There was a time where LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was projected to be a Day 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And yet, his name didn't come off the board until the final round.
Nussmeier had a very respectable career at LSU, throwing for 7,699 yards with 52 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Unfortunately, medical testing at the NFL Scouting Combine uncovered a cyst on his spine. Although it's not expected to be a long-term issue, it played a role in him falling to the seventh round.
The Kansas City Chiefs ended Nussmeier's draft day slide by taking him with the No. 249 overall pick. Ryne Nutt, the team's vice president of player personnel, made it clear they weren't concerned by Nussmeier's medical history.
"I do know he [Nussmeier] was battling through an oblique that people didn’t know about. That was bothering him the whole year. If you’re a quarterback and you can’t torque your hips and bring your hips through, the ball may not come out with as much velocity as you want," Nutt said. "And they also fired the head coach and the offensive coordinator there in the middle of the year. But this is a game of results and not reasons, right? So, I don’t think it was the cyst. I don’t think it had anything to do with the medical stuff because we were fine with it. I think it was maybe just the season."
Despite having to wait a long time to hear his name called, Nussmeier still had quite the celebration with his loved ones.
Nussmeier's fiancée, Ella Springfield, was certainly relieved about him ending up in Kansas City. She posted a photo of them hugging on Instagram along with a sweet message.
"All in Gods perfect timing," she wrote. "So blessed to call Kansas City our new home."
Perfect landing spot for Nussmeier.
Though this couldn't have been easy for Nussmeier, the reality is he's now got a great support system on and off the field. After all, he'll get to learn from a three-time Super Bowl champion in Patrick Mahomes.
"It's a great opportunity for me to learn," Nussmeier said. "I'm just grateful that I have this opportunity. I can only imagine. I'm so excited to be in a room with those guys, coach Reid and his unbelievable offensive mind and sitting behind Patrick and steal some things from him and see the game through his eyes. It's going to be an unbelievable experience for me."
It wouldn't surprise us if Nussmeier quickly develops into Kansas City's backup quarterback.
