. Despite the interest, no team drafted the Texas Southern defensive end.  

Badejo said following the draft, his "agency got calls" and continued, but "no one pulled the trigger yet." 

It was difficult for him, family, former coaches, and most talent evaluators to understand why none of the 32 teams officially extended a rookie minicamp invitation.

Still, Badejo remained positive.

A few weeks later, Badejo messaged me, "still working out, thinking a CFL team will give me a chance pretty soon." Then, the good news hit his inbox. The XFL invited many HBCU, FCS, and FBS undrafted players to its regional showcases. Badejo was invited to the XFL Showcase for HBCU players at Jackson State on July 16 and the Texas Showcase on July 24. The other four showcases will be in Washington, DC, Florida, Hawai'i, and Arizona.

"Blessing in disguise! There's a reason I go the invite, and now it's time to show 'em who's Michael Badejo," he excitedly texted.

I have to Michael and his family credit. Although being overlooked was difficult, he never lost his faith and maintained his workout regimen.

He gave Dwayne Johnson his appreciation for the XFL gear on Saturday morning. "Thank you @XFL2023 @TheRock for the merchandise," Badejo posted.  

The XFL owner responded, "Get it!! I'll see you soon!

It was the icing on the cake for Badejo! "It's an amazing feeling to know 'The Rock' knows who I am...why I won't let him down."

Badejo and many others will have their opportunity to shine for the XFL teams in the showcases. That's all they wanted. More so, that's all any player ever needs...an opportunity.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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