Cole Jennings Christiansen Bio
Cole Jennings Christiansen (born July 30, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Army Black Knights from 2016 to 2019 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Christiansen has built his professional career through persistence and versatility, contributing primarily on special teams while developing as a defensive player. He achieved the pinnacle of professional football by winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII.
Early Life and Background
Christiansen grew up on a horse farm in Suffolk, Virginia. He attended Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, a private boarding school in his hometown, where he excelled in multiple sports. Christiansen played both football and lacrosse during his high school years, demonstrating his athletic versatility from an early age.
His football performance at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was exceptional. Christiansen was named the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, recognizing him as the top defensive talent in his classification. He also earned the Tidewater Conference Player of the Year award in both his junior and senior seasons, establishing himself as one of the most dominant players in the region.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career, Christiansen chose to continue his football journey at the United States Military Academy. He enrolled at Army and played for the Army Black Knights from 2016 to 2019. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him a valuable addition to the program from the start.
Christiansen became a starter in his sophomore season, immediately making an impact on the Black Knights defense. He finished second on the team with 84 tackles that year, showcasing his ability to read offenses and make plays against the run. His performance earned him the respect of coaches and teammates, leading to his selection as a team captain entering his junior year.
Cole Jennings Christiansen Career
Los Angeles Chargers (2020–2021)
Christiansen entered the 2020 NFL Draft but went undrafted. However, his talent caught the attention of the Los Angeles Chargers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 25, 2020. A unique aspect of his signing was a waiver that allowed him to serve in the military reserves while delaying his active duty commitment until after his professional football career concluded.
Christiansen was waived during the Chargers final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was quickly signed to the practice squad the following day. He received multiple elevations to the active roster during the 2020 season, appearing in games against the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots. On January 1, 2021, Christiansen was promoted to the active roster for the final regular season game.
His tenure with the Chargers continued into the 2021 season. Christiansen was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 11, 2022, positioning himself for another opportunity with the organization.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2022–Present)
On August 30, 2022, Christiansen was waived by the Chargers, opening a new chapter in his career. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on September 1, 2022. On October 15, 2022, Christiansen was elevated to the active roster. Two days later, he recorded his first tackle with the team during a game against the Buffalo Bills, marking his official debut with the Chiefs defense.
Christiansen achieved the ultimate success in his first season with the Chiefs. He became a Super Bowl champion when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 15, 2023, securing his place on the roster for the 2023 season.
The 2023 season brought roster fluctuations once again. Christiansen was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on January 17, 2024, just in time for the Chiefs playoff run. Christiansen won his second consecutive Super Bowl championship when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Playing Style and Strengths
Christiansen has developed a reputation as a reliable and consistent player at the linebacker position. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to diagnose plays quickly and close on ball carriers, finishing his Army career with 275 total tackles. In the NFL, he has primarily contributed on special teams while working to develop his defensive role. His experience as a team captain in college translated well to the professional level, where his football intelligence and work ethic have kept him in the league through multiple roster transactions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Christiansen’s career has been defined by two major milestones. First, his ability to secure a military waiver allowing him to pursue professional football while maintaining his Army commitment represents a rare achievement. Second, his two Super Bowl championships with the Chiefs in consecutive seasons (LVII and LVIII) represent the highest achievement possible in the NFL. These championships came as a member of one of the league’s premier franchises under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Cole Jennings Christiansen Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career, Christiansen has appeared in multiple NFL seasons with limited but meaningful statistical contributions. His primary value has come from his versatility and reliability on special teams and in limited defensive roles. He has been a consistent presence during the Chiefs recent championship runs.
Kansas City Chiefs Championships
Christiansen’s tenure with the Chiefs has been marked by championship success. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2023. Less than a year later, he earned his second ring when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. These two championships represent the peak of professional football achievement and highlight Christiansen’s ability to contribute to a winning organization.
College Career Statistics
Prior to his NFL career, Christiansen was a four-year contributor for the Army Black Knights. As a sophomore, he finished second on the team with 84 tackles and earned a team captain role. He continued his production as a junior with 77 tackles and a team-leading 12 tackles for loss. His senior season was his best, leading the Black Knights with 112 tackles along with 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Christiansen finished his collegiate career with 275 total tackles.
Cole Jennings Christiansen Family
Personal Life
Christiansen was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, where he grew up on a family horse farm. His upbringing in rural Virginia provided him with a strong work ethic and grounded perspective that has guided his football career. Information regarding his immediate family, marital status, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks another chapter in Christiansen’s journeyman career with the Chiefs. He continues to provide depth at the linebacker position while contributing on special teams units. The Chiefs have maintained their status as an elite franchise, and Christiansen’s ability to remain part of the organization demonstrates his value as a reliable team player.
Christiansen has navigated the roster transaction process multiple times throughout his career with characteristic professionalism. He was waived on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the Chiefs practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 25, 2025, rejoining his teammates for the stretch run of the regular season and potential playoff push. This pattern of being waived and re-signed reflects the business realities of the NFL while showcasing his persistence and commitment to continuing his professional football career.