Editor's Note: After initial calls stated it was Mike Danna who blocked the kick, it turns out linebacker Leo Chenal was the one who actually got his hands on the ball.
For the last three weeks, all Mike Danna could do is sit and watch. On Sunday, the world watched him.
With literally seconds left on the game clock and the Kansas City Chiefs facing a near-certain loss in front of an somber and silent home crowd at Arrowhead Stadium, Denver Broncos kicker Will Lutz lined up to kick a chip shot of a field goal in order to secure a win over the home team and break K.C.'s perfect record to start the year.
Danna had other plans. Shortly after Lutz began his motion, Danna got a great jump on the snap and leaped over the Broncos left side of the line with full extension. Suddenly, the entire stadium was raucous once again with the cheers of victory knowing that the Broncos would be sent home with a 16-14 loss due to an insane blocked kick.
In case you missed the play, here it is:
IT'S BLOCKED! @CHIEFS WIN! STILL UNDEFEATED! pic.twitter.com/hMLhAgbRpf
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024
For a player like Danna who is celebrated as the one player on the team who is the most coachable, it was a heroic moment that fans (and player) will cherish forever. Danna was brought back on a multi-year deal after hitting free agency this past spring for the very reasons why he was able to block the kick—that he does all the little things well, that he's constantly trying to improve his game, that he's tenacious in his efforts, and that his motor is non-stop.
After missing the last three weeks due to a pectoral muscle injury, Danna's return to the lineup was already a welcome one for a line that missed his edge-setting ability. But after single-handedly staving off the Broncos' best efforts to steal a road win, Danna's return was truly triumphnt.