Khalen Saunders might be wearing Saints colors now, but he has a connection to the Chiefs beyond just being a former member of the team.
The defensive tackle for New Orleans was showing out during Week 5’s “Monday Night Football.” Saunders stuffed Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce at the goal line after a catch, then proceeded to nab an interception in the end zone after Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was unable to bring in a throw from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
Saunders didn’t just go down in the end zone either. The big man got moving, returning the pick to the Saints’ 35-yard line.
KHALEN SAUNDERS SAID HOLD UP LET ME RUN THIS
📺: #NOvsKC– 8:15pm on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OSelERCV8O— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2024
Just moments before the turnover, the ESPN broadcast was discussing Saunders and his family. While the former Kansas City member earned his fame through the NFL, his brother has a connection to one of the most famous people in the world — Taylor Swift.
LIVE: Highlights, updates from Chiefs vs. Saints ‘Monday Night Football’
Here’s more to know about Saunders’ brother.
Who is Khalen Saunders’ brother?
Saunders’ brother is Kameron Saunders, who is a backup dancer for Taylor Swift on her “Eras Tour.”
Fans may recognize Saunders from his appearance alongside Travis Kelce. The Kansas City star joined Swift onstage for a performance in London, sporting a top hat and cane. The dancer with the couple was Saunders.
“Trav.. I had the time of my life being an absolute HAM with you on stage,” Saunders said in his Instagram post. “This was such a full circle moment for me. I have been to countless Chiefs games with my family over the years to support my baby brother.
“… And now for you and I to share the biggest stage in the world with boss lady… full circle! The Saunders family loves you, Trav! (Including our mom LMAO) thank you for your heart and kindness and goofiness.”
The Saints DT was asked about who his older brother would be rooting for during the Week 5 Chiefs vs. Saints game. The dancer may have an allegiance to Swift, Kelce, and Kansas City, however, family always comes first.
I asked #Saints defensive tackle and former Chiefs player Khalen “Bink” Saunders who his brother Kameron will be cheering for Monday night in Kansas City since Kameron is a choreographer/dancer for @taylorswift13 #NFL pic.twitter.com/3cxirPWyuP
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) October 3, 2024
“I was here first,” Khalen said jokingly in the lead-up the game. “… He’s going to be on my side. He ain’t going to be cheering for the Chiefs.
“He’s going to be cheering for me because I’m paying for his ticket.”
Who is Khalen Saunders?
Saunders is a defensive tackle currently in his second year with the Saints. The lineman previously spent time in Kansas City, playing from 2019-22 as a member of the Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls with the team.
The 28-year-old was a third-round pick by Kansas City in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Western Illinois. He never truly carved out a starting role with the Chiefs, but has been a mainstay along the defensive line in New Orleans.
Saunders is incredibly athletic for a man his size. The tackle used to play running back in high school at Parkway Central in Missouri, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.
By the way, Saints DT Khalen Saunders did indeed play running back (among other positions) in high school at Parkway Central (Missouri). He actually rushed for 93 yards and two TDs in a playoff game.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 8, 2024
