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Forgotten Chiefs QB Played Surprise Role in AFC Championship Win

By Joe Summers

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the end zone in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the end zone in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Third-string Chiefs QB Chris Oladokun has never appeared in an NFL game, yet still played a critical role in Kansas City's Super Bowl run.

Appearing in the Stuck in My Thoughts podcast with Justin Stuckey, Oladokun discussed his efforts to mimic two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in preparation for the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson had a poor game and Andy Reid rewarded Oladokun by giving him the team's 'Defensive Player of the Game' honor. No, he didn't actually play defense, but Oladokun's work in practice gave Steve Spagnuolo's unit an edge.

Chiefs QB Chris Oladokun Unsung Hero from AFC Championship Game

While the Ravens scored on their second drive, they managed only three points for the rest of the game. Jackson completed just 20 of his 37 pass attempts for 272 yards with a TD and interception. He was sacked four times and held in check on the ground, so the Chiefs were clearly prepared for his dynamic style of play.

Let Reid tell it and it sounds like Oladokun deserves a lot of credit.

"Coach Reid was like, ‘Hey, this has never been done before, but our Defensive Player of the Game,'" Oladokun told Stuckey. "He said my name and the defense was fired up for me. To have that validation, like, ‘We need you. You helped us win this game,' and it is something I’ll never forget because I’m not waking up at 5:30 every morning for nothing. I’m valuable to this team.”

Not only was the strategy successful on the field, but Oladokun's cheerful response and appreciation speaks to Reid's leadership. Despite being a practice squad player for the last two years, Reid made Oladokun feel important.

It would've been easy to give the 'Defensive Player of the Game' nod to L'Jarius Sneed, whose forced fumble on Zay Flowers saved a TD and effectively sealed the game. Reid recognized that Oladokun doesn't get many opportunities for attention and took full advantage of the moment.

These are the kind of little details that make Reid the NFL's best coach and the Chiefs a dynasty. Oladokun is back with the organization for a third year. Even if he's on the practice squad again, he knows he has an important part to play in the production.

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