What’s that they say about never upstaging the bride on her wedding day?
Kansas City Chiefs rookie fullback Carson Steele got the first start of his NFL career on Sept. 22, helping the defending Super Bowl champions squeak out a 22-17 win at the Atlanta Falcons, moving the team to 3-0 on the season. That just so happened to be the same day as another memorable event for Steele and his family: His sister, Kesslar, got married.
Steele skipped the wedding, as he replaced injured star running back Isiah Pacheco in the lineup.
No place Carson Steele would rather be. 😂 #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/tfqX31hdrA
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 23, 2024
Steele, a 21-year-old undrafted rookie who played college football at Ball State University before transferring to UCLA, rushed 17 times for 72 yards, but his mind was definitely with his sister — although his love for the gridiron is unparalleled.
“I hate to say it, but I’ll be here every day of the week,” he told NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” crew after the game when he was asked if he’d rather be at the game or at his sister’s wedding.
“Love you, Kesslar. Hope it went well, but I’m picking this every day of the week,” he continued.
Steele’s sister tied the knot in their home state of Indiana, and he cautioned her to take action if too many guests were focused on watching him instead of celebrating her big day.
“I was like, ‘If too many people are watching the game, go ahead and turn that TV off,’” Steele told The Kansas City Star. “But she just fell for it. She’s always there for me, too.”
Carson Steele runs the ball during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 22 in Atlanta.Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
Steele, who was supposed to serve as a groomsman had he been able to attend the wedding, also said that his sister did her best to keep him in line as he prepped for his big game on national television.
“She had a crazy busy week, so we talked back and forth and she calmed me down about things,” he said.
The wedding was scheduled two years ago, while Steele was in college and it was unclear if he would play professional football.
