Meet Patrick Mahomes’ new teammate: A Thor lookalike with a pet fierce enough to spook Taylor Swift

Who is Carson Steele and how will he impact the Kansas City Chiefs?

Chiefs’ latest signee: Carson Steele, a real-life Thor with an alligator sidekick(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)LAPRESSE

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl win, might be hinting at a strategic shift for the 2024 NFL season with their latest acquisition. Carson Steele, a powerhouse running back-fullback hybrid, has been signed after going undrafted, possibly signaling head coach Andy Reid‘s intent to reintroduce the fullback role into the Chiefs‘ dynamic offense.

Steele, a standout player from Ball State who later showcased his skills at UCLA under coach Chip Kelly, is known for his robust playing style and versatility. At Ball State, he dazzled fans by rushing for over 1,500 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in 2022. Although his playing time at UCLA saw a reduction, with just 41 carries last season, Steele’s potential remains undeniable.

Chiefs’ fans have already expressed their enthusiasm on social media platforms for Brett Veach‘s decision to sign Steele. One fan tweeted, “New #Chiefs UDFA RB Carson Steele has a unique set of skills. He has the potential to be a 3rd-down player with the build & physical abilities that the team find attractive.” Indeed, Steele’s potential to fill the shoes of Jerick McKinnon as a formidable third-down back is much anticipated.

Carson Steele: The new Chief with a predatory pet

Yet, it’s not just his on-field prowess that’s drawing attention. Steele’s pet, a 5-foot alligator, adds an exotic twist to his profile. The young athlete has mastered the art of handling this dangerous pet, which he jokingly admits came without an instruction manual and a fair share of trial and terror. “The worst thing that could happen is to have any piece of flesh you wanted to preserve on either side of its head. That’s just inviting it to spin around and chomp you in an awful instant,” Steele recounts with a mix of humor and caution.

Steele’s tale of his reptilian pet dates back to his childhood in Indiana, where a mishap during a show-and-tell with friends left him with a scar and a story to tell. “I don’t even know if my mom and dad know this one,” Steele shared, laughing about the incident. “But when I was younger, I was trying to show him to my friends and something happened, one of my friends moved or something and I turned and looked the other way and he got me a little bit. That was the one time.“

As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Carson Steele is sure to add both strength and character to their roster. Fans will be watching eagerly to see how this Thor-like figure with his unconventional pet makes his mark in the NFL.