Carlos Dunlap’s NFL Return: Chiefs, Super Bowl Rings, and Career Plans

Carlos Dunlap, the former Kansas City Chiefs player and Super Bowl winner, is currently without a team as the NFL offseason continues. Dunlap, who recently received his Super Bowl LVII ring, is hoping for an NFL return in 2023.

Dunlap expressed his desire to help another team win a championship or potentially assist the Chiefs again. While the Chiefs have not ruled out a reunion, Dunlap is currently in a waiting game to see if any opportunities arise.

The veteran defensive end’s career has been marked by frustration, particularly during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite playing well enough to be part of a championship defense, the Bengals frequently fell short in the playoffs. This frustration led to his trade to the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.

Joining the Chiefs provided Dunlap with a new opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to a successful team. Despite starting in only two games, he played 537 snaps and recorded 39 tackles, four sacks, eight passes defended, and one forced fumble. He also played a crucial role in helping the Chiefs defeat his former team, the Bengals, in the AFC Championship Game.

While Dunlap is willing to take on a lesser role as long as he’s on a winning team, he acknowledges that the end of his career may be near. However, he remains a free agent and still loves the game, leaving the possibility of an NFL return open.

In addition to his football career, Dunlap has also ventured into the restaurant business. He has opened several successful restaurants, including the upcoming Honey Uninhibited brunch restaurant in Covington, Kentucky. The restaurant, set to open in the second week of July, is expected to attract Bengals players and staff for a tasting event.

Dunlap’s first Honey Uninhibited location in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood was named the “Best Brunch Spot in Miami” by the Miami New Times. Despite the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, the revenue grew from $1.7 million to $2 million last year.

The success of his restaurant business has inspired Dunlap to expand further. He plans to open a second Honey Uninhibited location in Coconut Grove, Miami, and three more branches in his hometown of Charleston, a renowned foodie city. Dunlap aims to provide job opportunities for the youth in his community and hopes to inspire them to own and run their own businesses.

While Dunlap’s restaurant business thrives, he has not closed the door on his NFL career. However, if he remains unemployed for the entire 2023 season, retirement may become a consideration. Regardless of what happens, Dunlap plans to return to Cincinnati at the end of his career to officially retire there.

What role does Dunlap believe the team management plays in determining his future with the Chiefs or any other team

P with a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a Super Bowl-winning team. However, after just one season with the Chiefs, Dunlap finds himself without a team as the offseason progresses.

Dunlap is determined to continue his NFL career and is open to joining any team that gives him a chance to compete for another championship. While he has expressed interest in potentially reuniting with the Chiefs, he understands that the decision ultimately lies in the hands of the team’s management.

Throughout his career, Dunlap has faced his fair share of disappointments, particularly during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite his strong performances on the field, the Bengals failed to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Frustrated with the lack of success, Dunlap was eventually traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.

Joining the Chiefs last season provided Dunlap with the opportunity to showcase his talents and help contribute to the team’s Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LVII. However, as the offseason progresses, Dunlap finds himself still waiting for a new team to give him a shot.

Whether it be joining a team with championship aspirations or possibly rejoining the Chiefs, Dunlap remains hopeful that a new opportunity will come his way soon. As the offseason continues, he remains focused and determined to make a return to the NFL and play a role in another championship-winning team.