Former Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal is a two-time Super Bowl champion in only two years in the NFL.
It helps to be drafted by a franchise led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes and play on one of the best defenses in the NFL. Though Chenal fell to the third round and 103rd pick of the 2022 NFL draft, he’s made the Chiefs’ brass look smart for selecting him.
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Through two seasons the former Badger has recorded 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits and four sacks. He has quickly become a valuable part of a stellar inside linebacker corps alongside Willie Gay and Nick Bolton.
One could argue it was his play that propelled the Chiefs to a 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl 58 Sunday night.
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First, Chenal forced 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to fumble on the first possession of the game.
Chiefs force a fumble! KC ball.
📺: #SBLVIII on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/dClcEDViWl pic.twitter.com/9qNL19g4KP— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024
Then, he blocked a San Francisco extra point to keep it a three-point game. That saved point allowed the Chiefs to force overtime and eventually take home the trophy.
This Leo Chenal blocked extra point was the turning point of the game! pic.twitter.com/kWF0zPjytM
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) February 12, 2024
Chenal finished the contest with six tackles, one tackle for loss, the forced fumble and a blocked extra point.
Brian Baldinger had a great breakdown of his entire night:
.@Chiefs @chenal_leo what an evening of great plays. If you need linebackers…head to #OnWisconsin. They train them well. @BadgerFootball @_TJWatt @nickherbig_ #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/tLMN4PccKA
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 12, 2024
Patrick Mahomes won Super Bowl MVP, but Chenal made some of the game’s most crucial plays.