In a season already marred by setbacks and uncertainty, the Kansas City Chiefs have been hit with another emotional blow. Linebacker Leo Chenal, a key contributor to the team’s defense and a two-time Super Bowl champion, has sparked widespread speculation about his future with the franchise after sharing a poignant post on Instagram. The message, overlaid with the melancholic tune “If This Is the Last Time” by LANY, features a montage of his triumphant moments in a Chiefs uniform, hinting that his time at Arrowhead Stadium may be drawing to a close.
The Chiefs, once the undisputed kings of the NFL, are facing their toughest challenge in over a decade. For the first time since 2015, Kansas City will miss the playoffs entirely, snapping a remarkable streak of postseason appearances. Their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for a fourth consecutive year have been dashed, largely due to a devastating injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL earlier in the season, sidelining him for the remainder of 2025 and potentially much of 2026, depending on his rehabilitation progress. This injury has not only crippled the team’s on-field performance but has also signaled the beginning of a potential rebuild for what was recently hailed as the league’s newest dynasty.
Amid this backdrop of change and decline, Chenal’s social media activity has added fuel to the fire. Posted on Wednesday, the Instagram story showcases highlights from his tenure with the Chiefs, including game-winning plays and celebratory moments with teammates. The choice of song lyrics—”if this is the last time”—has led fans and analysts alike to interpret it as a farewell gesture. Chenal, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has not commented publicly on the post, leaving room for speculation about whether he’s eyeing a move to another team in search of new opportunities or a bigger contract.
Drafted in the third round out of the University of Wisconsin in the 2022 NFL Draft, Chenal quickly established himself as a reliable force on Kansas City’s defense. Before entering the pros, he earned the title of Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2021 with the Badgers, showcasing his athleticism and tenacity. Since joining the Chiefs, he’s been instrumental in their back-to-back Super Bowl victories, evolving from a rotational player to a starter. In the 2025 season alone, Chenal has recorded three sacks—ranking him 13th among linebackers—along with 31 solo tackles and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s the 21st-ranked linebacker in the NFL this year and has logged more snaps than over half of his positional peers, underscoring his dependability on a defense that’s remained a bright spot amid the team’s struggles.
As the Chiefs navigate this transitional period, Chenal’s potential departure could mark another fracture in the foundation of their empire. While the team isn’t in complete ruins, the cracks are widening: key players aging, injuries mounting, and free agents like Chenal possibly seeking greener pastures. Fans at Arrowhead are left wondering if this is indeed the end of an era or merely a temporary setback. Only time—and perhaps Chenal’s next move—will tell. For now, his emotional message serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest dynasties must eventually adapt or fade.