HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment After Rookie Leaves Preseason Game vs Cardinals Early for Not Playing

Kansas City, MO – August 10, 2025 — The Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals was supposed to be a chance for roster hopefuls to showcase their value. Instead, it ended with head coach Andy Reid issuing a sharp reminder about what it means to wear red and gold.

On Saturday night, an undrafted rookie defensive tackle left the stadium before the game’s conclusion after not seeing the field. The decision caught both teammates and coaches by surprise, leading to immediate disciplinary action.

That player was Coziah Izzard, a rookie out of Penn State who appeared in 51 games (seven starts) over five seasons for the Nittany Lions, compiling 78 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.

“You don’t walk out on the Red and Gold just because your number wasn’t called. This is a team sport — in Kansas City, commitment comes first. If you can’t stand on the sideline with your brothers, you don’t belong in this locker room,” Reid said postgame.

As a result, Izzard will be suspended for the Chiefs’ remaining two preseason games and will be required to practice in isolation for the rest of the week — with no direct coaching or teammate interaction.

Kansas City signed Izzard as part of its undrafted free agent class, intrigued by his size, strength, and run-stopping potential in the interior. For an undrafted rookie, every preseason rep — even time spent on the sideline — is crucial to building trust.

The decision to leave early now places Izzard on a steeper uphill climb. With a deep defensive line rotation already in place, missing valuable evaluation time could significantly impact his chances of making the final 53-man roster.

With two preseason games left before cutdown day, Reid’s message is clear: in Kansas City, the privilege of wearing the red and gold is earned through commitment, discipline, and standing shoulder to shoulder with your teammates until the final whistle.