It hasn’t always been pretty this season, but the Kansas City Chiefs just find ways to win out of nowhere. That couldn’t have been more true during Sunday’s Week 10 game against the Broncos.
The win was so improbable — the Broncos looking at a 35-yard field goal with one second to go — that it gave the unlikely hero the courage to do something he’s wanted to do since 2022 … ask for Travis Kelce’s jersey.
Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal bulldozed through the Broncos’ kick protection and got his hand on the 35-yard attempt to preserve Kansas City’s perfect record. After the game, he broke down the team huddle for the first time in his NFL career. And then, he went up to the future Hall of Fame tight end.
IT'S BLOCKED! @CHIEFS WIN! STILL UNDEFEATED! pic.twitter.com/hMLhAgbRpf
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024
The Athletic described what happened:
Once coach Reid finished his postgame remarks, he let Chenal break down the team’s final huddle, a first-time moment in his career. A few minutes later, before his postgame shower, Chenal asked Kelce for something he’s wanted since his rookie season.
Just before Chenal left the locker room, Kelce, still shirtless, gave his teammate the memento he wanted: his red, game-worn No. 87 jersey with his signature and a short message to Chenal written in black Sharpie on the white No. 7.
“I’ve been waiting for the right time,” Chenal said, smiling. “I felt I earned it.
Oh, he definitely earned it.