Former Wisconsin Badgers LB Shines in Super Bowl LVIII Win

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime. Former Wisconsin Badgers LB Leo Chenal has now earned his second Super Bowl ring in his second NFL season. 

By winning Super Bowl LVIII, Chenal is now the 24th Wisconsin alum to become an NFL champion. 

Former Wisconsin Badgers LB Leo Chenal Wins Super Bowl LVIII

Nov 13, 2021; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal (5) tackles Northwestern tight end Marshall Lang (88) during the second quarter of their game on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Northwestern 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Chenal is coming off a strong second season in Kansas City. In 17 games, the former Badger logged 40 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, seven QB hits, and a pass breakup. He’s also registered nine tackles in the first three rounds of the playoffs. 

Chenal had a big night when the lights were the brightest. The Gransburg, Wisconsin native started at linebacker for the Chiefs and recorded six tackles, 1.0 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a blocked extra point. It’s worth noting that the blocked kick would allow Kansas City to keep the game within three and eventually send the game into overtime. Had Chenal not gotten his hand on that kick, the Chiefs may not be champions.

Chiefs force a fumble! KC ball.

📺: #SBLVIII on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/dClcEDViWl pic.twitter.com/9qNL19g4KP

— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024

During his time at Wisconsin, Chenal appeared in 29 games with 18 starts at inside linebacker, posting career totals of 180 tackles, 25.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. He also earned the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award and was a consensus First-Team All-Big Ten honoree after a strong junior year in 2021. 

Chenal is off to a strong start in his NFL career, with two championships under his belt in as many seasons. Congrats to the former Wisconsin Badgers star on becoming the next UW alum to get his hands on the Lombardi Trophy.

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