Rice DE Ikenna Enechukwu hopes to end up with his hometown #Chiefs in the NFL, but he realizes he could end up chasing after Patrick Mahomes instead. | from @EdEastonJr
The impact of the Kansas City Chiefs on their community of fans is undeniable and a significant part of the team’s legendary history. The success over the last few seasons has garnered new fans, but there are still plenty who grew up watching the franchise.
Draft prospect Ikenna Enechukwu is a Kansas City native that made a name for himself at local Ruskin High School. He eventually attended Rice University, becoming an integral part of the Owl’s defense.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Enechukwu about growing up a Chiefs fan and the prospect of playing with or matching up against his Patrick Mahomes.
“I love it, man,” said Enechukwu. “Ever since I started playing football, I was just always a big Chiefs fan, like I was like waiting to see them win. Like I was so excited the first time they won (the Super Bowl). The second time they won, I’m still excited. And there’s always gonna be, like, anybody that grows up in Kansas City, likes the Chiefs. There’s always gonna be something different because there were times (when) they weren’t doing good. And now they brought a lot of attention to the city, but a lot of good publicity.”
Watching the Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles, Enechukwu had a startling revelation about his future as a fan of the Chiefs.
“I might not even play for the Chiefs,” said Enechukwu. “And I was watching the game, I was like, ‘Man, this might be my last time rooting for the Chiefs. I’m the one that might have to chase down Patrick Mahomes, and then I might not be a big fan of him anymore.'”
As a fifth-year senior at Rice, Enechukwu finished with 19 tackles, eight assists, and 17 stops. When rushing the passer, he had 29 total pressures, which included three sacks on the season.
Enechukwu confirmed that he did have a meeting with Kansas City’s decision-makers at the combine, so there is a chance the hometown product will only need to chase Patrick Mahomes in practice after the NFL Draft in April.
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