KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, undrafted rookie Carson Steele stood out during the team’s only first-half scoring drive. Steele, hailing from UCLA and known for his unique name and pet alligator in Indiana, made an immediate impact with an impressive 18-yard run on the first play, followed by a 32-yard dash to the end zone on the second play.
“It’s a blessing,” Steele said about scoring at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. “That’s the first word that comes to mind, especially hearing the screams. It was just awesome.”
However, his joy was short-lived as the touchdown was reviewed and subsequently overturned, with officials determining he stepped out of bounds just short of the goal line.
“I was hurting for a second,” Steele reflected on the setback. “It was tough.”
Undeterred, Steele was determined to capitalize on the next opportunity. “I was breathing hard, but I knew being on the goal line, that’s my go-to,” he noted. “I would have been mad at the QB if he tried to pull it on me.”
Following the review, Steele received the ball again and powered through for a 1-yard touchdown, contributing all 50 yards during the drive that took just three plays.
Throughout the preseason, Steele amassed 11 carries for 87 yards and demonstrated his versatility as a kickoff returner, highlighted by a 29-yard return in this final game. He also made a notable tackle on the opening kickoff, marking his first tackle since his freshman year in high school.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I didn’t want to tell the coaches, but that’s the first tackle I’ve made since middle school. I need to work on my form a little.”
Initially, Steele seemed like a long shot to make the team, but he focused on improving his performance daily and embracing every challenge given by the coaching staff.
“Being an undrafted player on a two-time championship team, you really don’t know what to expect,” Steele admitted.
Having enjoyed a successful college career, where he rushed for 847 yards and six touchdowns in his final season at UCLA, Steele now feels confident about securing a spot on the Chiefs’ opening day roster.
“I really hope I’ve shown them what I can do,” he expressed.
Steele’s journey has seen him transition from a rising star at Ball State—where he rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, and followed up with 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns the next season—to the cusp of a professional career.
Now, he hopes to find housing in Kansas City that will allow him to keep his pet alligator, affectionately named “Crocky J.”
“Hopefully, Kansas lets me have him out,” Steele said. “That’s been a goal of mine.”