NEW ORLEANS — Super Bowl 59 is kicking off in the vibrant city of New Orleans, renowned for its lively culture and delicious food, including oysters, Po-boys, beignets, and yes, even fried alligator. But for Carson Steele, a rookie running back/fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs, alligators are beloved pets, not meals.

The 15-year-old alligator named Crocky-J gained attention during the Chiefs’ 22-17 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, where Steele had an impressive debut with 17 carries for 72 yards. Since then, Crocky-J has garnered a dedicated fan base and has unofficially become the mascot for the Chiefs, who are vying for a historic third Super Bowl win against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.

Crocky-J lives in a spacious tank at Steele’s family home in Greenwood, Indiana, and sadly will miss watching the Chiefs pursue history. Steele explained, “I didn’t know where to put him.” Instead, Crocky-J will be “tuning in” from home.

“He’s back in Indy, but we set a TV up for him so he can watch,” Steele mentioned during Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday. “He’ll be keeping an eye on things from home for a while, but we’ll make sure he’s well-fed, so he’ll be alright.”

Steele brought Crocky-J into his life when he was just a young boy in second or third grade.

“I was quite the adventurous child and wanted something unique. I had asked for a reptile or turtle, but my mom was totally against getting a snake,” Steele recounted. “Just before Christmas, a UPS delivery man came with a package labeled ‘live reptile.’ I was overjoyed, knowing Santa had delivered something special. When I opened it, there he was in a burlap sack.”

Steele understands that having an alligator as a pet is unusual, but he doesn’t see himself as just any ordinary running back.

He’s always been recognized for his distinct style (and impressive hair). Beginning at Ball State in 2021, his remarkable strength, demonstrated by squatting over 600 pounds as a freshman, earned him the title “most interesting man in CFB.” His Ball State profile famously notes, “Son of Joseph and Angela Steele … has one sister … owns a pet alligator,” showcasing his unique identity. Steele shone as a freshman, racking up 192 carries for 891 yards and six touchdowns, and significantly improved in his sophomore year with 289 carries for 1,556 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the conference.

In 2023, Steele transferred to UCLA and logged over 1,000 yards in total offense. After going undrafted, he was signed by the Chiefs and is now just one win away from a Super Bowl title in his rookie year.

“It’s fantastic. I’m really enjoying it. Some players have been around longer, but this is a thrilling experience for me,” Steele said, who concluded the regular season with 56 carries for 183 yards. He is focusing on “the little details to help stay calm and take things play by play” as he gets ready for his first Super Bowl.

“Just view it as any regular game. Though it’s clearly not just any game; it’s a significant occasion, so you need to make plays that matter,” Steele advised. “But remember, the Eagles are putting on their pads just like you are. It’s the same game you’ve played since childhood.”

One of the ties to his childhood is Crocky-J, which keeps him grounded. When asked about his pet alligator’s newfound popularity, which has led to Halloween costumes and custom merchandise, Steele joked, “I doubt he understands it, unfortunately. I’ve been trying to tell him about it, but it’s fantastic to see everyone celebrating him.”