Chiefs’ UDFA TE John Michael Gyllenborg noticed hometown as finest match

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs didn’t deal with the tight finish place within the 2026 NFL Draft — however the group made an intriguing addition instantly after the occasion concluded.

Among the many first undrafted free brokers to reportedly signal with the Chiefs was former Wyoming tight finish John Michael Gyllenborg. Gyllenborg is a local of Leawood, Kansas, and graduated from Rockhurst Excessive Faculty in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri.

Talking on the second day of the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp on Saturday, Gyllenborg was upfront about the truth that he doesn’t have the longest soccer resume. He truly didn’t choose up the game till he was a senior in highschool.

That small highschool resume started with encouragement from Rockhurst head coach Kelly Donohoe — and ended with a Division I soccer scholarship supply, regardless of having performed solely three highschool video games.

“I grew up here in KC,” Gyllenborg recalled, “and I played every sport growing up — except football because my grandpa didn’t want me to. I got to Rockhurst, and Coach Donohoe came in my senior year — it was also COVID — he was basically like, ‘Come out and have fun with the boys. You will love it.’”

“I just went out thinking it was for fun and that I was still focused on basketball or baseball,” Gyllenborg continued. “I ended up playing three games and got hurt, but Wyoming stuck around and offered me. That’s how that all kind of happened.”

TUCSON, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 30: Security Nate Bauer #6 of the Toledo Rockets tackles tight finish John Michael Gyllenborg #84 of the Wyoming Cowboys in the course of the Barstool Sports activities Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. The Cowboys defeated the Rockets 16-15. (Photograph by Chris Coduto/Getty Pictures) Getty Pictures

Then-Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl took an opportunity on Gyllenborg’s uncooked athleticism.

“Coach Bohl, who was the coach at the time, was really tight with Donohoe,” defined Gyllenborg. “I think they just liked the upside I provided. I wasn’t very good, but they liked the upside that I provided as a tall, lengthy, fast guy. Donohoe, through his encouragement, was like, ‘You should go do this. You have the upside.’ And here we are today.”

Gyllenborg now finds himself part of a staff he grew up cheering for. He claimed to have attended no less than one sport in Kansas Metropolis in each season underneath head coach Andy Reid — together with the 2021 season’s Wild Card playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He realizes, nevertheless, the significance of taking an expert strategy to becoming a member of his hometown staff.

“It’s surreal,” he remarked. “I have to kind of level myself out a little bit — especially out on the field with all the coaches and everything. Wearing the uniform, it’s really cool. But this is football. It’s the most competitive sport ever. So, you can’t let your feelings get to you. You’ve got to remember that we’re still out there playing ball.”

After going undrafted, Gyllenborg was ready to decide on his vacation spot. Though he needed to be in Kansas Metropolis, he didn’t make the choice flippantly. Taking feelings out, he noticed the Chiefs as making probably the most sense general from a soccer and personnel standpoint.

In response to the contract web site Spotrac, Gyllenborg obtained $267,500 in assured cash on his undrafted contract — implying the Chiefs see him as far more than a enjoyable native story.

“We had to make a decision quick after the draft,” Gyllenborg revealed. “At that point, knowing that the Chiefs were on the table, I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to the Chiefs.‘ I also had to separate my bias at that point and understand that I had to do what’s best for me.

“Even while separating that, the Chiefs were always the best option for me,” Gyllenborg admitted. “Their offense loves tight ends, and they wanted me really bad. Obviously, I wanted to be here. It was pretty much a no-brainer for me.”

Nonetheless, Gyllenborg admits he has obtained “countless texts” since becoming a member of the Chiefs and is aware of how particular this chance is.

“It’s a lot of fun how excited my family and friends are,” he mentioned. “Again, this is a job. It’s a business. I understand that. I’m coming in locked in, but it is really exciting how excited everyone in my life and a lot of friends and family are.”