Khalen Saunders, who is in his fourth season in the National Football League was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round with the 84th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was part of the team that won the Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers.
Saunders attended Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Missouri. He participated in multiple sports, including football, wrestling, and track/field. Saunder played as a utility player ( running back and defensive lineman) on the school football team.
He was recognized as an All-Conference and All-State defensive tackle and offensive athlete thanks to his outstanding performance.
Saunders attended Western Illinois University after a successful high school career and played four seasons of college football for the Western Illinois Leathernecks.
Saunders spent most of his time at Western Illinois University playing on the defensive line, but he also played on the offensive side of the ball on occasion. He finished his collegiate athletic career with a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown.
He was the only Leatherneck to ever be invited to the Senior Bowl after his senior year, and while competing there, he recorded the game’s first sack on Will Grier, receiving praise from Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.
Meet Kim Hamilton and Kenton Saunders
Kim Hamilton and Kenton Saunders are the parents of Khalen and Kameron Saunders. Kim and Kenton have always supported their son. Kenton was the one who introduced his son to football. They will usually perform drills in their backyard.
Hamilton put in a lot of hard work at a variety of occupations before landing his current position as a driving instructor for the MetroBus service in the city. She had to take out a loan in order to pay for the boys’ trip to Disney World.
She made it a priority to enroll both of her sons in rigorous high schools that would prepare them well for college. She even gave stand-up comedy a shot in recent years. She has a serious side, but she can also have fun.