Kahlil Benson Earns NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month Honors for September

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kahlil Benson’s remarkable rise from an undrafted free agent to starting NFL offensive tackle has reached another major milestone.

The Kansas City Chiefs rookie was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September 2026, following an impressive opening three games in his first professional season.

Benson, a former Indiana standout, arrived in Kansas City during the spring after receiving an invitation to the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. There were no guarantees that he would make the team.

Just months later, he has established himself as a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive line.

From Tryout Player to Starting Left Tackle

Benson entered the season under unusual circumstances after starting left tackle Josh Simmons was sidelined with a back injury.

The rookie was asked to step into the starting role despite never having played left tackle during his college career at Indiana.

He responded by starting all three of Kansas City’s September games at left tackle as the Chiefs opened the season with a 3-0 record.

Benson played every offensive snap in those opening games and quickly demonstrated that he could handle the demands of protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

According to NFL and Next Gen Stats data, Benson allowed seven quarterback pressures on 106 pass-blocking snaps through three games. The NFL reported that he had surrendered only one sack during that span.

The Chiefs’ official team report also highlighted his consistency, noting that he allowed just three pressures in each of Kansas City’s first three games.

A Major Milestone for the Chiefs

Benson’s award is significant in Chiefs history.

He becomes the first Kansas City player to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award since Kareem Hunt in 2017. Linebacker Nick Bolton was the most recent Chiefs rookie to win any Rookie of the Month honor, doing so in October 2021.

The NFL also noted that Benson is the first offensive lineman to win the Offensive Rookie of the Month award since Indianapolis Colts star Quenton Nelson in October 2018.

Part of Kansas City’s Strong Start

Benson’s emergence has coincided with an impressive beginning to the Chiefs’ 2026 campaign.

Kansas City defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 in Week 1, edged the Indianapolis Colts 33-30 in Week 2 and then defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-10 in Week 3.

While much of the attention surrounding Kansas City’s offense has focused on Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III, Benson’s performance on the offensive line has helped provide stability.

Walker was also recognized by the NFL on Thursday, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for September after rushing for 360 yards and recording four total touchdowns through three games.

The Next Challenge

Benson’s breakout month comes at an important point in the season.

Kansas City is preparing to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, with both teams entering the matchup undefeated.

Meanwhile, Simmons continues to recover from a bulging disc in his lower back. Head coach Andy Reid said Simmons is improving, but Benson is expected to make another start while the Chiefs monitor the situation.

For Benson, the journey is already extraordinary.

He arrived in Kansas City without being selected in the NFL Draft and initially had to earn his opportunity through a tryout. He then moved into the starting lineup, helped the Chiefs open the season 3-0 and became a monthly award winner before October even arrived.

Now, the former Indiana offensive lineman has another challenge ahead: proving that his impressive September was only the beginning.

From undrafted rookie to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month — Kahlil Benson’s NFL story is getting started in a big way.