In the NFL, where undrafted rookie free agents often face an uphill battle to secure a spot on a roster, Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steel has managed to defy the odds and make a significant impact. His performances during this year’s preseason have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, showcasing a journey that is both inspiring and remarkable.

From his early days as a high school standout to his rise in college football and now to the NFL, Carson Steel’s story is a testament to perseverance and talent.

Carson Steel’s football journey began at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. During his senior year in 2020, he had an extraordinary season that would set the stage for his future. Steel rushed for over 1,600 yards and scored 31 touchdowns, putting up a total of 5,900 rushing yards over his high school career.

His impressive performance earned him the title of Mr. Football in Indiana for the 2020 season. Despite this accolade, Steel was ranked only as the 287th best running back in the country and the 45th best in Indiana by recruiting services.

Coming out of high school, Steel was considered a two-star recruit by 247 Sports. His options were limited, but he had offers from schools like Kentucky and was also recruited by Indiana and Indiana State. Ultimately, Steel chose to commit to Ball State University, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in his career. In early 2021, he signed a letter of intent to play college football at Ball State.

At Ball State, Steel quickly made a name for himself. As a freshman in 2021, he rushed for over 800 yards and scored six touchdowns. His physical prowess was evident as he squatted an impressive 615 pounds and bench-pressed 45 reps, earning him the nickname “The Most Interesting Man in College Football” from Arsal Sports.

By the start of his sophomore season in 2022, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic had listed him among the top 100 freaks in college football.

One of Steel’s standout performances came on November 8, 2022, when he rushed for a career-high 198 yards and three touchdowns against Toledo. He continued to impress throughout the season, also rushing for 192 yards against Kent State.

His performances earned him the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week award twice during the 2022 season. By November 19, 2022, Steel had rushed for over 1,300 yards on 260 attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and was ranked ninth nationally.

Realizing that the NFL was within reach, Steel decided to enter the transfer portal in January 2023. His college career was marked by tremendous growth, and he chose to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to play for the Bruins.

Despite his college success, NFL teams initially viewed him as a potential fullback rather than a feature running back. However, Steel’s pro day showcased his athleticism, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.77 seconds, a vertical jump of 37.5 inches, a broad jump of 9 feet 8 inches, and 28 bench press reps.

Although Steel went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs signed him to an undrafted rookie deal. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. During training camp, Steel began to turn heads, but it was his preseason performances that truly set him apart.

His play on the field highlighted his potential not only as a running back but also as a significant contributor to the Chiefs’ offense.

Steel’s preseason performances were nothing short of electrifying. In one notable play, he showcased his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. From his own seven-yard line, he managed to break through the defense, displaying impressive strength and determination as he carried multiple defenders for additional yards.

His ability to turn seemingly insignificant gains into substantial yardage was a key feature of his game.

Another play demonstrated Steel’s decisiveness and power. On this play, he broke through several arm tackles and stiff-armed a defender to the ground, nearly reaching the end zone. His strength and resilience were evident as he fought through contact and displayed the kind of physicality that will be valuable as the season progresses.

Steel’s running style is characterized by his relentless effort on every snap. He runs with a combination of power, strength, and elusiveness. His ability to make defenders miss and his commitment to gaining every possible yard make him a standout player.

His performances in the preseason have indicated that he could be a valuable asset to the Chiefs, both as a running back and potentially in other roles.

The excitement surrounding Steel’s potential is palpable. Chiefs fans and analysts alike are intrigued by his ability to impact games and contribute to the team’s success. His journey from an undrafted rookie to a promising NFL player is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent.

As the NFL season progresses, Carson Steel’s role with the Kansas City Chiefs will be closely watched. His performances during the preseason have set high expectations, and there is a strong belief that he has the potential to make a significant impact on the field.

Whether he continues to shine as a running back or contributes in other capacities, Steel’s future in the NFL is one to watch.

In conclusion, Carson Steel’s rise from a high school standout to a college football star and now to an NFL rookie is a story of determination and perseverance. His performances during the preseason have demonstrated his potential and have generated excitement among fans and analysts.

As the NFL season unfolds, Steel’s contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs will be closely monitored, and his journey will continue to inspire and captivate those who follow his career.