Khalen Saunders

Khalen Saunders was born on August 9, 1996, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Parkway Central High School, where he played both running back and defensive lineman. His collegiate career began at Western Illinois, where he was a prominent defensive lineman and occasionally contributed on offense, recording both a rushing and receiving touchdown. His skills earned him the distinction of being the first Leatherneck invited to the Senior Bowl, where he recorded the game’s first sack. Saunders also gained public attention for a viral video showcasing his backflipping ability. His college journey concluded with a strong performance that positioned him for the NFL Draft.

Saunders was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round with the 84th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, he contributed to two Super Bowl victories, Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVII. In Super Bowl LVII, he recorded two tackles and a sack. His time with the Chiefs included navigating an injured reserve placement in 2020 due to a dislocated elbow and a second placement in 2021 before being activated in January 2022. Saunders’ professional career advanced when he signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 17, 2023.

In the 2024 NFL season, while playing for the New Orleans Saints, Saunders achieved his first career interception during a Week 5 game against the Chiefs, returning the ball 37 yards. On August 17, 2025, he was traded from the Saints to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for center Luke Fortner, continuing his career as a defensive tackle. Beyond his athletic achievements, Saunders has shown a commitment to social causes, particularly advocating for inclusivity in sports.