The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs kick off their Super Bowl title defense on Sunday when they travel to face the New Orleans Saints. Although Kansas City is starting Patrick Mahomes, expect the Super Bowl MVP to receive the quickest hooks as the Chiefs put in the backups.
One of the QBs I want to see under center for Kansas City is Shane Buechele. Buechele has taken a serendipitous route throughout his football career, so today, I wanted to take a look and examine who he is.
Shane Buechele’s Prep Stardom
Buechele was an acclaimed two-sport superstar at Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, where he played football and baseball. Many recruiting outlets considered Buechele as one of the top quarterbacks in the class.
During his high school career, Buechele would throw 6,379 yards and 73 touchdowns while running for 1,805 additional yards and 21 touchdowns. Buechele’s dual-threat capabilities appealed to teams across the country, and he showed off his talents during the Elite 11 quarterback competition.
Buechele grew up in a household full of Oklahoma fans, so it was natural to assume the Sooner had a leg up on his recruitment. Many were shocked, however, when Buechele chose to play for the Sooners’ arch-rival, the Texas Longhorns.
Buechele’s Collegiate Career
Buechele wasted no time, becoming the second Texas quarterback to start as a true freshman and the first freshman QB to do so since Bobby Layne in 1944. The expectations were high for Buechele, but he exceeded those expectations by setting the Longhorns’ freshman QB record for most passing yards with 2,958.
Unfortunately, Buechele could not carry over the positive momentum into his sophomore season as injuries hampered his Longhorns’ career. He was injured multiple times throughout his sophomore season, and his unavailability led to Texas turning to Sam Ehlinger as the starting quarterback to end the season.
Texas decided to roll with Ehlinger in 2018, leaving Buechele to play in only two games. Due to his lack of competition, Buechele received a redshirt for his junior season.
His college football career reignited during his time as the starting QB for the SMU Mustangs. Buechele’s redshirt junior season was the most productive season of his college career, as he threw for 3,929 yards and 34 touchdowns.
He was able to put himself back on the map heading into his senior season. During his final season, Buechele finished his career with 3,095 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Buechele Heads for the NFL
Buechele entered the 2021 NFL Draft in the hopes an NFL franchise would select him. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed as seven rounds came and went, and he remained undrafted.
Following the draft, Buechele signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent, was waived, and finally signed to their practice squad. He’s had a long and winding football career, but it culminated into a Super Bowl ring last year with Kansas City.
