Carson Steele

Carson Steele, born in Greenwood, Indiana on October 21, 2002, is an accomplished American professional football player. As a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL), he has demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity on the field. Prior to his professional career, Steele played college football for the Ball State Cardinals and the UCLA Bruins. After the 2024 NFL draft, he was signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.

The son of Angela Berry-Steele and Joseph Steele, Carson spent his early life in Indiana, along with his older sister Kesslar. In his youth, he demonstrated his athletic potential during his tenure at Center Grove High School, Greenwood. As a senior in 2020, he had an impressive record, rushing for 1,659 yards and 31 touchdowns, and accumulating a total of 5,907 rushing yards throughout his high school career. This allowed him to leave a mark in Indiana’s history, being awarded the prestigious Mr. Football title in 2020.

In February 2021, Steele decided to take his talents to college level, signing a letter of intent to play for Ball State University. Within his freshman year, he clocked 891 yards with six touchdowns. His strength and determination were evident as he squatted 615 pounds and bench-pressed 405 pounds during his first year. Consequently, he attracted various evaluations with Barstool Sports’ “Unnecessary Roughness” podcast labeling him as “the most interesting man in CFB (college football).”

Before the commencement of the 2022 season, Steele gained prominence when Bruce Feldman of The Athletic added him to the top 100 “freaks” in college football. This was due to his incredible performance on November 8, 2022, when he set a career-high of 198 yards and three touchdowns in a match against Toledo. His impressive performance continued in a later game against Kent State where he rushed for 192 yards. Steele’s impressive display throughout the season earned him the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week on two separate occasions. His performance throughout the season had him ranking ninth nationally, bolstering his reputation as a formidable running back.

Beginning 2023, Steele took his talents to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he committed to playing for the UCLA Bruins. This marked the close of his college football career and the start of his professional one.

After the 2024 NFL draft, he was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, and he made the Chiefs’ starting 53-man roster out of training camp. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Season against the Baltimore Ravens, managing two carries for three yards and returning a kick for 28 yards, contributing to the team’s 27-20 win. His exceptional performance continued in Week 3, leading the Chiefs to a 22-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons with 17 rushing attempts and 72 rushing yards, along with one reception for two yards.

In summary, Carson Steele’s athletic journey is a testament to his discipline, hard work, and passion. As a dynamic and powerful player, Steele continues to uphold his reputation as one of the most exciting and formidable athletes in professional football. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring footballers hoping to leave a mark in the sport.