Carson Steele made his highly anticipated first NFL start on Sunday for the Kansas City Chiefs in their 22-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons. But while the rookie running back was making his mark on the field, his family had another major event happening at the exact same time—his older sister Kesslar’s wedding in Indiana.
In an ironic and bittersweet twist, Steele’s NFL debut coincided with his sister’s wedding day, a date set long before Carson knew he’d be suiting up for his first professional start. The timing meant that while Carson was taking handoffs on the gridiron, Kesslar was walking down the aisle, turning the wedding reception into an impromptu football watch party. The Steele family embraced the moment, showing their support for both Kesslar’s wedding and Carson’s milestone.
Kesslar, along with her new husband, Jack, made sure Carson wasn’t forgotten in the festivities. She sent a video to NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast showing wedding guests watching the game live, cheering on Carson from afar.
“Kesslar and her now-husband Jack just sent us this video from their wedding reception taking place as we speak,” NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark shared on the broadcast. “They’re watching Carson make his first-ever NFL start. It wasn’t great timing—today was the only day the venue was available. His sister sent out a save-the-date over a year ago, and Carson was supposed to be a groomsman. But luckily, they have the big screen, and he’s there in spirit.”
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Despite missing the wedding, Carson Steele gave his family plenty to celebrate. The rookie finished his debut with 17 carries for 72 yards, helping the Chiefs to their third straight win of the season.
But the Steele family saga didn’t end there. NBC made sure to highlight another notable member of the Steele household: Carson’s pet alligator, Crocky J. The 7-year-old gator, who made his first appearance on national TV during the Chiefs’ Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, returned to the spotlight when the broadcast showed a picture of Crocky J. wearing a white Chiefs hat.
Crocky J. has become something of a mascot for Steele, and his growing fame began when Kesslar had to gator-sit for Carson during his NFL debut. During Week 1, Kesslar took over pet-sitting duties for the alligator while Carson was busy on the field. In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Kesslar joked about being in charge of the unusual task.
“I always get the job of watching Crocky-J,” Kesslar said, laughing. “It’s pretty easy. He’s a pretty docile alligator. I just probably don’t spend as much time with him as Carson does. But I don’t mind taking care of him.”
Crocky J.’s presence has added a fun and quirky element to Carson’s burgeoning NFL career, and it’s clear the Steele family embraces the unique situation. While Carson couldn’t attend his sister’s big day, he made sure to put on a performance worthy of celebration, and the family found a way to keep him involved—even from hundreds of miles away.
As Carson Steele continues his rookie season, it’s clear he has his family’s unwavering support, whether it’s at a wedding reception or through the unlikely bond shared with his pet alligator.
Between his solid on-field performance and the love of his family, it was a day to remember for the Steeles—both at Arrowhead Stadium and back in Indiana.
