Who is Carson Steele?
Carson Steele is an NFL running back who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Greenwood, Indiana, native was born on October 21, 2002. The Eagles list him at 6 feet tall and 228 pounds.
Steele originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. The Chiefs signed him after he finished his college career at UCLA. Kansas City used him as a running back and occasionally as a fullback.
His rookie season gave him his first opportunity to play a meaningful role on an NFL roster. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games for Kansas City in 2024.
Carson Steele’s alligator
One of the biggest reasons Carson Steele attracts attention outside football is his pet alligator, Crocky-J.
According to the Eagles, Steele received the alligator as a Christmas gift when he was in second grade. Crocky-J has grown to approximately five feet long and around 100 pounds. The animal lives at Steele’s Indiana home in an aquarium.
The unusual pet became part of Steele’s public identity during his college and NFL rise. UCLA’s official profile also notes that Steele owns a pet alligator.
Why is Carson Steele’s alligator famous?
Crocky-J became a talking point because it is highly unusual for a professional football player to have an alligator as a pet. Steele’s connection with the animal dates back to his childhood, making it more than a publicity gimmick.
His alligator story has followed him from Indiana to college football and eventually into the NFL.
Carson Steele college career
Steele played college football at Ball State and UCLA.
He spent his first two collegiate seasons at Ball State before transferring to UCLA for the 2023 season. His college career produced more than 3,200 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns.
Ball State stats
Steele made an immediate impact at Ball State.
In 2021, he rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns on 192 carries. He then produced a breakout 2022 season, recording 1,556 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 289 carries.
His 2022 campaign was especially impressive. He led the Mid-American Conference in rushing and ranked among the nation’s leading rushers.
UCLA stats
Steele transferred to UCLA in 2023 and continued to produce.
The Bruins recorded 847 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns for Steele in 2023, according to the UCLA roster profile. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and had seven games with at least 75 rushing yards.
His UCLA season included 141 rushing yards against Washington State and 110 against Oregon State. He also scored three rushing touchdowns against Stanford.
Carson Steele NFL stats
Steele’s NFL statistics remain modest because his professional career has primarily involved a rotational role and special teams work.
In his 2024 rookie season with the Chiefs, Steele appeared in 17 games and made three starts. He recorded:
| Category | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Games | 17 |
| Starts | 3 |
| Rushing attempts | 56 |
| Rushing yards | 183 |
| Yards per carry | 3.3 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Receiving yards | 26 |
| Receiving TDs | 0 |
The Eagles’ official statistics show that Steele finished the season with 183 rushing yards on 56 carries and 26 receiving yards on seven catches.
He also contributed on special teams and saw action for a Chiefs team that reached Super Bowl LIX.
Carson Steele and the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Steele as an undrafted free agent in May 2024 after he left UCLA.
He subsequently made Kansas City’s 53-man roster for the 2024 season and played in every regular-season game.
Steele’s physical style made him useful in short-yardage situations and as a versatile back who could also line up at fullback.
However, his role changed in 2025. The Chiefs waived him during their August 2025 roster cuts and then brought him back on the practice squad the following day. The Chiefs’ official announcement confirmed that Steele joined the practice squad.
He spent the 2025 season on Kansas City’s practice squad.
Carson Steele Eagles contract
Steele’s next NFL opportunity came with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles announced on January 13, 2026, that they had signed Steele to a reserve/future contract.
A reserve/future deal is designed to give a player an opportunity to compete for a roster position during the following season. It does not automatically guarantee that the player will make the regular-season roster.
The Eagles’ 2026 personnel document also lists Steele among the players signed to reserve/future contracts in January.
Specific financial terms of Steele’s Eagles contract were not disclosed in the team’s announcement, so figures circulating online should be treated carefully unless backed by an official filing or reliable contract database.
Carson Steele Eagles status in 2026
Steele is currently listed by Philadelphia as an RB wearing No. 34. The Eagles list his college as UCLA and his NFL experience as two years.
His first recorded 2026 preseason appearance came against the Baltimore Ravens on August 15. Steele carried the ball once for two yards in that game.
That means his 2026 Eagles statistics should be viewed in the context of the preseason rather than compared directly with his 2024 regular-season numbers.
Did Carson Steele play for the Eagles before 2026?
No. Steele’s first NFL team was the Kansas City Chiefs.
He joined Philadelphia after spending the 2025 season on Kansas City’s practice squad. The Eagles announced his future contract in January 2026.
Therefore, the simplest career timeline is:
- 2021: Ball State
- 2022: Ball State
- 2023: UCLA
- 2024: Kansas City Chiefs
- 2025: Chiefs practice squad
- 2026: Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Steele’s playing style
Steele’s college production showed why NFL teams were interested in him despite going undrafted.
He has a powerful running style and the size to operate between the tackles. His Ball State production demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload, while his UCLA season showed that he could remain productive against Power Five competition.
His versatility also matters. Kansas City used him at running back and fullback, while special teams provided another way for him to contribute.
That versatility could be important as he competes for opportunities in Philadelphia.
Carson Steele’s college vs NFL stats
Steele’s college numbers were considerably stronger than his early NFL production.
At Ball State and UCLA, he finished his college career with 3,241 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, according to UCLA’s 2023 season material.
By comparison, his NFL regular-season career through 2024 consisted of 183 rushing yards and zero rushing touchdowns.
That difference is not unusual for an undrafted running back. NFL depth charts are more competitive, workloads are smaller and players often have to contribute on special teams before receiving a larger offensive role.
What is next for Carson Steele?
Steele’s move to Philadelphia gives him another chance to establish himself in the NFL.
The Eagles already have significant competition in their running back room, so Steele’s path to a larger role will depend on his preseason performances, special teams value and ability to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
His physical running style could give Philadelphia another option for short-yardage and power situations if he earns a roster spot.
At the same time, his famous alligator remains one of the most unusual stories attached to an NFL player.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carson Steele’s alligator’s name?
Carson Steele’s pet alligator is named Crocky-J. The Eagles say Steele received him as a Christmas gift when he was in second grade.
How old is Carson Steele?
Carson Steele was born on October 21, 2002. He is 23 years old as of August 2026.
What college did Carson Steele attend?
Steele played at Ball State and UCLA. He transferred to UCLA before the 2023 season.
What are Carson Steele’s NFL stats?
In the 2024 regular season, Steele played 17 games, rushed 56 times for 183 yards and caught seven passes for 26 yards.
Did Carson Steele play for the Chiefs?
Yes. Steele played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and spent the 2025 season on their practice squad.
Is Carson Steele on the Eagles?
Yes. Philadelphia signed Steele to a reserve/future contract in January 2026, and he is currently listed on the Eagles roster.
What position does Carson Steele play?
Steele is listed as a running back by the Eagles. He has also played fullback during his NFL career.
Conclusion
Carson Steele’s NFL journey has taken him from Ball State to UCLA, then to the Kansas City Chiefs and now the Philadelphia Eagles. His college production established him as a powerful runner, while his rookie season showed that he could contribute in the NFL.
His football career is only part of his appeal, however. The story of his pet alligator, Crocky-J, has made Steele one of the more distinctive young players in the league.
With Philadelphia in 2026, Steele has another opportunity to turn his college production and physical running style into a larger NFL role.
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