You’ve probably seen the long blonde hair. You’ve definitely seen the "Man of Steel" highlights where he’s basically a human battering ram. But if you’re following the Kansas City Chiefs, you know there’s one thing that makes Carson Steele stand out more than a 615-pound squat.
He has a pet alligator.
His name is Crocky J. Honestly, the name sounds like something a second-grader would come up with, and that’s because a second-grader actually did. While most kids were begging for a Golden Retriever or maybe a hamster that would live for two years, Steele wanted something with a bit more teeth.
The Christmas Surprise in a Burlap Sack
It started back in Greenwood, Indiana. Imagine it’s Christmas Day. The snow is coming down outside his Nana’s house. There’s a knock on the door, and it’s not Santa—it’s a UPS driver.
The driver didn't just drop the box and run. He actually stood there and asked to see what was inside. The box was huge, it was labeled "Live Reptile," and it had been sitting in his truck for hours. Steele’s dad, Joseph, was just standing there grinning.
Carson thought he was getting a lizard or a turtle. He ripped open the box, dug through a mountain of styrofoam peanuts, and found a moving burlap sack.
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When he opened the sack? A six-inch baby alligator shot out and booked it down the hallway. His Nana almost fainted. Most parents would have immediately called for a refund or a zoo, but the Steeles just kind of rolled with it.
Who is Crocky J?
The first thing to clear up is the name. Steele knows he’s an alligator. He’s fully aware that calling an alligator "Crocky" is technically a bit off. But when you’re seven years old, "Gatory J" just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Crocky J has been part of the family for over a decade now. He’s roughly 12 to 13 years old. He isn't that tiny six-inch lizard anymore either.
- Current Size: Somewhere between 4 and 5.5 feet long.
- Weight: He’s estimated to be over 100 pounds.
- Home Base: He currently lives in a massive, custom-built aquarium at the Steele family home in Indiana.
- Personality: Steele describes him as surprisingly calm, though he did admit during Super Bowl 59 media week that the gator might be "a little mad" at anyone wearing alligator skin boots.
It’s not just a pet; it’s a lifestyle. Growing up, Steele would take Crocky J to school for show-and-tell. Imagine being in third grade and your classmate brings a literal apex predator into the room. Apparently, the entire school would line up just to get a glimpse.
The NFL Fame and the PETA Controversy
When Steele made the Chiefs’ roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024, the "Crocky J" story went nuclear. The NFL’s social media team posted it. The broadcast booths during games talked about it more than the actual plays.
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Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: is he bringing the gator to Kansas City?
It’s not as easy as just putting him in the passenger seat of a truck. Missouri and Kansas have very specific (and very strict) laws about exotic animals. Steele has mentioned he’s working on the paperwork, but for now, Crocky J stays in Indiana.
Not everyone is a fan, though. PETA caught wind of the story and didn’t hold back. They posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Crocky J "deserves better" and criticized the practice of keeping wild animals in tanks with their mouths taped for photos. They argued he should be moved to a sanctuary.
Steele hasn't engaged much with the drama. For him, this is a pet he’s cared for since he was a little kid. It’s part of his identity, so much so that his favorite nickname is simply "Crocodile."
Life as a Fullback and a Gator Dad
Steele’s playing style actually matches his pet. He’s a throwback. A thumper. He’s the kind of guy who thrives on the "dirty work" of blocking and short-yardage gains.
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In his rookie season, he was an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He finished second in the AFC fan voting for fullbacks, losing out only to Patrick Ricard. People love him because he’s different. In a league of polished brands and corporate-speak, a guy with Fabio hair and a pet alligator is a breath of fresh air.
During the 2025 season, things got a bit rocky when he was briefly waived and moved to the practice squad, but the fan support for "Thor" and his gator never really wavered.
Tips for Exotic Pet Curiosity
If you're reading this and thinking about ordering a gator from a Florida farm, maybe hit the brakes for a second. Most people aren't Carson Steele.
- Check Local Laws First: Most states require permits that are incredibly hard to get. In many cities, it's flat-out illegal.
- Think Long-Term: Alligators can live for 50 years. This isn't a "phase." It's a lifetime commitment.
- Space Requirements: A 100-gallon tank works for a baby, but a five-foot gator needs a massive enclosure with specialized heating, filtration, and water access.
- Safety Costs: Insurance and specialized vet care for a reptile that can take off a finger are not cheap.
The bond between Steele and Crocky J is unique because they grew up together. It’s a weird, Indiana-style success story that somehow ended up in the middle of a Chiefs Super Bowl run.
If you want to follow the journey, keep an eye on Steele's social media or the Chiefs' "Mic'd Up" segments. Just don't expect to see Crocky J roaming the sidelines at Arrowhead Stadium anytime soon—the paperwork is a nightmare.
Next Steps: If you're interested in how NFL players handle their off-field lives, you should look into the specific exotic animal ordinances in your own state before considering any non-traditional pet. You can also check the official USDA guidelines on "Class I" wildlife permits to see just how much work goes into legal ownership of reptiles like Crocky J.