Leo Chenal Bio
Leo Chenal (born October 26, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). A two-time Super Bowl champion, he has become a dependable presence on Kansas City’s defense and special teams units. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing roughly 250 pounds, Chenal is known for his physicality, football instincts, and versatility. He has quickly grown from a third-round pick into a respected contributor on one of the league’s most successful franchises of the early 2020s.
Early Life and Background
Leo Chenal was born on October 26, 2000, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, a small community in the northwestern part of the state. He grew up in the nearby West Sweden, Wisconsin township and attended school in the Frederic, Wisconsin district. His upbringing in rural Wisconsin placed him in a tight-knit community where high school football carried significant local pride.
As a freshman, Chenal open-enrolled at nearby Grantsburg High School, where he played both running back and linebacker. His two-way role allowed him to develop a complete understanding of the game from the offensive and defensive perspectives. As a senior, he rushed for 2,038 yards and 42 touchdowns, added 226 receiving yards and three receiving scores, and added 120 tackles and seven tackles for loss on defense.
Chenal was named both the small-school Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and the state Gatorade Football Player of the Year. He finished his high school career with 3,706 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns, 1,300 receiving yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns on offense, along with 385 tackles, 55 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three interceptions on defense.
Path to American Football
Chenal joined the Wisconsin Badgers as an early enrollee, beginning his college career under head coach Paul Chryst. As a freshman, he played in 11 games and recorded 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, getting his first taste of Big Ten Conference football.
As a sophomore during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Chenal was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after posting 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception in seven games. His production showed he was ready to take on a larger role within the Badgers’ defense.
In his junior season, Chenal was named the Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten, cementing his status as one of the top linebackers in college football. On January 3, 2022, he announced he would forgo his senior year and enter the 2022 NFL draft.
Leo Chenal Career
Early Career (2022)
Chenal was selected in the third round, 103rd overall, by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut in the Chiefs’ regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, and he earned his first start in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He recorded his first professional sack in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He finished his rookie season with 35 total tackles and one sack across 17 games, including eight starts, easing into a defensive role under the Chiefs’ coaching staff. By season’s end, he had helped Kansas City reach and win the Super Bowl.
NFL Breakthrough (2022-2023)
In Super Bowl LVII, Chenal recorded six tackles and a sack as the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35, securing his first championship ring. His energy on the field helped the Chiefs’ defense contain key offensive moments for Philadelphia.
During the 2023 season, Chenal continued to grow as a rotational defender. In Super Bowl LVIII, he contributed six tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and a blocked extra point, helping Kansas City win 25-22 in overtime over the San Francisco 49ers. That second championship established him as a key contributor in the biggest moments.
His willingness to play on special teams and as a core defender earned him additional responsibility within the Chiefs’ defensive scheme.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2022-Present)
In Week 10 of the 2024 season, Chenal blocked a potential walk-off field goal from Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz, leading to him being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. The play illustrated his nose for the ball and his importance in Kansas City’s third phase of the game.
During the 2025 season, Chenal made 14 appearances with 12 starts and recorded one interception, two pass deflections, two sacks, and 58 combined tackles. After suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 20, 2025.
Through his first four NFL seasons, Chenal has become a respected linebacker who contributes on defense and in key special-teams situations for Kansas City.
Driving Style and Strengths
Chenal plays with the physicality of a downhill linebacker and the awareness of a coverage defender. His roots as a high school running back give him an offensive mind when diagnosing plays, while his experience at linebacker has sharpened his tackling and run-defense fundamentals. Coaches have praised his preparation and his ability to step into bigger roles when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Chenal’s signature moments include his blocked field goal against Denver in 2024 and his two Super Bowl wins. In Super Bowl LVII he posted six tackles and a sack, and in Super Bowl LVIII he recorded six tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked extra point. These performances marked him as a player capable of rising to the biggest stage.
Leo Chenal Career Wins
Chenal has captured two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning rings in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. He has yet to earn an individual NFL postseason award through the 2025 season.
NFL Highlights
Across his time with the Chiefs, Chenal has been a contributor to two championship runs. In his first two professional seasons, he appeared in back-to-back Super Bowls, finishing both with multiple tackles and game-changing defensive plays. His first Super Bowl victory came against the Philadelphia Eagles, and his second came against the San Francisco 49ers.
Other Wins & Performances
Chenal was a 2021 First-team All-American, the 2021 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, and a 2021 First-team All-Big Ten selection. His college honors preceded his selection by Kansas City in the 2022 NFL draft.
Leo Chenal Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chenal was raised in rural Wisconsin and attended school in the Frederic, Wisconsin district before open-enrolling at Grantsburg High School. His family supported his athletic development through high school, and his football journey in northwestern Wisconsin shaped his early career.
Personal Life
Chenal is based in the Kansas City area as a member of the Chiefs. Publicly available information about his personal relationships is limited.
2025 Season Performance
Chenal entered 2025 as a key contributor on Kansas City’s defense and special teams. Over 14 appearances, including 12 starts, he posted one interception, two pass deflections, two sacks, and 58 combined tackles, providing steady production throughout the year.
His standout defensive work and special teams impact remained central to Kansas City’s plans, until a shoulder injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers ended his season. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 20, 2025, concluding his 2025 campaign.
Looking ahead, Chenal’s role as a core linebacker and special teams contributor should keep him central to Kansas City’s defensive plans once he returns to full health.