1997 NFL Combine and Draft Badger was invited to the 1997 NFL Combine held at the
RCA Dome in
Indianapolis. Badger's
20-yard shuttle time of 4.13 seconds was the fastest of any offensive lineman that year, and to this day is still the fastest time by any offensive guard or tackle officially timed at the NFL Combine, having only been matched in 2017 by Jessamen Dunker of Tennessee State. Initially projected to be a late first day selection, Badger was selected in the fifth round on day two of the
1997 NFL draft by the
Washington Redskins. {{nfl predraft
Washington Redskins Badger started the season opener in his rookie season at right guard against the Carolina Panthers. He filled in for starter Tre Johnson, who was recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. In that start, Badger helped the Redskins to 198 rushing yards, their third-highest output of the season. He finished the season as a reserve, playing in 12 games. In Badger's second season, offensive line coach and former Redskins all-pro guard
Russ Grimm and head coach
Norv Turner, shuffled the offensive line around and moved Badger to left tackle. After ten starts at left tackle, Badger was moved back inside to left guard. He started all 16 games in 1998. In year three for Badger in DC, he was primarily used as a backup at offensive guard. He played in 14 games, missing 2 with an ankle injury, and started 4 games.
Minnesota Vikings After playing for the Redskins for three seasons, Badger was signed by the
Minnesota Vikings as a restricted free agent on April 10, 2000. The Redskins chose to not match the Vikings offer, and received a fifth round pick as compensation from the Vikings. Badger played exclusively as a backup in 2000 for the Vikings. In 2001, he moved into the starting lineup after longtime incumbent
Todd Steussie was released for cap considerations. Badger started 12 of 13 games at tackle, while battling injuries throughout the season.
Oakland Raiders On April 11, 2002, Badger was signed to a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent by the
Oakland Raiders. Badger played exclusively as a backup in 2002, however he did appear in
Super Bowl XXXVII where the Raiders were defeated by the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his second season with the Raiders, Badger appeared in all 16 games at guard, starting 11 of them. In five seasons playing for the Raiders, Badger played in 62 games, starting 31 of them. Badger was released by the Raiders on April 21, 2007.
Arizona Cardinals After early pre-season injuries occurred on the
Arizona Cardinals offensive line, the Cardinals needed to bolster there roster and Badger was signed on August 14, 2007. Badger was released by the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2007. As a vested veteran, the Cardinals would have been required to guarantee Badger's salary if he remained on the week one roster. Badger was quickly re-signed on September 13, 2007. He was cut again by the Arizona Cardinals on October 30, 2007. ==Personal life==