Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. Bio
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. is an American professional football nose tackle currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 9, 1991, in Topeka, Kansas, Pennel has built a durable career spanning over a decade in professional football. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Green Bay Packers in 2014 and has since contributed to multiple organizations. Pennel is a two-time Super Bowl champion, earning championship rings with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII. His career reflects persistence and adaptability, having navigated roster changes and suspensions while continuing to make an impact along the defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Pennel grew up in Aurora, Colorado, where he attended Grandview High School. During his high school years, he developed as a football player, attracting attention for his size and physical play at the defensive line position. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his pursuit of collegiate football.
After graduating from Grandview High School, Pennel began his college football journey at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona. He then transferred to Arizona State University, where he played for the Sun Devils in 2012. However, his time at Arizona State was cut short due to a suspension, prompting him to transfer once again. Pennel finished his collegiate career at Colorado State University Pueblo, suiting up for the ThunderWolves.
Path to the NFL
Following his graduation from Colorado State University Pueblo, Pennel entered the 2014 NFL Draft. Despite his college production and physical tools, he went unselected throughout the draft process. His perseverance paid off when he signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2014. Pennel joined Jayrone Elliott as undrafted players who made the Packers roster that year, demonstrating his ability to earn a spot through training camp performance.
The transition from college to professional football required Pennel to adapt to the faster pace, advanced schemes, and heightened competition of the NFL. His collegiate background across multiple programs provided him with diverse experience that would serve him well throughout his professional career.
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. Career
Green Bay Packers (2014–2016)
Pennel joined the Green Bay Packers in 2014 following his undrafted free agent signing. During his rookie season, he appeared in 13 games and recorded 8 tackles, showing flashes of potential as a developmental player along the defensive line. The Packers coaching staff gave him opportunities to see game action, allowing him to adjust to the professional level.
In 2015, Pennel took a significant step forward in his development. He appeared in all 16 games that season, earning 5 starts, and compiled 24 tackles along with 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. The full season of play demonstrated his durability and growing comfort within the Packers defensive scheme. However, the 2016 season brought challenges. Pennel was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He returned to action but was suspended again for the final four games of the season for another violation. Despite the disruptions, he managed to record 7 tackles and 1 pass defended that year. The Packers released Pennel on January 9, 2017.
New York Jets (2017–2018)
On February 6, 2017, the New York Jets claimed Pennel off waivers, acquiring him as a potential long-term piece for their defensive front. He re-signed with the Jets on March 16, 2017, and played in all 16 games during the 2017 season. That year, Pennel recorded a career-high 35 tackles, showcasing his ability to be a consistent presence against the run and in pass-rushing situations.
Pennel returned to the Jets in 2018 after signing a three-year contract on March 16. However, on February 19, 2019, the Jets declined the option on his contract, making him a free agent at the start of the new league year. His tenure with the Jets ended after two productive seasons in which he established himself as a reliable defensive tackle.
New England Patriots (2019)
Looking to continue his career with another franchise, Pennel signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots on March 14, 2019. The move brought him to a team known for its defensive prowess and championship aspirations. However, his time with the Patriots was brief, as he was released on August 26, 2019, before the regular season began.
Kansas City Chiefs First Stint (2019–2020)
Following his release from the Patriots, Pennel signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on October 19, 2019. Joining the Chiefs mid-season, he contributed to a defense that was building toward postseason success. His most notable moment came in the 2019 playoffs. Pennel played a role in helping the Chiefs defeat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game on January 19, 2020, securing Kansas City’s spot in Super Bowl LIV. In the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, Pennel recorded 1 tackle as the Chiefs won 31–20, capturing their first championship in 50 years and earning Pennel his first Super Bowl ring.
The Chiefs re-signed Pennel to a one-year contract on April 6, 2020. He began that season suspended for the first two games but was reinstated on September 23 and returned to the active roster.
Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons (2021–2022)
In 2021, Pennel signed with the Chicago Bears on June 18. His tenure was cut short due to injury, as he was placed on injured reserve and released on August 31. He then joined the Atlanta Falcons, signing to their practice squad on September 15, 2021. Pennel was promoted to the active roster on October 5 after cornerback Isaiah Oliver suffered a knee injury. He finished the 2021 season with the Falcons.
Pennel returned to the Chicago Bears on June 13, 2022. He appeared in all 17 games that season, recording 26 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. During a Week 6 game against the Patriots, he was ejected for delivering a blind-sided block that concussed center David Andrews. His second stint with the Bears ended after the 2022 season.
Kansas City Chiefs Second Stint (2023–2024)
On October 24, 2023, Pennel returned to the Kansas City Chiefs, signing to their practice squad. His experience and veteran presence proved valuable as the Chiefs made another run toward the playoffs. Pennel played a key role in limiting the effectiveness of opposing running games during the postseason. In Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, Pennel recorded 6 tackles and was instrumental in the second-half defensive effort that sealed a 25–22 victory. The win gave Pennel his second Super Bowl championship ring. On March 13, 2024, Pennel re-signed with the Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals (2025)
On March 24, 2025, Pennel initially re-signed with the Chiefs before his career took another turn. He was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26. Pennel then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on September 1, 2025. He was elevated to the active roster for Week 1 and signed to the active roster on September 9. However, his stint with the Bengals was short-lived, as he requested and was granted his release on October 28, 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs Third Stint (2025–Present)
Just one day after leaving the Bengals, Pennel returned to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 29, 2025, signing to the active roster. This marked his third separate tenure with the franchise, highlighting the value the organization places on his experience and Versatility along the defensive line. Pennel’s return to Kansas City reunited him with a team that had become synonymous with championship success during his career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pennel lines up as a nose tackle, specializing in occupying multiple blockers and anchoring against the run. His 6-foot-4, 330-pound frame allows him to hold the point of attack and free up linebackers to make plays. He brings experience from multiple defensive systems and has shown the ability to contribute in both early and late-down situations. His veteran presence provides leadership and stability to young defensive fronts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Pennel’s two Super Bowl victories stand as his most significant accomplishments. His first championship came with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season. His second championship, Super Bowl LVIII in the 2023 season, saw him contribute six tackles in the championship game against the 49ers. Between those title runs, Pennel’s career-high 35 tackles with the Jets in 2017 demonstrated his capability as an every-down player.
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning from 2014 to 2025, Pennel has appeared in numerous games with multiple teams while maintaining consistent production against the run and occasionally contributing in passing situations.
NFL Statistics Summary
Throughout his professional career, Pennel has accumulated 257 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery across regular-season play. His postseason contributions include appearances in multiple playoff games and both Super Bowl victories with the Chiefs.
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr. Family
Limited verified information is available regarding Pennel’s family background and personal life. His professional career has been well-documented throughout his time in the NFL, but details about his family, including parents, siblings, or personal relationships, have not been extensively reported in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been eventful for Pennel, marked by roster movement between three franchises. He began the year with the Kansas City Chiefs before being released during final roster cuts in late August. He then joined the Cincinnati Bengals, where he appeared on the active roster through late October. His mid-season return to the Chiefs on October 29 represented another chapter in his unique relationship with the franchise. Pennel’s ability to remain in the league into his mid-30s reflects both his durability and the value teams place on experienced defensive linemen who can anchor against the run and provide rotational depth.
Throughout his 2025 appearances, Pennel continued to demonstrate the qualities that have extended his career: positional Versatility, professional preparation, and the physical tools necessary to compete at the professional level. His third stint with the Chiefs positions him to potentially add to his legacy with a franchise that has become a consistent championship contender. The veteran nose tackle remains a reliable option for Kansas City as they pursue another postseason run.