Mike Pennel Bio
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr., known professionally as Mike Pennel, is an American professional football nose tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 9, 1991, in Topeka, Kansas, he has built a long career as an interior defensive lineman after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Over more than a decade in professional football, Pennel has appeared for multiple franchises and contributed to two Super Bowl championship teams. He is widely respected for his size, length, and run-stopping ability at the line of scrimmage.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 330 pounds, Pennel uses his physical profile to anchor the middle of defensive lines. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2025, marking his return to the franchise where he previously earned two championship rings. Throughout stops with several organizations, he has remained a consistent rotational presence on defensive fronts.
Early Life and Background
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. was born on May 9, 1991, in Topeka, Kansas, though he later grew up in Colorado. He attended Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, where he developed into a promising defensive lineman. His combination of size and mobility drew attention from college programs, setting the stage for an unconventional path through the collegiate ranks.
After high school, Pennel played college football for the Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he suited up for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He was suspended indefinitely by Arizona State in 2012 for comments he made over Twitter, prompting a transfer to Colorado State University Pueblo. With the CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves, he continued his development and ultimately declared for the 2014 NFL draft following his senior season.
Path to American Football
Pennel’s route to professional football was shaped by resilience and multiple transitions. His junior college experience at Scottsdale Community College gave him a foundation, while his time at Arizona State exposed him to a higher level of competition in the Pac-12. Following his suspension in 2012, the transfer to Colorado State University Pueblo allowed him to reset his career and showcase his skills in a smaller program.
His performance at CSU Pueblo attracted professional scouts, although his draft stock was not high enough to be selected. Despite going unselected in the 2014 NFL draft, Pennel signed with the Green Bay Packers on May 12, 2014, as an undrafted free agent. His ability to make the Packers’ 53-man roster alongside fellow undrafted player Jayrone Elliott marked the start of a decade-long professional career.
Mike Pennel Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Pennel began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers in 2014, appearing in 13 games and recording 8 tackles as a rookie. In 2015, he appeared in all 16 games with 5 starts, registering 24 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble while becoming a regular contributor on Green Bay’s defensive line.
His Packers tenure was cut short by off-field issues. On February 19, 2016, Pennel was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and he was later suspended for the final four games of the same season for a second violation. He finished 2016 with seven tackles and a pass defended before being released by the Packers on January 9, 2017.
New York Jets Era (2017–2018)
On February 6, 2017, Pennel was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He re-signed with the Jets on March 16, 2017, and went on to play in all 16 games that season, recording a career-high 35 tackles. His production and durability earned him a longer commitment from the franchise.
On March 16, 2018, Pennel signed a three-year contract with the Jets. However, on February 19, 2019, the Jets declined the option on his contract, making him a free agent at the start of the new league year.
New England Patriots (2019)
On March 14, 2019, Pennel signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots. His time in New England was brief, as he was released by the team on August 26, 2019, before the regular season began.
Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2019–2020)
On October 19, 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Pennel, giving him an opportunity to contribute on a contending roster. On January 19, 2020, he helped the Chiefs defeat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game. In Super Bowl LIV, Pennel recorded one tackle in Kansas City’s 31–20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, earning his first Super Bowl championship ring.
On April 6, 2020, Pennel re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year contract. He was suspended for the first two games of the 2020 season and was reinstated on September 23, 2020, before being activated to the roster.
Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons (2021–2022)
On June 18, 2021, Pennel signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears but was placed on injured reserve on August 24 and released on August 31, 2021. On September 15, 2021, he was signed to the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons. He was promoted to the Falcons’ active roster on October 5, 2021, after cornerback Isaiah Oliver suffered a knee injury in Week 4 against the Washington Football Team.
On June 13, 2022, Pennel signed again with the Chicago Bears. After being released and re-signed to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster on September 12, 2022. In Week 6 against the New England Patriots, he was ejected for delivering a blind-sided block that concussed center David Andrews. Pennel appeared in all 17 games for the Bears, recording 26 total tackles and one forced fumble.
Return to Kansas City (2023–2024)
On October 24, 2023, Pennel was signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad, beginning his second stint with the franchise. He helped Kansas City reach Super Bowl LVIII, where the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 25–22, giving Pennel his second Super Bowl ring. He recorded six tackles in the game and was instrumental in limiting the effectiveness of San Francisco’s running game in the second half. On March 13, 2024, Pennel re-signed with the Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals and Current Team (2025)
On March 24, 2025, Pennel re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year contract but was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. On September 1, 2025, he was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, elevated to the active roster for Week 1, and signed to the active roster on September 9. On October 28, 2025, Pennel requested and was granted his release by the Bengals. Shortly thereafter, on October 29, 2025, he was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ active roster, returning to the franchise for a third stint.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a nose tackle, Pennel’s primary strengths lie in occupying blockers, clogging running lanes, and using his length to disrupt passing lanes. His size and leverage make him effective against the run, while his experience in multiple defensive schemes allows him to contribute as a rotational piece in passing situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pennel is a two-time Super Bowl champion, having won rings with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII. His six tackles in Super Bowl LVIII highlighted his role in the Chiefs’ defensive effort against the 49ers, and his long professional journey from undrafted free agent to championship contributor stands as a defining storyline of his career.
Mike Pennel Career Wins
Mike Pennel’s professional career is highlighted by two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs. While he is not a prolific statistical leader, his value as a run-stopping nose tackle has earned him roles on multiple competitive rosters across the league.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his Super Bowl titles, Pennel has been a consistent presence in regular-season rotations, playing in all 16 games for the Jets in 2017 and all 17 games for the Bears in 2022. His ability to remain available and productive across multiple teams remains one of the hallmarks of his career.
Mike Pennel Family
Personal Life
Public details about Mike Pennel’s personal life are limited. He was born Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. and has spent much of his professional career navigating team transitions while remaining committed to his craft as a defensive lineman.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been marked by movement for Pennel, beginning with a one-year contract re-signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in March before he was released as part of final roster cuts in August. He quickly found a new opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals, joining their practice squad and earning elevation to the active roster for Week 1 of the regular season.
After being released by the Bengals on October 28, 2025, Pennel returned to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 29, 2025, signing with the team’s active roster. The move reunited him with a familiar franchise and a defensive line in need of interior depth for the stretch run of the season.
As a veteran presence on the Chiefs’ defensive front, Pennel is expected to contribute in a rotational role behind established starters. His experience in big games, including two Super Bowl victories, positions him as a reliable depth piece for Kansas City’s pursuit of another championship in 2025.