Chiefs WR used colorful words to assert why he should be on a 53-man NFL roster

Ihmir Smith-Marsette picked up the Facetime call at his locker, then looked into his phone and told his buddy that he’d have to wait a few minutes before they could talk.

The Kansas City Chiefs receiver then held up the camera to show about 10 reporters gathering to interview him following KC’s 33-32 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

Smith-Marsette hung up the call, then smiled while turning back toward the cameras — getting the type of attention that comes after you go for four catches, 101 yards and a touchdown while trying to secure a roster spot.

“First two (NFL) years were rocky. And just getting my feet up under me, going into my third one, and just having that mindset of knowing who I am and what I’m really capable of,” Smith-Marsette said. “And then just going out there and putting it out there on display ... it’s been a hell of a ride. And this is just the start.”

Smith-Marsette wasn’t finished talking about his belief in his abilities.

He was asked a follow-up question: “You said you know who you are. Who do you think you are as a receiver?”

Smith-Marsette answered quickly — and bluntly.

“One of the baddest (dudes) in the league,” he said. “That’s all I’m gonna say.”

No, Smith-Marsette did not say “dudes.” And even the cameras being around didn’t stop him from delivering the obscenity that best reflected his feelings.

Even in a crowded Chiefs receivers room, Smith-Marsette thinks he “most definitely” should earn a spot on the team’s initial 53 — or some other NFL team’s if the Chiefs decide to pass.

“I feel like I made it hard for them (decision-wise),” Smith-Marsette said. “And then, the other 31 teams out there, they get to see what I did today and last week. So I definitely feel like I proved myself just a little bit.”

Smith-Marsette’s big effort Saturday included separate catches of 28, 30 and 43 yards. Each of those receptions came from quarterback Blaine Gabbert, with the 43-yard one going for a touchdown.

The explosive plays also incorporated Smith-Marsette’s flair, as he often supplied post-catch celebrations.

“Just going out there and being myself,” Smith-Marsette said. “Coach (Andy) Reid always preaches, ‘Let your personality show,’ and I hope y’all was watching, because I just go out there and be myself. That’s one thing I love about being here: I just get to be myself and go out there and ball.”

This makes two straight weeks where Smith-Marsette led KC in receiving. In the last game — at Arizona — Smith-Marsette caught four passes for 92 yards before getting some postgame locker-room props from general manager Brett Veach.

Other NFL teams will likely take notice should the Chiefs elect not to keep the former Iowa wideout. Smith-Marsette’s 195 preseason receiving yards are the most of any player who’s played three exhibition games or fewer this season. Also worth noting: His Pro Football Focus grade was the highest in preseason Week 2 of any NFL receiver.

The Chiefs aren’t likely to have room for Smith-Marsette — he turns 24 later this week — unless they do some roster shuffling. Reid has never kept more than six receivers on his initial roster, and even if he pushes that to seven this year, reserving Smith-Marsette likely would mean moving on from an unexpected player like Justin Watson or Justyn Ross.

The 6-foot-1 Smith-Marsette — a former fifth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings — joined the Chiefs’ practice squad halfway through last season and was elevated to the active roster for two games.

All being equal, he said he’d prefer to stay with KC.

“I want to be here 100%. You don’t see what’s going on? Definitely (want to stay),” Smith-Marsette said. “I love all my teammates, man, and the relationships I’ve built with them over this past year, winning a Super Bowl. I just feel like this is somewhere I can see myself on the long term.”

Smith-Marsette said some of his family is in town, which will help him over the next few days. The deadline for roster cuts is 3 p.m. Tuesday, and he admitted it would be “stressful” as he waited for the Chiefs’ decision.

The reality of the situation remains what it’s been for a few weeks. Smith-Marsette knows the Chiefs have a surplus of talented receivers, meaning there’s a possibility his next opportunity might come elsewhere next week.

“That’s just how the game plays out. I got no control over that,” Smith-Marsette said. “If it plays out that way, I’m gonna give my best foot forward to the next team.

“And hopefully they let my personality show too.”