REPORT: 4 Wisconsin Badgers in the Super Bowl

There’s just one Badger in this year’s Super Bowl, but there are still enough guys—either from the state or program—that it’s worth taking a brief look at each of them.

It pains my soul a little to include an ex-Hawkeye, so perhaps 2025 will give me something to work with.

Leo Chenal

Chenal, a three-star recruit hailing from Grantsburg, Wisconsin, made a name for himself as a fan favorite during his time at the University of Wisconsin. Despite being ranked 635th in the country by 24/7 Sports, he excelled on the field, earning accolades such as the Butkus Award and All-Big Ten honors after the 2021 season.

Opting to forgo his final year of eligibility, Chenal entered the NFL Draft in 2022 and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (No. 103 overall). Since then, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team, contributing significantly in their Super Bowl appearances, including a standout performance with six tackles and a sack in their victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his two seasons with the Chiefs, Chenal has demonstrated steady progress, particularly in the 2023 season where he recorded 65 tackles and three sacks. He now plays a crucial role in the Chiefs’ defense, which faces the challenge of containing the formidable San Francisco 49ers offense in the upcoming game.

George Kittle

Kittle’s affinity for the Badgers traces back to his childhood, where he grew up as a devoted fan, even donning a Ron Dayne jersey while watching the Wisconsin legend’s memorable performance against Iowa in 1999. Despite being born in Madison, Kittle’s family relocated to Iowa City, where he attended high school and received a two-star recruit rating from 247 Sports, with Iowa being his sole power five offer.

During his time as a tall and athletic tight end for the Hawkeyes, Kittle’s performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 Draft.

While Kittle’s college statistics at Iowa were modest, his transition to the NFL saw him emerge as a dominant force at his position. With five Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All-Pro selections to his name, Kittle has established himself as one of the most formidable tight ends in the league, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.

Jake Brendel

Brendel, a three-star recruit from Plano, Texas, rose through the ranks of high school football before attending UCLA. Despite earning recognition as a second-team All-Pac-12 center, he went undrafted in 2016.

After initially signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, Brendel faced uncertainty in the NFL and moved between teams without securing a significant role. However, his perseverance paid off when he seized the starting position for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, leading to a four-year contract extension in 2023.

With an impressive streak of 34 consecutive starts for a Super Bowl-contending team, Brendel’s journey from Madison, where he likely began his football career as a child, highlights his resilience and determination to succeed in the NFL. Despite lacking major professional awards, his consistent performance on the field speaks volumes about his dedication and talent.

Mike Caliendo

First-team All-State in 2015 while playing for Brookfield East (he visited Wisconsin but never received an offer), Caliendo was a center and guard for Western Michigan and was named to the first team of the MAC in 2020 and 2021.

He was signed by the Chiefs as a free agency in 2023 after being undrafted in 2022, and he has played guard for the team in eight games this year.