EX-GLAD POLE SIGNED BY CHIEFS
December 4, 2025
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 LT Josh Simmons was put on injured reserve.
Though Pole, on the 53-man roster, is not on the list of starters for the crucial week-14 matchup, he is on course to see his first NFL action.
"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," Pole said Thursday after practice of the opportunity.
Eric Fanene, his former coach at Chabot, marvels at Pole's storybook rise. To think that Fanene was his first-ever head football coach and first line coach, as well as 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 of Pole. "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!"
Likewise, Pole holds Fanene in high regard and credits Chabot with propelling him.
"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."
While he finds himself in a league loaded with former high school football phenoms, Pole can see advantages in starting football in college.
"A lot of things 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 basketball has blessed me with."
Pole was activated for Kansas City's Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, but did not play.
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 late October.
The Chiefs have been shuffling offensive linemen after a series of injuries. Kansas City coach Andy Reid appears optimistic about Pole's ability to deliver.
"Yeah, we thought we saw some talent there," Reid told reporters, according to an NFL report. "And he knows the scheme, obviously, and we thought there was some growth. He could be a guy that works in somewhere."
Pole did not allow a sack over 498 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 at Washington State, and posted the second best pass-block grade by a tackle in the country (86.7).
Fanene was thrilled after 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.