When the confetti fell at the end of Super Bowl LVIII, there were plenty of Chiefs players who deserved their moment in the spotlight-but linebacker Leo Chenal made sure his impact wasn’t just felt, it was remembered.
Chenal delivered two of the game’s most crucial plays in the fourth quarter: a forced fumble and a blocked extra point that kept Kansas City within striking distance. That blocked kick?
It didn’t just save a point-it preserved momentum at a time when every inch mattered. In a game of inches, Chenal gave the Chiefs just enough to keep their championship hopes alive.
And if that felt familiar, it should. Chiefs fans remember another signature moment from Chenal last season, when he got a hand on a potential game-winning field goal by the Broncos at Arrowhead.
That play lit up the stadium and cemented his reputation as a big-moment player. He’s not just a linebacker-he’s a spark plug who shows up when the lights are brightest.
But Chenal’s legend in Kansas City isn’t just built on plays between the lines. After the Chiefs took home the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVII, he gave fans an unforgettable off-the-field moment by scaling the side of a double-decker bus during the victory parade. It was raw, unfiltered joy-the kind of thing that makes players larger than life in the eyes of the fans.
You might not see a sea of No. 54 jerseys in the stands, but make no mistake: Leo Chenal is beloved in Chiefs Kingdom. That’s why fans were caught off guard this week when he posted a series of photos to Instagram, soundtracked by LANY’s emotional track *“if this is the last time.”
- The caption? Simple, but loaded: “Trust in Him,” followed by a praying emoji.
Now, it’s worth noting-Chenal is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. And while he later removed the song from his post, the message had already landed.
Fans took to social media to share their emotions, with one user writing, *“Please let it not be the last time! One of my favorite Chiefs the last few seasons.”
Adding to the uncertainty, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Wednesday that Chenal is dealing with a shoulder injury and did not practice. Whether it’s the injury, the looming free agency, or both, it’s clear that Chenal’s future is on his mind-and on the minds of Chiefs fans everywhere.
The comments on his post say it all.
“Stay in KC ❤️”
“We need you back brother-you’re very appreciated!”
“Chiefs Kingdom loves you so much more than any other fanbase would, btw.”
Chenal may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but his grit, timing, and passion have made him a core part of this Chiefs era. Whether it’s chasing down ball carriers, blocking kicks, or climbing buses, he’s done it all with a kind of fearless energy that resonates far beyond the box score.
And if this is the last ride in Kansas City? Chiefs fans are making sure he knows just how much he meant to them.