Chiefs Player Carson Steele Has a Pet Alligator Named Crocky-J, and NFL Fans Are in Love

"I can’t stop thinking about Carson Steele owning an alligator named Crocky-J," one fan wrote

Carson Steele had to say "see ya later, alligator" to his beloved pet Crocky-J this football season.

The Kansas City Chiefs running back introduced fans to his pet alligator ahead of the NFL season opener on Thursday, Sept. 5. After learning more about the beloved reptile, fans have become enamored.

During a press conference in August, the rookie, 21, told reporters about the nicknames he's earned since joining the team.

“The favorite one I’d say is ‘Crocodile’ because of my pet alligator,” Steele said, via KCTV5. “I got him second or third grade probably as a Christmas present."

According to the Los Angeles Times, Steele's dad had ordered Crocky-J "off the internet from a gator farm in Florida." Upon releasing the baby alligator from his burlap sack used for delivery, he scampered across the floor and chaos ensued.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“So I’ve had him a little while now. He’s in a big aquarium back home,” he added. Home for Steele, and the 4-5 foot long Crocky-J, is Indiana. The running back clarified that Crocky-J is an alligator and not a crocodile but chose the name because he thought it "sounded a little better."

During the Sept. 5 broadcast, announcers noted that Crocky-J weighs over 100 lbs, while sharing a picture of a young Steele holding the baby alligator in his hand.

"Carson told me Crocky-J has his own room at his parents' house in Indiana. But he hopes to bring him here to Kansas City soon," they continued. "He just needs to fill out some exotic animal paperwork."

Steele's teammates are "very excited" to meet Crocky-J. And so are NFL fans.

After the alligator got a mention during the NFL season opener, fans headed to X (formerly Twitter) to gush over the reptile. "this is the best thing i've seen all week omfg," one fan said.

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"I’ve heard enough," another wrote. "Make Crocky-J the new mascot for the Kansas City football team this instant."

A third joked: "Just learned about Crocky J and I would die for him."

This fan seemed to sum up the overall enthusiasm of the gator: "I can’t stop thinking about Carson Steele owning an alligator named Crocky-J. The NFL is so back."

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