Carson Steele has emerged as a promising fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Signing a three-year rookie contract, Steele’s journey from college football standout to NFL rookie showcases his resilience and versatility.
This article dives into his personal life, career milestones, financial details, and career stats, providing a comprehensive look at his rise in professional football.
Carson Steele’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Carson Steele |
| Born | October 21, 2002 |
| Hometown | Greenwood, Indiana |
| College | Ball State University (2021–2022), UCLA (2023) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height/Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Position | Fullback/Running Back |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–$2 million |
| Salary | $960,000 |
| Relationship Status | Private/Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | One sister, Kesslar Steele |
Early Career
Carson Steele’s early football career began at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, where he became a local legend. As a senior in 2020, he rushed for 1,659 yards and 31 touchdowns, capping a high school career with 5,907 total rushing yards and 82 touchdowns while leading his team to an undefeated season and a Class 6A state championship.
Named Indiana’s Mr. Football and MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year, his bruising running style stood out, though concerns about his fit in modern spread offenses limited his college offers. He accepted a scholarship to Ball State, where he immediately made an impact as a true freshman in 2021, rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns.
His sophomore season cemented his reputation as a workhorse, racking up 1,556 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns—a performance that ranked third in Ball State’s single-season record books. Seeking tougher competition, Steele transferred to UCLA in 2023, adapting to a rotational role with 847 rushing yards and six touchdowns while refining his pass-blocking skills.
Despite his college production, questions about his breakaway speed and positional versatility led to him going undrafted in 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him as a free agent, converting him to fullback—a move that leveraged his physicality and versatility to secure a roster spot.
Professional Career
Carson Steele’s NFL career began unexpectedly when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Initially a college running back, the Chiefs converted him to fullback to capitalize on his physicality and versatility.
In his rookie season, Steele appeared in all 17 games, starting three, and carved out a multifaceted role. He rushed for 183 yards on 56 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt, while adding 26 receiving yards on seven catches.
His standout performance came in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he stepped in for injured starter Isiah Pacheco, logging 17 carries for 72 yards. Steele also contributed on special teams, returning five kickoffs for 138 yards (27.6-yard average).
Defensively, he recorded one tackle. The Chiefs deployed him creatively, utilizing him for 199 offensive snaps across positions—190 as a blocker/runner, two as a tight end, and six as a wide receiver. Though he didn’t score a touchdown, his adaptability earned him recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate among AFC fullbacks.
Steele’s transition from undrafted prospect to key rotational player underscores his work ethic and willingness to embrace unglamorous roles.
Carson Steele’s Net Worth Details
Carson Steele’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5–2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Carson Steele signed a three-year, $2.83 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs after going undrafted in 2024. The deal includes base salaries of $795,000 (2024), $960,000 (2025), and $1,075,000 (2026), averaging $943,333 annually. Only $15,000 of his contract is guaranteed, reflecting his status as an unproven rookie.
As of 2025, Steele has earned $1.755 million through his first two seasons, with career earnings projected to reach $2.83 million by 2026. The Chiefs structured his contract with minimal risk, allowing flexibility if Steele solidifies his role as a hybrid fullback.
His 2025 cap hit of $960,000 represents just 0.35% of the team’s salary cap, making him a cost-effective contributor.
Career Earnings
Carson Steele’s NFL earnings are structured through a three-year, $2.83 million undrafted free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. As of 2025, his career earnings total $1.755 million, combining his 2024 base salary of $795,000 and 2025 salary of $960,000.
In 2026, he’s set to earn $1,075,000, bringing his total career earnings to $2.83 million by the contract’s end. Only $15,000 of his deal was guaranteed at signing, typical for undrafted players.
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $795,000 |
| 2025 | $960,000 |
| 2026 | $1,075,000 |
| Total | $2,830,000 |
Career Stats
| Category | 2024 Season (Chiefs) |
| Games Played | 17 |
| Games Started | 3 |
| Rushing Attempts | 56 |
| Rushing Yards | 183 |
| Yards/Carry | 3.3 |
| Longest Rush | 14 yards |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 26 |
| Kick Returns | 5 (138 total yards) |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Fumbles (Lost) | 3 (2) |
| Offensive Snaps | 199 |
| Pro Bowl | Alternate (Fullback) |
FAQs
1. What position does Carson Steele play for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Carson Steele plays as a fullback for the Chiefs, transitioning from his collegiate role as a running back. He also occasionally contributes as a short-yardage runner and kick returner. During his 2024 rookie season, he logged 183 rushing yards, 26 receiving yards, and 138 kick return yards across 17 games.
2. How did Carson Steele join the NFL?
Steele entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in May 2024 after going unselected in the draft. The Chiefs signed him following his college career at Ball State and UCLA. He made the team’s 53-man roster and debuted in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
3. What were Carson Steele’s college football achievements?
At Ball State (2021–2022), Steele rushed for 2,447 yards and 20 touchdowns. After transferring to UCLA in 2023, he added 847 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. He ranks third in Ball State’s single-season rushing yards (1,556) and touchdowns (14). He also won Indiana’s Mr. Football in 2020.
4. What is Carson Steele’s Madden NFL 25 rating?
Steele has a 69 overall rating in Madden NFL 25, with strengths in speed (86), acceleration (90), and trucking (82). His archetype is “Power Back,” reflecting his physical running style. The rating highlights his agility (82) and awareness (71) but notes weaker pass-blocking skills.
5. What are Carson Steele’s strengths as a player?
Scouting reports praise Steele’s power, vision, and ability to break tackles. He excels in short-yardage situations and open-field creativity. Teammates and analysts highlight his downhill running and adaptability, though his straight-line speed and pass-blocking consistency were flagged as areas for improvement during his rookie season.
6. Why is Carson Steele called the “Gator King”?
The nickname stems from his ownership of a pet alligator named “Crocky-J,” which gained attention during his college years. Fans and media embraced the unique backstory, and teammates like Justin Reid coined spin-offs like “Steele Plow” due to his hard-nosed running style.
7. How did fans react to Carson Steele’s preseason performance?
Steele became a fan favorite during the 2024 preseason for his aggressive running and versatility. Social media buzzed with highlights of his stiff-arms and touchdown runs, with fans dubbing him a “presensation.” His jersey sold out quickly after he secured a roster spot.
8. What records did Carson Steele set in high school?
At Center Grove High School (Indiana), Steele rushed for 5,907 career yards and 82 touchdowns. As a senior, he led his team to a state title with 1,659 yards and 31 touchdowns. He broke 16 school records and earned Indiana’s Mr. Football honors in 2020.
9. What role does Carson Steele fill in the Chiefs’ offense?
Steele primarily serves as a blocking fullback and short-yardage specialist. He played 199 offensive snaps in 2024, with 190 in the backfield. His versatility allows him to line up as a tight end, slot receiver, or wideout, though his primary focus remains creating lanes for star runners.
10. Did Carson Steele receive any Pro Bowl recognition in 2024?
Steele was an alternate for the 2025 Pro Bowl, finishing second among AFC fullbacks in voting behind Baltimore’s Patrick Ricard. His rookie-year contributions as a blocker and occasional rusher earned praise from coaches and analysts, solidifying his role in Kansas City’s offense.
