Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Jalen Royals Embraces Unique Last Name and Football Journey

Kansas City Chiefs rookie Jalen Royals is quickly making a name for himself in the local sports scene, sharing a last name with the city’s baseball team and capturing fans' attention. While the Chiefs’ most popular jerseys feature Patrick Mahomes (#15) and Travis Kelce (#87), Royals is climbing the ranks among team favorites as he integrates into the roster. Often greeted with cheers of "Let’s go Royals" when he hits the practice field, the young receiver from Atlanta expressed pride in his unique last name. "Although I’m a Braves fan at heart, embracing the Royals name here has been a special experience," he shared. "It’s rare to see ‘Royals’ on the back of a jersey and have it associated with the Chiefs—a once-in-a-lifetime feeling." Number choices were limited; Royals hoped to wear No. 85 to honor Kansas City’s 1985 World Series victory, but that number was already taken by tight end Robert Tonyan. With Mahomes set to wear No. 15 in the Hall of Fame and the Royals' historical connection to the 2015 championship, Royals has begun his NFL career wearing No. 11. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who holds a stake in the Royals baseball team, has shown support for Royals, empha...