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One of the things that GM Adam Peters was focused on this offseason was improving the Washington Commanders' defense. There were plenty of concerns on the defensive side of the ball, and one of them was the players' age. Peters set out to address areas of need while decreasing age and increasing speed on defense.
One of the players he sought out to help in this area was Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal. The Commanders and Chenal agreed to a three-year contract worth nearly $25 million. The standout linebacker is poised to start for the Commanders this fall, so let's take a look at five things to know about the Commanders' addition.
Chenal attended the University of Wisconsin, where he played linebacker for three seasons. He appeared in 11 games during his freshman season, and despite his sophomore season being shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention. He was named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten as a junior. He opted out of his senior season to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Chiefs selected him in the third round.
Chenal's talent didn't disappear when he landed in the NFL. No, as part of the Chiefs beginning in 2022, Chenal is a two-time Super Bowl Champion. He's not just a two-time champ; he actually participated in both Super Bowl games and made an impact while he was on the field. During his rookie season, he recorded six tackles and a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles to aid the Chiefs in their 38-35 victory. The following season, the Chiefs were back in the Super Bowl, this time facing the San Francisco 49ers. Chenal continued to show his prowess by recording six tackles, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble, and a blocked extra point in the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime win.
Chenal is built like a modern prototype linebacker, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds. He has a strong, athletic presence in the middle and is known for his ability to stop the run, blitz effectively, and drop into coverage when needed. He has elite athletic traits, offering a rare blend of strength, speed, and explosiveness that's often reflected in high scores on athletic testing metrics. This athleticism allows Chenal to be the versatile player he is, moving seamlessly between defense and special teams. In 2024, he blocked a field goal that kept the Chiefs' undefeated streak alive.
His physicality and versatility are huge assets for the Commanders under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Chenal is one of 16 children. Yes, 16. He's the 12th oldest among eight full siblings and seven half-siblings, an upbringing that bred competition and physical play at home. He has a very close relationship with his brother, John Chenal, who also played football at Wisconsin, and the two pushed each other in high school and college. He credits his familial relationships for his toughness.
Chenal is married to his college sweetheart, Ashley Luczak, whom he married in June 2021.
Known to be a practicing Christian, something he has been public about, Chenal has not yet set up a charity or foundation, but he is planning fan engagement opportunities and participates in the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign each year.
Leo Chenal is a reliable, physical presence that former coaches have praised for being able to do just about anything. He can line up on the inside, on the edge, or in unique defensive looks, and he has a solid presence on special teams. Early on, the perception focused on his run-stuffing, but his game has expanded to coverage and situational pressure packages. He's often described as tough, disciplined, and rarely misses a tackle - traits that project well in many defensive schemes.
The Commanders didn't just add a linebacker to their defensive corps, but they added a player who is versatile, physical, disciplined, and will have a huge impact on how the locker room functions in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 5 things to know about LB Leo Chenal
Continue reading...
One of the players he sought out to help in this area was Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal. The Commanders and Chenal agreed to a three-year contract worth nearly $25 million. The standout linebacker is poised to start for the Commanders this fall, so let's take a look at five things to know about the Commanders' addition.
Collegiate awards
Chenal attended the University of Wisconsin, where he played linebacker for three seasons. He appeared in 11 games during his freshman season, and despite his sophomore season being shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention. He was named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten as a junior. He opted out of his senior season to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Chiefs selected him in the third round.
Super Bowl history
Chenal's talent didn't disappear when he landed in the NFL. No, as part of the Chiefs beginning in 2022, Chenal is a two-time Super Bowl Champion. He's not just a two-time champ; he actually participated in both Super Bowl games and made an impact while he was on the field. During his rookie season, he recorded six tackles and a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles to aid the Chiefs in their 38-35 victory. The following season, the Chiefs were back in the Super Bowl, this time facing the San Francisco 49ers. Chenal continued to show his prowess by recording six tackles, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble, and a blocked extra point in the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime win.
Physical, versatile defender
Chenal is built like a modern prototype linebacker, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds. He has a strong, athletic presence in the middle and is known for his ability to stop the run, blitz effectively, and drop into coverage when needed. He has elite athletic traits, offering a rare blend of strength, speed, and explosiveness that's often reflected in high scores on athletic testing metrics. This athleticism allows Chenal to be the versatile player he is, moving seamlessly between defense and special teams. In 2024, he blocked a field goal that kept the Chiefs' undefeated streak alive.
His physicality and versatility are huge assets for the Commanders under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Family and faith
Chenal is one of 16 children. Yes, 16. He's the 12th oldest among eight full siblings and seven half-siblings, an upbringing that bred competition and physical play at home. He has a very close relationship with his brother, John Chenal, who also played football at Wisconsin, and the two pushed each other in high school and college. He credits his familial relationships for his toughness.
Chenal is married to his college sweetheart, Ashley Luczak, whom he married in June 2021.
Known to be a practicing Christian, something he has been public about, Chenal has not yet set up a charity or foundation, but he is planning fan engagement opportunities and participates in the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign each year.
NFL role and reputation
Leo Chenal is a reliable, physical presence that former coaches have praised for being able to do just about anything. He can line up on the inside, on the edge, or in unique defensive looks, and he has a solid presence on special teams. Early on, the perception focused on his run-stuffing, but his game has expanded to coverage and situational pressure packages. He's often described as tough, disciplined, and rarely misses a tackle - traits that project well in many defensive schemes.
The Commanders didn't just add a linebacker to their defensive corps, but they added a player who is versatile, physical, disciplined, and will have a huge impact on how the locker room functions in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 5 things to know about LB Leo Chenal
Continue reading...
