Former Chicago Bears defender Mike Pennel made headlines this week after his unexpected exit from the Kansas City Chiefs. While Pennel is far from an established star, there was a consistent level of production that lent itself to the belief that the veteran was safe for another season on the Chiefs' roster. Already, Pennel has won a ring with the organization and proven he can be a valued depth piece. However, this isn't the way KC saw things, cutting the veteran and sparking a memorable response.
Pennel posted a story to his Instagram featuring an iconic moment from The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger's Joker starts the scene on a pile of money before burning it all to send a "message." One that in this case indicated Pennel's hard feelings and want for revenge against his old team. In truth, it was a welcome change from the endless thank yous being sent out after final roster cuts.
Right or wrong, the former Bear believes he was done dirty by the league's prestige franchise and is letting everyone know of this frustration. In the league's final week of inaction, it is an eye-catching story for an undrafted prospect who has turned in a solid career.
Former Bears Defender Burns Bridge After Surprise Kansas City Chiefs Release
The veteran lineman has spent time with the Packers, Jets, Patriots, Chiefs, Bears, and Falcons before reuniting with Chicago in 2022 and Kansas City in 2023. Both tenures have now ended, and Pennel isn't holding anything back against his former team. It is a bit of a surprise to see a player who hasn't accomplished much be so vocal in his distaste for the move. If it was as shocking as Pennel believes, the market will be there for you to rebound.
Letting your play do the talking is a wiser move for a journeyman player who made a limited impact in each of his stops. While it has been a nice career for an undrafted prospect, this isn't one of the faces of the league, but a player who has already had a difficult journey.
Choosing to burn a bridge and make the cut so personal is a surprise, but welcome entertainment for the rest of the league. Pennel shouldn't have an issue finding a new landing spot if the veteran is willing to swallow his pride and take a practice squad or depth role. Something that could now prove far more difficult to find after this unneeded but entertaining splash.