Instead of being part of his sister’s wedding ceremony, Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele took to the field, making his debut NFL start.

As Carson’s sister, Kesslar, was getting married on Sunday, he had a valid reason for missing the big day. With starting running back Isiah Pacheco recovering from leg surgery and Clyde Edwards-Elaire unavailable due to injury, Steele had the opportunity to start against the Atlanta Falcons, leading to a 22-17 victory for the Chiefs. He gained 72 yards on 17 carries, earning praise from head coach Andy Reid in the postgame remarks reported by the Kansas City Star.

“I can’t say I wouldn’t choose this every day,” he shared in an NBC postgame interview.

The Star also mentioned that Steele caught a glimpse of the wedding through video in the locker room.

During the broadcast, NBC reporter Melissa Stark revealed that Kesslar had set the wedding date over a year ago, securing the only available date, September 22. Carson was to serve as a groomsman for Kesslar and her new husband, Jack.

At that time, Steele was preparing for his final college season, having just transferred to the UCLA Bruins after two impressive years at Ball State, where he averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2022 (1,556 rushing yards) and scored 14 touchdowns. In his first year at UCLA, he started in nine out of 12 games and accrued 847 rushing yards.

The Chiefs signed Steele as an undrafted free agent, and he succeeded in making the roster after training camp, participating in the first two games of the season. Although he fumbled in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, coach Reid remained confident in him, naming him the primary back for the game against the Falcons.

While the wedding guests enthusiastically cheered for Steele during his first down run, Stark remarked, “He’s definitely there in spirit.”

“I love you, Kesslar,” Steele expressed on NBC, adding, “but I’d take this opportunity every single time.”