The Kansas City Chiefs are saying goodbye to one of the more intriguing stories from their 2024 roster, as running back Carson Steele has signed a reserve/future contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a fresh start for a player who carved out a niche in Kansas City, even if it never quite turned into a featured role.
Steele’s path to the NFL wasn’t lined with draft-day fanfare. The former UCLA Bruin went undrafted in 2024 but quickly made waves in rookie minicamp and training camp.
From the jump, he earned respect in the locker room and turned enough heads on the field to secure a spot on the preseason roster. Though he was cut before the regular season kicked off, the Chiefs kept him close, stashing him on the practice squad for the entire 2025 campaign.
While he never got the call-up during the regular season, Steele did see game action in 2024, racking up 183 yards on 56 carries. His role was a hybrid one - part running back, part fullback - and he was used in a variety of short-yardage and between-the-tackles situations.
Early fumble issues cost him some trust, and once the Chiefs brought in veteran Kareem Hunt, Steele’s opportunities diminished. Still, he showed flashes of the physical, no-nonsense running style that made him a standout at UCLA.
One of the more endearing parts of Steele’s time in Kansas City had nothing to do with what he did on the field. Chiefs fans quickly became enamored with his pet - a unique companion named Crocky J - who became something of a cult favorite in Chiefs Kingdom. That off-field charm, combined with his old-school, bruising approach to the game, helped Steele build a following despite limited playing time.
During his stint with the Chiefs, Steele made a full transition to fullback - a move that suited his downhill running style and willingness to embrace contact. He earned praise from teammates and coaches for his toughness in short-yardage situations, and while he didn’t get many chances to showcase it in regular-season games, the potential was there.
Now, with a new opportunity in Philadelphia, Steele gets a chance to reboot his NFL journey. For Kansas City, it’s the end of a brief but memorable chapter. For Steele, it’s a shot to turn potential into production - and maybe bring Crocky J along for another ride.