KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Leo Chenal, the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting strongside linebacker, may be a defensive stalwart now, but his football roots lie on the offensive side of the ball, much like his teammate, the legendary Travis Kelce. This shared connection perhaps explains why, as a wide-eyed NFL rookie in 2022, Chenal impulsively asked Kelce for his jersey, like a young fan reaching out at a training camp. Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, promised to deliver but forgot amid the whirlwind of the season. Chenal, undeterred, waited patiently for the right moment to try again.
That moment arrived in dramatic fashion during Week 10 of the 2024 season at Arrowhead Stadium. With one second left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz lined up for a potential game-winning 35-yard field goal. Chenal, with his 9¾-inch right hand, collapsed the left side of the Broncos’ line, blocking the kick and securing a thrilling 16-14 victory for the Chiefs, who improved to 9-0. The play was a turning point, not just for the game, but for Chenal’s confidence to approach Kelce once more.
“I thought, ‘Now’s my opportunity. Maybe he’ll say yes this time,’” Chenal recounted in ESPN’s docuseries, The Kingdom. “So, I walk up to him, I’m so nervous. I’m like, ‘Hey, man, I’m wondering; I made a big play. I’ve been waiting a couple years for this. Is there any way I can get that jersey, a signed jersey, now?’”
Kelce didn’t hesitate this time. He handed over the jersey—grass stains and all—straight from his back, and personalized it with a heartfelt message: “Leo! My brother forever. One of the best on and off the gridiron! Love the way you come to work every day. Always grind!!” The jersey’s value went beyond sentiment; earlier in that same game, Kelce had caught his 76th touchdown pass in a Chiefs uniform, tying Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record. For Chenal, the keepsake was priceless, a memento to share with his family for generations.
“He’s a special dude,” Chenal said after a recent practice, reflecting on Kelce’s impact. “When you talk about the greats but also being a great person, it’s an honor even being his teammate. And to call him a friend is pretty cool, too.”
From Touchdown Machine to Defensive Star
Chenal’s appreciation for touchdowns runs deep. Growing up in Grantsburg, Wisconsin—a town of just 1,300 people—he was a high school phenom, amassing 3,706 rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns as a 240-pound running back, along with 17 touchdown receptions. Named the state’s Gatorade Small-School Player of the Year in 2019 for both offense and defense, Chenal was a force on both sides of the ball. However, when he arrived at the University of Wisconsin, his offensive days were behind him. The Badgers already had Jonathan Taylor, a star running back, and Chenal’s older brother, John, was a sophomore fullback. Leo transitioned to inside linebacker, where he excelled, earning a third-round selection (103rd overall) by the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Now, as a key piece of Kansas City’s defense, Chenal is part of a talented 2022 draft class that includes cornerback Trent McDuffie, defensive end George Karlaftis, and safety Bryan Cook. This group has a chance to make history as the first NFL players to start their careers with four consecutive Super Bowl appearances since the Buffalo Bills’ class of 1990.
A Keepsake Worth Waiting For
Chenal’s pursuit of Kelce’s jersey wasn’t just about collecting a trophy—it was about timing, persistence, and seizing the moment. His blocked field goal against Denver wasn’t just a game-saver; it was the spark that gave him the courage to ask again. That jersey, now a cherished artifact, symbolizes more than a single play or a single game. It represents the bond between teammates, the grind of an NFL season, and the legacy of a player like Kelce, whose influence extends far beyond the stat sheet.
For Chenal, the wait was worth it. “Having that memory that I’ll share with my family for generations to come is huge,” he said, “and something I’ll always look back and smile on.” As the Chiefs chase a historic fourth consecutive Super Bowl berth, Chenal’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable keepsakes come from the moments you dare to seize.