Leo Chenal

Leo Chenal Bio

Leo Chenal is an American professional football linebacker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born October 26, 2000, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, he played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers before being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Chenal quickly established himself as a force on defense, earning First-team All-American honors and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year recognition during his junior season at Wisconsin. He has won two Super Bowls in his professional career, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young linebackers.

Early Life and Background

Chenal grew up in West Sweden, Wisconsin township and attended Grantsburg High School, where he played both running back and linebacker. As a senior, he rushed for 2,038 yards and 42 touchdowns while also recording 226 receiving yards and three touchdowns on offense. On defense, he contributed 120 tackles and seven tackles for loss. His exceptional performance earned him both the small-school Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year award from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and the Wisconsin State Gatorade Football Player of the Year honor. He open enrolled as a freshman at Grantsburg High School after previously attending school in the Frederic, Wisconsin district. Chenal finished his high school career with 3,706 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns, along with 1,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions on offense, and 385 tackles with 55 tackles for loss on defense.

Path to American Football

Chenal joined the Wisconsin Badgers as an early enrollee and immediately began developing his skills at the collegiate level. He appeared in 11 games during his freshman season and recorded 20 tackles with two tackles for loss and one sack, showing flashes of his potential. As a sophomore during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Chenal appeared in seven games and accumulated 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. His performance earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference recognition. Chenal had his breakout season as a junior in 2021, earning Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year honors, First-team All-Big Ten, and First-team All-American recognition. He announced on January 3, 2022, that he would forgo his senior year to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

Leo Chenal Career

Kansas City Chiefs (2022–2025)

Chenal was selected in the third round (103rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in the Chiefs’ regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals and earned his first professional start in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He recorded his first professional sack in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chenal finished his rookie season with 35 total tackles and one sack in 17 games, of which he started eight. The Chiefs finished the regular season with the best record in the AFC and advanced to Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the Super Bowl, Chenal recorded six tackles and a sack as the Chiefs won 38–35. He became a key contributor on defense during his second season, helping the Chiefs capture Super Bowl LVIII with a 25–22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, Chenal contributed six tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and a blocked extra point that proved pivotal in the outcome. He continued his strong special teams play in 2024 when he blocked the potential walk-off field goal from Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz in Week 10, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition. During the 2025 season, Chenal made 14 appearances (12 starts), recording one interception, two pass deflections, two sacks, and 58 combined tackles. He suffered a shoulder injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers and was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 20, 2025.

Washington Commanders (2026–Present)

On March 13, 2026, Chenal signed a three-year, $24.75 million contract with the Washington Commanders, joining the team for the 2026 season. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he transitioned from the Chiefs to become a foundational piece of the Commanders’ defense. He brings his championship experience and two Super Bowl rings to Washington as he continues his professional journey.

Driving Style and Strengths

Chenal is known for his physicality and ability to impact games in multiple phases. His strengths include reliable tackling in run defense, effective pass-rushing ability, and critical contributions on special teams. His instincts and football IQ developed at Wisconsin translated well to the professional level, allowing him to quickly adapt to NFL speed and complexity.

Notable Events and Milestones

Chenal’s most notable professional achievements include winning Super Bowls LVII and LVIII in his first two NFL seasons, a rare feat that demonstrated his immediate impact. His blocked extra point in Super Bowl LVIII and forced fumble helped seal the victory against the 49ers. His Week 10 blocked field goal against Denver in 2024 earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. In college, his First-team All-American and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors in 2021 highlighted his dominance at the collegiate level.

Leo Chenal Career Wins

Chenal has achieved significant success across his professional and collegiate career, including two Super Bowl championships and multiple All-American honors.

Professional Highlights

At the professional level, Chenal has appeared in 55 games across four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders. He has accumulated 218 career tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 6 pass deflections, and 1 interception. His two Super Bowl victories came in his first two NFL seasons, an exceptional accomplishment for a young linebacker. The AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition in 2024 highlighted his ability to make game-changing plays in the fourth phase.

College Achievements

In college at Wisconsin, Chenal earned First-team All-American honors and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year recognition in 2021. He was also named First-team All-Big Ten and won the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award. His career totals at Wisconsin included 66 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions across 18 games over three seasons.

Leo Chenal Family

Family Background and Upbringing

Chenal was born and raised in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. He comes from a large family, having seven brothers and eight sisters, making him one of 15 children. His roots in rural Wisconsin helped shape his work ethic and character before his rise to professional football.

Personal Life

Chenal graduated from Grantsburg High School in 2019 before enrolling early at the University of Wisconsin. He maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle leochenal45. His family background in a large household in rural Wisconsin has been noted in interviews as a driving force behind his competitive nature and resilience on the football field.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season began with Chenal entering his fourth year with the Kansas City Chiefs following their Super Bowl LVIII championship victory. He was expected to build on his previous seasons and take on an expanded role within the defense. Chenal started 12 of 14 games, recording 58 tackles, one interception, two pass deflections, and two sacks before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. His campaign was cut short in Week 15 when he was injured against the Los Angeles Chargers and subsequently placed on injured reserve. Despite the injury, his performance up to that point demonstrated continued development as both a defender and special teams contributor. Following the season, Chenal entered free agency and ultimately signed with the Washington Commanders in March 2026.