Just one former Wisconsin player is participating in this year’s Super Bowl. The big game is between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, and it is just a couple of days away. The lone former Wisconsin player is Leo Chenal, a linebacker for the Chiefs. Here is a look back at his time with the Badgers, his 2023 season, and Chenal’s role in the Super Bowl.
Leo Chenal: The Wisconsin Player
Chenal’s first season with Wisconsin was in 2019. He spent three years with Wisconsin, forgoing his senior year to declare for the NFL Draft. According to Sports Reference, in his three years, Chenal totaled 178 combined tackles, 106 solo, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He also had one pass defended, one interception, which he returned for 31 yards and three forced fumbles. Chenal was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 103rd overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chenal’s 2023 Season
The Kansas City Chiefs have a strong defense this year. It is a huge reason that they are playing in the Super Bowl. Chanel played in all 17 regular season games, starting in ten. In those 17 games, Chenal totaled 65 combined tackles, 40 solo, and eight tackles for loss, according to Pro Football Reference. He has also had three sacks and seven quarterback hits. The Chiefs have played in three playoff games so far, and due to injuries, Chenal got the start in two of the games, playing in all three. So far in the post-season, Chenal has nine combined tackles, five solo.
His Role in the Super Bowl
The Chiefs are getting healthy ahead of the big game. There is a good chance that Chenal does not get the start, but he will most likely see some game action, just as he has been. Even not starting, if a player goes down, Chenal will be able to jump in and help push his team to the win. Chenal was a part of the Super Bowl-winning team last year, so while he is young, he has been here before. That experience, on a dominant defense, will be a big help this weekend. The linebacker’s depth for the Chiefs is deep, and they will use that to their advantage.
The Super Bowl will take place this Sunday, February 11th. Be sure to watch this former Wisconsin player help his team try to win the Lombardi Trophy.
For a look at other former Big Ten players competing in the Super Bowl, see below:
Iowa players competing, click here.
Michigan players competing, click here.
Michigan State players competing, click here.
Penn State players competing, click here.
Purdue players competing, click here.
Rutgers players competing, click here.
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