Last summer, Kansas City Chiefs running back/fullback Carson Steele was the talk of the KC community as the undrafted rookie snagged impressive catches and barreled over defenders throughout training camp and the preseason.
In the end, it led to an NFL rarity — a UDFA making a reigning Super Bowl champion’s 53-man roster. And although Steele will probably tell you his rookie season didn’t go quite as he planned it, accumulating just 209 yards from scrimmage despite being handed a huge opportunity after the Isiah Pacheco injury, he appears ready to pick back up right where he left off last August.
“💯 back to it..” Steele posted on July 10, sharing a video of himself squatting a ridiculous amount of weight at the gym.
https://x.com/carsonsteele30/status/1943402410711322969
In the video, Steele completes two reps, and although the exact weight is unclear, he appears to have four 45-pound plates on each side, along with another two blue plates on the interior of each side (weight not visible).
Based on some simple math, it’s a safe bet that Steele is squatting well over 400 pounds, and fans were pumped to see the second-year pro putting in the work in early July.
“Let’s go Boss!” One response cheered. Another commented: “Way to go, Carson.” And a third fan hyped: “BEAST MODE 👍🏻💪🏼.”
Others expressed that they will be rooting for Steele again this season, and he’ll certainly welcome the support, considering the youngster is no guarantee to make the Week 1 roster in 2025.
Chiefs’ Carson Steele Faces Tough Roster Competition at Training Camp in Year 2
The Chiefs didn’t exactly sit on their hands at running back this offseason. Despite Pacheco’s return, KC re-signed Kareem Hunt, brought in Elijah Mitchell in free agency, and drafted Brashard Smith.
That sets the stage for a difficult roster competition, and it’s unclear where Steele will land at the end of it.
The Chiefs liked Steele enough to give him a few starts after Pacheco went down last season, but ball security issues made his time atop the RB depth chart short-lived. He averaged 3.3 yards per carry for the year and was charged with 3 fumbles.
Steele also logged 137 snaps on special teams as a rookie, which certainly helps his case to make the roster. He contributed on four different special teams units for coordinator Dave Toub, which included 5 kick returns for a very solid average of 27.6 yards per return.
Considering Steele was not utilized on offense during the playoffs, his most likely path to making the team is special teams.
Chiefs RBs Elijah Mitchell & Kareem Hunt Do Not Typically Contribute on Special Teams
Smith is expected to get some looks as a returner alongside Steele at Chiefs camp, but neither Mitchell nor Hunt has contributed on special teams throughout their careers.
The newcomer, Mitchell, logged exactly 3 snaps in the ST department as a rookie, then never again. And Hunt has never played a single snap on special teams since entering the NFL.
That’s notable for Steele. The Chiefs could absolutely keep one backup running back that doesn’t contribute on special teams, but two?
Keep in mind, Pacheco hasn’t played special teams since becoming the full-time starter.
Considering his impact in this area and his versatility as a potential running back, fullback, or pass-catcher out of the backfield, it wouldn’t be surprising if Steele sneaks his way onto the 53. But it won’t be easy.
With that in mind, it’s good to see the Chiefs’ fan favorite training hard ahead of camp.
