LB Leo Chenal Keeps Chiefs’ Undefeated Season Alive with Game-Winning FG Block Against Broncos

The 1972 Miami Dolphins were just one 35-yard field goal away from celebrating with champagne on Sunday. But that was before an unexpected hero emerged for the Kansas City Chiefs. With time expiring in the Chiefs’ thrilling 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, linebacker Leo Chenal broke through Denver’s protection and blocked Wil Lutz’s field goal attempt, preserving Kansas City’s undefeated season in dramatic fashion.

“You live for these moments,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game. “When you grow up playing football, you dream of these walk-off plays. It’s special when you’ve built this chemistry with your teammates, and you get to experience moments like this together. I’m sure Leo will remember this for the rest of his life.”

Chenal’s display of strength and athleticism was a key factor in the play. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds, he first overpowered Broncos offensive lineman Alex Forsyth, sending him to the ground, then leaped into the air to block Lutz’s kick. The play sent Arrowhead Stadium into a frenzy as the Chiefs improved to 9-0.

“He’s extremely strong,” Mahomes said of Chenal. “He’s like the strength of a defensive lineman but plays linebacker. You don’t want to be the guy working out with him. We call him John Cena because he gets after it. We’ve even used him on offense because of his speed and power. He did it in the Super Bowl, and he did it again today.”

The play was also a result of strong teamwork. Chenal credited his teammates, especially George Karlaftis and Jack Cochrane, for their effort in breaking through Denver’s protection.

“It was right below my palm,” Chenal explained. “Everyone did their part, and I was able to get through. We’ve talked about winning one of these, and we did it in a huge moment.”

This wasn’t Chenal’s first big kick block. The 24-year-old previously blocked a point-after attempt from 49ers kicker Jake Moody in Super Bowl LVIII, a play that helped the Chiefs secure a dramatic overtime victory. Despite his own success, Chenal made sure to credit defensive lineman Michael Danna, whose penetration helped set up the block.

“I want to credit Mike Danna on that one from the Super Bowl,” Chenal said. “He’s the one who really stopped the ball. I’ll get the stat for it, but it was his play that made mine possible.”

Chenal’s teammates weren’t surprised by his game-winning play. Head coach Andy Reid praised the linebacker’s relentless work ethic and humility.

“He’s a great athlete, a big, strong kid who plays 100 miles an hour,” Reid said. “He does it in practice, he does it in games, and he never asks for anything. He comes from a huge family—he has like 40 brothers and sisters—so he’s used to sharing. He just goes out and does his job.”

Sunday’s victory marked the Chiefs’ seventh one-possession win of the season. According to NFL Research, the most one-score wins by a Super Bowl champion is nine, accomplished by the 2015 Broncos and the 1986 Giants.

Chenal’s game-winning block adds to what has been an unforgettable start to the Chiefs’ undefeated season. With the team now on track for a potential three-peat, the next challenge looms large. In Week 11, the Chiefs will travel to face the AFC rival Buffalo Bills (8-2), a matchup that could put Miami’s 1972 Dolphins celebration on ice—unless the Chiefs find yet another way to keep their perfection intact.