This Kansas City Chiefs player is the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for October
Rookie linebacker Nick Bolton has been one of precious few bright spots for the Chiefs’ defense in 2021, and the NFL recognized his efforts Thursday morning.
Bolton has garnered NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for October.
The 6-foot, 232-pound Bolton totaled 43 tackles, including seven for a loss, in five games in October. That’s the most by any rookie in that span. He averaged 8.6 tackles a game in October and closed out the month with 15 against the Titans in Week 7 and 11 against the Giants in Week 8.
“He’s played some really good football for us,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said, “and he’s been impressive in regards to how much volume he’s been able to absorb. And that’s helped us.”
Bolton joins cornerback Marcus Peters (December 2015) and safety Eric Berry (December 2010) as the only Chiefs to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month honor.
Before entering the NFL as the Chiefs’ second-round pick out of Missouri, Bolton was a tackling machine in college, totaling 220 tackles (139 solo), four sacks, two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in three seasons in Columbia.
His knack for being around the football has translated well to the Chiefs’ defense. He currently leads the team in tackles by a wide margin — 66, including nine for losses, through eight games. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed ranks second with 40.
Bolton becomes the third former MU Tiger player to earn Defensive Player of the Month. Former Mizzou defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (November 2013) and linebacker Aldon Smith (October and December 2011) previously also won the award.
This story was originally published November 4, 2021 at 9:27 AM.
