Khalen Saunders breaks stereotypes, sprinting after a Mahomes interception, reminding everyone that defensive tackles are more than just size.
Khalen Saunders has shown the world just how fast he can get at 324 pounds. Few things in football match the thrill of an interception, especially when a 324-pound defensive tackle pulls it off against Patrick Mahomes and showcases surprising speed right after.
In a Monday night showdown at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, the Chiefs were ahead of the Saints 16-7, with less than two minutes left in the third quarter.
The Chiefs looked set to extend their lead as Mahomes faced a 2nd-and-goal at the Saints’ 2-yard line. But when Mahomes targeted JuJu Smith-Schuster, Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo deflected the pass, and it landed right in the hands of defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.
Khalen Saunders sprinted for 37 yards, and for a moment, it looked like the hefty Saints defender might just go all the way for a touchdown. Clocking in at a top speed of 15.79 mph, Saunders became the third-fastest ball carrier over 320 pounds recorded since 2016.
The play energized the Saints, who capitalized on the momentum to score a touchdown on their next drive, cutting the Chiefs’ lead to 16-13.
Though he’s known for his defensive role now, Saunders reached back to his high school days on Monday Night Football. Having played running back in high school, he put those skills to use when he intercepted Mahomes’ pass in the end zone and dashed 37 yards downfield late in the third quarter, setting up a crucial Saints touchdown.
It was a remarkable play from the 6-foot, 324-pound lineman, who recorded the longest interception return by a 300+ pound player in 17 years.
The moment quickly gained attention online, even earning recognition from one of the all-time greats. This was Saunders’ first career interception, adding to his accomplishments after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs before signing with the Saints last season.
Yes! And what’s interesting is that the play happened right after ESPN aired a segment about Saunders’ brother, Kameron, who happens to be a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Shortly after the clip aired, Saunders snagged his first career interception in the third quarter against the Chiefs.
With Swift in attendance and her “Guy on the Chiefs” on the field, ESPN cleverly tied in another Swift-related moment by highlighting Saunders’ brother’s connection.
Kameron Saunders, who has worked as a choreographer and dancer on three of Swift’s tours, including the ongoing Eras Tour, cheered on his brother during the game, as noted by the Saints’ website.
Before the game, Saunders mentioned his brother’s unwavering support, stating,
“Me, of course… He don’t care about the Chiefs. He cares about his brother. That’s his boss, but I’m his brother. I was here first. Hopefully, [Taylor] will be there. If not, [Kam] will be on my side cheering.”
Khalen also added, “He ain’t gonna be cheering for the Chiefs — even though he actually does have a key to the city in St. Louis and Kansas City too, but that’s beyond the point. He’s gonna be cheering for me because I’m paying for his ticket.”
Thanks to Saunders’ interception, the Saints managed to score a touchdown and close the gap, bringing them within three points of the Chiefs.
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