The B.C. Lions signed running back Emani Bailey on Wednesday.
Emani Bailey is five foot seven and weighs 202 pounds. The 24-year-old from Dallas, Texas, was drafted by the Birmingham Stallions in the third round (24th pick) of the 2024 UFL College Draft.
Instead, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2024. In 2024, he had 10 carries for 29 yards and one catch for four yards in three preseason games. He was released on August 27, 2024, and he re-signed to the practice squad on August 28, 2024.
The Chiefs released him again on November 6, 2024. The Carolina Panthers signed Bailey to the practice squad on December 3, 2024. The Panthers re-signed Bailey on January 6, 2025. In 2025, he had 14 carries for 58 yards, one catch for -1 yard, and one kick return for 18 yards in three preseason games. The Panthers released him on August 25, 2025.
Collegiately, Bailey spent two seasons at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (2020-21) with 112 carries for 702 yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 43.9 yards per game, 15 catches for 153 yards, two kick returns for 13 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 16 games for the Ragin’ Cajuns. In 2021, he had 102 carries for 642 yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 15 catches for 153 yards, two kick returns for 13 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 13 games.
Then, he transferred to Texas Christian University (2022-23) with 254 carries for 1,459 yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 32 catches for 227 yards, and one touchdown in 24 games for the Horned Frogs. In 2023, he was named a Big 12 Honorable Mention after finishing the season with a career-high 223 carries for 1,209 yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 25 catches for 184 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games.
