Former Chabot offensive lineman Esa Pole, a promising rookie, has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in advance of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.
Pole, who did not play football in high school, opting for basketball at Mt. Eden High, took a crash course in the sport with the Gladiators and then at Washington State. He thrived at both places, including earning Region I All-State First Team as a Chabot sophomore.
The swift 6-foot-7, 319-pound left tackle was signed on Wednesday off the Chiefs practice squad after first-round pick left tackle Josh Simmons was put on injured reserve.
Pole is not only thankful for his shot, he’s hopeful that his improbable journey to the NFL might serve as an inspiration to others.
“Just another opportunity given by God to further glorify His name and show people in similar situations and journeys as mine that it is indeed possible,” said Pole, who never played organized football until arriving at Chabot.
Pole is on the 53-man roster and he is on course to see action during the crucial Week 14 matchup. The Chiefs (6-6) likely are facing must-win games the rest of the way in order to make the playoffs for an 11th straight season.
Eric Fanene, his former coach at Chabot, marvels at Pole’s storybook rise. It amazes Fanene to think about how he, a college coach, was Pole’s first head coach in the sport, his first line coach, along with being a close family friend.
“I’m happy for him and his family and the opportunities he continues to earn through hard work and determination,” Fanene said. “His humbleness throughout this process is truly admirable … Proud of my coaches and support staff that helped Esa along the way through this great journey.
“We’re not done yet! Go Esa! Go Gladiators!”
Pole realizes that without Fanene and Chabot, he wouldn’t be getting ready to run onto the field with the Chiefs on Sunday.
“Working under Coach Fanene and his staff is what bred me for the work I had to put in to succeed even at this level.”
Of course, it was up to Pole to make the unlikely dream of playing in the NFL possible. His path to the NFL, which didn’t include high school football, wasn’t an easy one, the giant lineman just made it seem that way.
“It’s a lot of things that go into it, but being fresh and new to the game and being able to pick it up quick shows my ability to learn, along with the agility (from) basketball has blessed me with,” said Pole, when asked about how he overcame his inexperience.
Pole has actually already suited up for an NFL game. He was activated for Kansas City’s Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, but has yet to take his first snap in the NFL.
Pole, after signing as an undrafted free agent earlier this year, was waived by the Chiefs during 53-man roster cuts and claimed by the New York Jets, but found his way back to the Chiefs’ practice squad in October.
The Chiefs have been shuffling offensive linemen after a series of injuries, but Kansas City coach Andy Reid appears optimistic about Pole’s ability to deliver.
“Yeah, we thought we saw some talent there,” Reid told reporters recently. “And he knows the scheme, obviously, and we thought there was some growth. He could be a guy that works in somewhere.”
Pole caught the attention of NFL scouts when he did not allow a sack over 498 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 at Washington State. He posted the second best pass-block grade by a tackle in the country (86.7) that year.
Although Pole went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft, Fanene was thrilled when Pole was initially signed by the Chiefs earlier this year.
“Esa’s story — a young man who had never played organized football, now competing at a high level — is nothing short of a fairy tale. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it and look forward to supporting him every step of the way,” Fanene said at the time.
Fanene headed the Chabot football program from 2017-2024 and has maintained a close bond with Pole.
“The Pole family holds a very special place in my heart,” Fanene said.
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