Chiefs’ Shocking X-Factor in Super Bowl Chase – The Undrafted Gamble!
A Wisconsin native, Mike Caliendo went undrafted out of Western Michigan in 2022. The Chiefs signed him as a free agent, but he was released during final roster cuts. He spent the season on the practice squad, working in obscurity as the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
In 2023, Caliendo made the 53-man roster but primarily played on special teams. Of his 64 offensive snaps that season, 57 came in a Week 18 game where K.C. rested its starters. The 2024 season followed a similar pattern—until Week 15 changed everything.
From Unknown to Super Bowl Starter
In a stunning turn, Caliendo went from an anonymous backup to a key starter in Kansas City’s playoff run. He started the final three regular-season games and both postseason matchups, protecting Patrick Mahomes on football’s biggest stage.
Now, he’s preparing for the biggest game of his life.
“Yeah, definitely some nerves. I think if you didn’t have them, there’d probably be something wrong with you,” Caliendo told NFL.com this week. “I just continue to trust the process—stacking up good days and letting that lead me to this opportunity.”
Chiefs’ O-Line Shuffle: A Familiar Story
The Chiefs have dealt with offensive line shake-ups before. In Super Bowl LVIII, Thuney’s pectoral injury forced Nick Allegretti into the starting lineup. Now, it’s Caliendo’s turn.
Caliendo studied Allegretti’s approach and took notes.
“Nick was in a similar situation as I am last year,” Caliendo said. “Even when he wasn’t starting, he prepared like a starter. I learned from that.”
Practicing against Chris Jones and K.C.’s fierce defensive line helped accelerate his growth.
“I was on the scout team, going against Chris, Tershawn Wharton, and Mike Pennel,” Caliendo said. “There’s no better group than that to prepare you for Sundays.”
A Vote of Confidence from Joe Thuney
Despite his inexperience, Caliendo has the full trust of his teammates. Thuney, the veteran Pro Bowler, has been impressed by his understudy’s preparation.
“He’s just a guy who’s always been preparing the right way,” Thuney said. “He practices hard, he’s always in the facility, and he knows the playbook inside and out. So, I’m really happy for him.”
Adapting to Change: The Chiefs’ O-Line Evolution
The Chiefs‘ offensive line has undergone massive changes over the past three seasons. Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie departed after 2022. K.C. added Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith in 2023, then started rookies Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris at left tackle in 2024. That experiment didn’t last, leading to Thuney’s move.
Offensive line coach Andy Heck embraces the challenge.
“We preach versatility from OTAs onward,” Heck said. “When guys are needed, they step up. Whether it’s Mike Caliendo stepping in or Joe moving outside, we prepare for these moments.”
The Risks of Moving Thuney
The change hasn’t been seamless. Kansas City’s interior blocking took a hit, affecting the run game. But stabilizing the left tackle position was a higher priority.
The results? A noticeable drop in sacks allowed:
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Weeks 1-14: 35 sacks (2.7 per game)
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Since Week 15: 11 sacks (1.8 per game, including playoffs)
Caliendo has struggled at times—he’s allowed a team-high 22 pressures in 193 pass-block snaps, per Next Gen Stats. But his resilience has earned respect from his coaches.
“I’m so proud of Mike,” Chiefs assistant O-line coach Corey Matthaei said. “One week, he’s facing Cameron Heyward—a future Hall of Famer—and he holds his own. He’s gaining confidence every game.”
Can Caliendo Hold the Line Against Jalen Carter?
There’s no denying Caliendo is the weakest link on K.C.’s offensive front entering Super Bowl LIX. He’ll face Eagles star Jalen Carter, one of the most dominant interior pass rushers in the league.
Yet, the Chiefs have no plans to move Thuney back to guard.
“There was little thought to upsetting the apple cart,” Heck told NFL.com. “We believe in Mike.”
The Ultimate Test
Caliendo’s journey—from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl starter—is remarkable. Now, he’ll have to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage.
“I just have to trust myself, trust my teammates, and let the chips fall where they may,” Caliendo said.
If the chips fall his way, the Chiefs will be celebrating an unprecedented three-peat—and the once-unknown lineman will have cemented his place in history.
