Leo Chenal is a hard-hitting linebacker who won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs before signing with Washington in 2026.
Leo Chenal made his name as a downhill thumper in Kansas City's defense, where he was part of back-to-back championship teams. After four seasons with the Chiefs, the former Wisconsin standout signed a free-agent deal with the Washington Commanders in March 2026. He brings a physical, run-stopping presence to Washington's front seven.
Path to the league
Chenal played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he built a reputation as a powerful, instinctive linebacker. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He carved out a defensive role almost immediately as a rookie.
Career highlights
Chenal won Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII during his time with the Chiefs, establishing himself as a dependable contributor in Kansas City's defense. Per CBS Sports, he developed into a starting-caliber linebacker known for his physicality against the run.
2025 season
Chenal appeared in 14 games with 12 starts for Kansas City in 2025, recording 58 combined tackles, two sacks, two pass deflections and an interception. After a shoulder injury in Week 15 against the Chargers, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve in December. In March 2026 he signed a three-year deal worth roughly $24.75 million with the Commanders, per the Washington Times.
Sources
- Washington Times: Commanders to sign linebacker Chenal to 3-year, $25 million deal
- ESPN: Leo Chenal player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
14 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | chiefs | 14 | 58 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | chiefs | 17 | 60 | 40 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | chiefs | 17 | 65 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | chiefs | 17 | 35 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Wisconsin
- Hometown
- Grantsburg, WI, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
