Forget game-winning touchdowns; the real buzz’s all about alligators! The Chiefs rookie Carson Steele’s swapped traditional pets for a cold-blooded companion—Crocky-J—and it’s got everyone splitting up. While Steele’s trying to establish his place in the NFL, his unusual choice of a pet sparked quite the conversation—especially after Travis Kelce gave it his seal of approval. 

On the New Heights podcast, Kelce gushed, “It is the coolest thing ever!” while completely brushing aside PETA’s brutal warning against keeping alligators as pets. The organization didn’t hold back, reminding everyone that Crocky-J’s life might not be as glam as it seems. They stated, “There is nothing enjoyable about having your mouth taped shut, being trapped inside, and getting denied a natural life. Crocky-J deserves better.” But hey, Kelce seems unfazed, adding fuel to the fire of this exotic pet debate.

Carson Steele’s journey with Crocky-J started when he was just ten, and he considers the alligator a family member. “I just want everyone to see that he’s more than just an exotic pet to me. He’s my friend,” the Chiefs’ rookie shared. However, while he views his alligator through rose-colored glasses, PETA’s concerns about the ethical implications of such pet ownership cannot be ignored. 

In a world where exotic pets are all the rage—thanks to Instagram influencers showing off their wild side—Carson Steele’s situation adds a much-needed reality check. While the 21-year-old steers through the dual pressures of being an NFL rookie and an alligator dad, he opens the door for a much-needed conversation about animal welfare and conservation. 

As Crocky-J lounges around, he might just become the next big name in sports—or at least the most talked-about! And let’s keep it real—plenty of NFL players have had their own share of exotic pets, too.

Other athletes with exotic pet collection 

When it comes to exotic pets, some athletes take the concept to a whole new level—forget cats and dogs; we’re talking alligators, snakes, and even camels! 

Take NBA star Mikki Moore, for instance. Moore grew up in Gaffney, S.C., exploring his grandmother’s ominously dubbed backyard—and that’s where he developed a fascination for slithery creatures. A few years went by, and he amassed quite the collection—five snakes (two albino Burmese pythons and a Colombian red-tail boa constrictor). That’s 42 feet of snake right there, all requiring a steady diet of rats. 

Then there’s former basketball player Carmelo Anthony, who, in 2011, tweeted his disdain for the usual cat-and-dog crowd. Unlike your average pet owner, Anthony thinks way outside the box—or maybe even a little too far. He joked about owning a pet camel, leaving fans wondering if he really has a dromedary chilling in his luxurious Manhattan digs. While it’s likely a joke, who wouldn’t want to believe that ‘Melo might just have the most unusual pet in the NBA? 

On the NFL side, former Louisville RB Tony Stallings and his wife had an unconventional home life filled with reptiles. Their three-foot-long alligator, Baraka, along with a monitor lizard and two pythons, made for a full apartment. Add a freezer stocked with dead mice for feeding, and you’ve got yourself a wild living situation. Talk about an exotic pet family!

Last but not least, we have Lions’ Louis Delmas, who once owned a six-foot alligator named Mojo. As Delmas discovered, living with a gator ain’t all fun and games—especially when your roommate isn’t thrilled about it. So, he passed Mojo to someone more qualified to handle the big guy. 

These athletes show that having an exotic pet is not just a trend but a lifestyle choice. Whether it’s snakes, alligators, or even camels, these players remind us that the world of pets can be as wild as the sports they play!