Chiefs rookie’s family gave him a sweet send-off to Christmas night game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cooper McDonald rose from undrafted status to Chiefs 53-man roster after minicamp.
- He contributed mainly on special teams and limited defensive snaps through 15 games.
- His defensive role expanded to 21 snaps on Christmas night after family gave a send-off.
Linebacker Cooper McDonald took the long route to the NFL.
After finishing his college career with TCU, following stops at San Diego State and Washington, McDonald wasn’t selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. And he didn’t sign with a team as an undrafted free agent.
However, McDonald was invited to the Chiefs rookie minicamp, where he impressed the coaching staff. McDonald was signed by the Chiefs after the minicamp and then was on the 53-man roster for the opener against the Chargers in Brazil.
Through the Chiefs’ first 15 games, McDonald had played mostly on special teams, although he had 10 snaps on the defense. McDonald’s time on defense increased dramatically in the Christmas Day game against the Broncos.
According to Tucker Franklin of the KC Sports Network, McDonald played 21 snaps on defense on Thursday night in the Chiefs’ 20-13 loss to the Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
McDonald’s family knew he’d see increased playing time with the possibility of starting the game. That’s why they gave McDonald a sweet send off when he headed to the stadium.
Caden McDonald, who is Cooper’s older brother, shared this sweet video.
This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 11:08 AM.
