Michael Danna might not be the most talked-about player on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 90-man roster, but to overlook the value and journey of the man wearing jersey No. 51 would be a mistake for any football enthusiast trying to understand what makes the defending champions tick. Danna, a defensive lineman who plays with a ferocity and technique born from years of development, has quietly carved out a critical role for one of the NFL’s most dominant teams. His rise from an unheralded college player to a dependable asset for the Chiefs speaks volumes about his work ethic, football IQ, and adaptability within a system that demands physicality, speed, and versatility across the front seven.
Danna was not one of those players whose names dominated headlines on draft day. In fact, his selection in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft came with relatively little fanfare. Drafted 177th overall, the Chiefs were taking a bit of a gamble—a calculated one—on a player with intriguing athletic traits and a high motor but one who had not received consistent top-level exposure. Yet, four seasons into his professional career, Danna has proven that pedigree is only part of the equation in the NFL. What matters more is production, consistency, and the ability to evolve, all traits he’s come to embody since arriving in Kansas City.
Danna’s college journey laid a solid foundation for his NFL career. He spent most of his college career at Central Michigan before transferring to Michigan for his final season. At Central Michigan, he made a name for himself as an explosive edge rusher with excellent hands and an innate feel for rushing the passer. He posted impressive numbers, especially during the 2018 season, where he racked up 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning All-MAC honors. Seeking a bigger challenge and a national spotlight, Danna transferred to the University of Michigan as a graduate student in 2019, where he continued to show his versatility, often being used as both a defensive end and interior lineman.
That versatility is what likely appealed to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes rely heavily on adaptable linemen who can move across the line, defend both the run and pass, and understand the timing and mechanics of complex blitz packages. Danna fit that mold. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing roughly 257 pounds, Danna doesn’t have the prototypical height of an NFL edge rusher, but what he lacks in length, he makes up for in quickness, leverage, and power. He uses his compact frame to generate leverage against taller offensive tackles, allowing him to get underneath pads and drive blockers back into the pocket.
Danna’s rookie season was a success by any reasonable standard. He played in 13 games and logged 2.5 sacks, 25 total tackles, and 4 tackles for loss. He didn’t start, but he didn’t need to. The Chiefs already had a defensive line rotation that included Frank Clark, Chris Jones, and other veterans. Danna’s job was to come in, apply pressure, and provide consistent energy in sub-packages and third-down situations. He did just that, and perhaps more importantly, he gained the trust of the coaching staff. In the NFL, that trust is everything. Coaches want players who know their assignments, won’t commit mental errors, and can be counted on in high-leverage moments. By all accounts, Danna earned that trust early in his career.
As the years progressed, Danna’s role only grew. In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he continued to develop as a rotational pass rusher, tallying 3 sacks in each of those campaigns and becoming a reliable contributor on a defense that was slowly transitioning from a veteran-heavy unit to one fueled by youth and athleticism. His best season yet came in 2023, where Danna played in all 17 regular-season games and registered 6.5 sacks, 50 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. He was no longer just a rotational piece—he was a key cog in a defensive line that powered Kansas City to another Super Bowl appearance and victory.
What stands out most about Danna’s evolution is not just his improved statistical output but his increasing comfort and savvy on the field. He’s become adept at reading offensive formations and diagnosing plays before the snap. This allows him to react quicker, anticipate screens and draws, and recognize protection schemes. His ability to time his get-off, paired with a growing arsenal of pass-rushing moves, makes him more difficult to block than many fans realize. From the spin move to the rip-and-dip technique, Danna has worked hard to round out his skill set. He’s not just relying on effort—he’s becoming a technician.
Being a defensive lineman in today’s NFL requires more than brute strength. Offensive schemes are more complex than ever, with quick-release passing attacks and read-option plays that force defenders to be disciplined. One misstep can lead to a massive gain. Danna, by staying disciplined and knowing his assignments, helps limit those explosive plays. And he does it without needing the spotlight. He’s a team-first player, one who understands that success in the trenches often comes without much glory. The fans may cheer for sacks, but few notice the guy who occupies a double team so that a teammate can make a tackle. Danna is that guy, doing the dirty work that rarely shows up on highlight reels but is crucial to winning football.
His demeanor also aligns with the Chiefs’ organizational culture. He’s quiet, hard-working, and lets his play speak for itself. In a locker room full of larger-than-life personalities like Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, Danna brings balance. His work ethic has been praised by both teammates and coaches, and younger players often mention how approachable and helpful he is during film sessions and practices. That kind of leadership, even if it’s not always vocal, helps build the kind of camaraderie and focus that championship teams are made of.
This offseason, the Chiefs retained Danna on a new contract, ensuring that he remains a part of their defensive core moving forward. For a player who began as a mid-round draft pick with little fanfare, the extension is a testament to his growth and value. It also underscores the importance of player development within the Chiefs’ organization. They didn’t just draft Danna—they nurtured his strengths, gave him meaningful reps, and trusted him to improve year after year. It’s no surprise that the Chiefs continue to contend for titles when players like Danna are allowed to blossom in such a structure.
The 2025 season brings new challenges. The Chiefs’ defensive line will again be a focal point as they aim for another deep playoff run. With Chris Jones aging and young players like Felix Anudike-Uzomah developing, Danna finds himself in a unique position. He’s now a bridge—someone who can relate to the veterans while mentoring the younger talent. His presence allows the team to remain flexible with personnel groupings. Whether he’s lining up as a defensive end in a 4-3 set or moving inside on passing downs, Danna’s versatility gives Spagnuolo more options and helps the Chiefs stay multiple on defense.
Opposing offenses now have to account for him. He’s no longer just a depth player—they must game plan for his motor, his technique, and his awareness. Quarterbacks feel his pressure, even when he doesn’t get the sack. Running backs get stonewalled on the edge because of his containment. And offensive linemen often walk off the field knowing they just spent four quarters battling a relentless, technically sound opponent.
It’s also worth noting that Danna’s success may inspire other overlooked college players. His journey proves that you don’t have to come from a powerhouse program or have eye-popping combine numbers to succeed in the NFL. What matters is what you do when you get the opportunity. Michael Danna seized his, and he continues to earn every snap, every sack, and every accolade. He reminds us that the NFL isn’t just about superstars—it’s also about the grinders, the workers, the players who bring their lunch pail every day and find a way to contribute no matter the odds.
There’s something refreshing about watching a player like Danna. In an era where self-promotion is rampant and highlight culture dominates, he represents something more grounded. He embodies the values of discipline, hard work, humility, and persistence. And those are values that not only build strong football teams but also resonate with fans who admire substance over flash.
Wearing jersey No. 51, Danna might not be the face of the franchise, but he is a crucial part of its spine. He provides strength, support, and durability—qualities that championships are built upon. As the Chiefs move deeper into their dynasty era, don’t be surprised if Danna continues to rise. His best football might still be ahead of him, and with his combination of intelligence, physicality, and drive, there’s no telling how high his ceiling could be.
Michael Danna’s story is still being written, but even now, it serves as a reminder of what’s possible in the NFL when talent meets opportunity and preparation. For Kansas City, that means their No. 51 continues to be a foundational piece on a defense that is as tough, smart, and resilient as the man himself. And for every young player watching, hoping for a shot, Danna’s journey is living proof that greatness often starts in the shadows—earned, not gifted—and always built one snap at a time.
