How Chiefs offensive tackle Esa Pole became an unlikely standout vs. Texans
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Esa Pole rose from undrafted free agent to Chiefs rookie tackle in 2025.
- He replaced injured starters and played 63 snaps, allowing no sacks.
- Coaches cite Pole’s footwork and athleticism as a tractable tackle solution.
Football life has happened quickly for Esa Pole.
From not playing the sport until he reached college, to advancing from an undrafted free agent to a roster spot in his rookie season, to appearing in his first NFL game in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, Pole’s football career has been a whirlwind.
Sunday’s appearance happened when starting left tackle Wayna Morris suffered a season-ending knee injury on the game’s first play. With starting tackles Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor already out with injuries, Pole was the only available reserve tackle. He was ready.
“When Wayna went down a shock kind of went through my heart,” Pole said.
He knew it was his time.
“It kind of happened in the blink of an eye,” Pole said. “That was the grace of God keeping me ready and showing me the ropes.”
Pole missed the first snap and played the next 63 in his debut. Andy Reid gave the performance good marks.
“After the game I mentioned I was proud of him because he had no reps in practice for the most part,” Reid said. “I thought he did a nice job for what he was asked to do.”
Pole was thrown into the fire against one of NFL’s best defenses — and defensive fronts — and held his own. According to Pro Football Focus, Pole allowed no sacks and three pressures on 42 pass blocking snaps.
“I take it for what it is,” Pole said. “Obviously there are a lot of things I can do better. Overall, I thought we fought. (Houston) has a really talented front. Every time they subbed someone in it was someone who could ball.”
So did Pole, and he might be part of the solution at tackle for the Chiefs. Simmons is out for the foreseeable future after undergoing wrist surgery. Taylor is dealing with injuries to his triceps and knee and his status is uncertain. Jaylon Moore, the swing tackle when the Chiefs are fully healthy, has filled in at right tackle.
The Chiefs were one of several NFL teams who showed interest in Pole, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Washington State, starting 22 games at left tackle over two seasons and posting the nation’s second-best pass-blocking grade by a tackle last season, per PFF.
Before arriving at Washington State, Pole attended Chabot College near his home in Hayward, California. At 6-7, he had been on a basketball path. But he was more football heavy than basketball slim and with the influence of his brother, Toni, who had played defensive tackle at Washington State, switched sports.
Toni Pole was Chabot’s defensive line coach and thought his brother would be a good fit there. But offensive coaches got a glimpse of Esa’s footwork, developed as a basketball player, and moved him across the line.
Some NFL teams, including the Chiefs, expressed interest in Pole as the draft approached, but he went unselected. Pole signed with the Chiefs, was waived in August and signed with the New York Jets after 53-man rosters were finalized.
The Jets waived Pole, 24, in October and the Chiefs signed him back to the practice squad.
“Big guys are hard to find, that can move like he does,” Reid said at the time. “He had a decent training camp for us, and he’s a young guy. You’re always trying to develop these guys.”
Pole’s appearance happened so quickly, there was no time to gather family for the occasion. “My family is still kind of getting used to the NFL and how fast things happen.”
Playing in the NFL may have happened sooner than planned, but Pole said he’s been prepared for what the Chiefs have in store for him ... and thankful for the opportunity.
“I just said a little prayer to God and just said thank you,” Pole said. “Unfortunate how it happened, but my opportunity was going to come sooner or later. And when it did come, God made me ready.”
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 11:25 AM with the headline "How Chiefs offensive tackle Esa Pole became an unlikely standout vs. Texans."