Last summer, Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele set the NFL world ablaze. The undrafted rookie out of UCLA turned heads in training camp, snagging jaw-dropping catches and bulldozing defenders with a ferocity that screamed star potential. His electrifying performances earned him a rare honor: a spot on the reigning Super Bowl champions’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). For Chiefs fans, Steele became an instant fan favorite, a beacon of grit and hustle in a city that thrives on passion.
But Steele’s rookie season didn’t unfold like a Hollywood script. Despite a golden opportunity following Isiah Pacheco’s injury, Steele’s stat line—209 yards from scrimmage—fell short of the lofty expectations set by his preseason heroics. Ball security issues, including three fumbles, and a modest 3.3 yards per carry clipped his wings as a primary back. Yet, the fire in Steele’s eyes never dimmed, and this summer, he’s sending a clear message: he’s back, stronger than ever, and ready to rewrite his story.
On July 10, Steele took to social media with a simple but powerful declaration: “💯 back to it.” Accompanying his post was a video that left Chiefs Kingdom buzzing—a clip of the second-year pro squatting a monstrous amount of weight in the gym. While the exact poundage wasn’t specified, a quick glance at the barbell, loaded with four 45-pound plates on each side plus additional blue plates, suggests Steele was hoisting well over 400 pounds with ease. Two clean reps, a steely focus, and a glimpse of raw power had fans losing their minds.
“Let’s go Boss!” one fan roared in the comments. “Way to go, Carson!” another cheered. A third summed it up perfectly: “BEAST MODE 👍🏻💪🏼.” The excitement is palpable, and for good reason—Steele’s work ethic and physicality signal a player determined to seize his second chance.
A Fierce Battle for a Roster Spot
Steele’s path to the Chiefs’ 2025 Week 1 roster is anything but guaranteed. Kansas City’s front office was relentless this offseason, bolstering their running back room with a mix of veterans and fresh talent. Isiah Pacheco returns as the undisputed starter, while Kareem Hunt was re-signed, Elijah Mitchell was added in free agency, and rookie Brashard Smith was drafted to deepen the position. For Steele, the competition is a gauntlet, and every rep in training camp will count.
💯 back to it.. pic.twitter.com/zAWQLW5y7x
— Carson Steele (@carsonsteele30) July 10, 2025
Last season, Steele showed flashes of brilliance when Pacheco went down, even earning a few starts. But his ball security woes cut his stint atop the depth chart short. Despite those struggles, Steele proved his worth beyond the offensive backfield. He logged 137 snaps on special teams, showcasing his versatility across four different units under coordinator Dave Toub. His 5 kick returns, averaging an impressive 27.6 yards per return, were a bright spot and a potential lifeline for his roster hopes.
Steele’s Secret Weapon: Special Teams Prowess
In a crowded running back room, Steele’s special teams contributions could be his ticket to the 53-man roster. Neither Kareem Hunt nor Elijah Mitchell has a history of playing special teams—Hunt has zero career snaps in that phase, and Mitchell has just three from his rookie year. Meanwhile, Pacheco hasn’t played special teams since becoming the Chiefs’ lead back. This gives Steele a unique edge. While rookie Brashard Smith may also get looks as a returner, it’s unlikely the Chiefs would keep multiple backup running backs who don’t contribute on special teams. Steele’s ability to impact kick returns, coverage units, and more makes him a valuable Swiss Army knife.
Beyond special teams, Steele’s versatility as a potential running back, fullback, or pass-catcher out of the backfield adds another layer to his case. His bruising running style and soft hands make him a multifaceted threat, capable of filling multiple roles in Andy Reid’s creative offense.
A Summer to Define His Legacy
As training camp looms, Steele’s monster gym sessions are a bold statement: he’s not just fighting for a roster spot; he’s gunning to make an undeniable impact. Chiefs fans, still buzzing from his breakout preseason last year, are rallying behind their underdog. “Rooting for you, Carson!” one supporter posted, echoing the sentiment of a fanbase eager to see their blue-collar hero shine.
Steele’s journey is a testament to resilience. From an undrafted rookie defying the odds to a second-year pro facing a stacked depth chart, he’s no stranger to uphill battles. If his latest training video is any indication, Steele is ready to channel that raw power into a breakout 2025 season. Will he lock down a roster spot and carve out a bigger role in Kansas City’s high-octane offense? One thing’s for sure—this summer, Carson Steele is leaving it all on the line, and Chiefs Kingdom can’t wait to see what’s next.