Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal is becoming one of the NFL’s brightest young stars on defense. The 24-year-old recently made his name known to the rest of the league after blocking a potential game-winning kick against the Denver Broncos.
Thanks to Chenal’s heroics, the Chiefs remain undefeated on the season at 9-0. The attention is well-deserved for a player who has worked hard to improve year by year. Now Chenal is emerging as one of the NFL’s most versatile defenders.
Chiefs Linebacker Leo Chenal Is a Star in the Making
Who is Chiefs Linebacker Leo Chenal?
The Chiefs selected Chenal in the third round of the 2022 draft. When Nick Bolton went down with an injury, the rookie out of Wisconsin was asked to step up and perform early. Chenal experienced growing pains but showed signs of growth throughout the year.
Chenal lost his starting role upon Bolton’s return. However, his dominance on Special Teams kept his value and opportunities alive.
A Real Game-Changer
Now a regular starter, Chenal has become a steady contributor to an elite Chiefs defense. He currently has 33 tackles this season, along with three pass deflections and two forced fumbles. As seen against the Broncos, Chenal is still a huge playmaker on Special Teams.
Last Sunday’s walk-off wasn’t the first time Leo Chenal determined the outcome of a game by blocking a kick. He also blocked the PAT in last year’s Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. That one point kept off the board allowed the Chiefs to tie the game late and win in overtime.
How Chiefs Set Up Leo Chenal’s Blocked FG
What makes Leo Chenal so adept at blocking kicks is his incredible strength. He is widely regarded as the strongest player on the Chiefs and perhaps the entire NFL. After his last-second block, Patrick Mahomes called Chenal “extremely strong”, saying “He’s got the strength of a D-Lineman but he plays the linebacker position… We call him John Cena.”
Chenal’s strength was on full display during his blocked kick against Denver. He ran over Broncos’ guard Alex Forsythe with explosive power before reaching the football.
In fact, the Chiefs attacked that position on nearly all kick attempts with Chenal and he got through each time. The blocked field goal was gameplanned by the Chiefs’ coaching staff and Chenal made the big play at the perfect moment.
A Bright Future Ahead
Still, in just his third NFL season, Leo Chenal is starting to unlock his full potential. With his versatility, clutch factor, and consistent improvement, Andy Reid and the Chiefs are excited about what the future holds for the promising young linebacker.
Chenal is also in a perfect situation, learning under Steve Spagnuolo and receiving guidance from a Hall of Fame veteran in Chris Jones. Together with Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquil, Chenal completes a young linebacker trio that will lead the Chiefs’ defense for years to come.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
