Former LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier made his Kansas City Chiefs debut during their 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Justin Fields started the game for the Chiefs in Patrick Mahomes’ absence before Nussmeier took over, completing 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards.
Nussmeier led scoring drives against the Rams that ended in two field goals by Harrison Butker.
Garrett Nussmeier Receives Warm Message After Chiefs Debut
After the quarterback’s Chiefs debut, his mother, Christi Hebert, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, which his fiancée, Ella Springfield, reposted on her stories.
“We are so proud of you G, your dream came true, wow! Now enjoy every moment God has blessed you with,” Christi Hebert wrote.
The Chiefs quarterback, who is the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, has long dreamed of playing in the NFL like his father.
After spending his whole college football career with the LSU Tigers and being considered a first-round talent before last season, Nussmeier slid down the draft boards on draft night. He was ultimately selected No. 249 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Chiefs.
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Fields will serve as Mahomes’ backup, while Nussmeier is competing against Chris Oladokun for a place in the Chiefs’ quarterback room.
While speaking to reporters during his postgame news conference, Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Nussmeier’s performance against the Rams.
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“Yeah, again, another one of the young guys I thought did some nice things,” Reid said about Nussmeier. “There are a couple of things he’s got to work on. I would’ve expected that coming out, but I thought for his first time out there rolling, I thought he handled it well. He made some nice throws. Had some long-yardage situations that he had to get himself out of and did a good job there.”
Nussmeier had a disappointing final season in college football after starting the season as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites. The quarterback’s performances drew widespread criticism as LSU’s season disintegrated, leading to coach Brian Kelly’s firing.
He played just nine games and was benched for the rest of the season due to an abdominal injury. Nussmeier earned a PFN College QB Impact score of 75.9, ranking 110th in the nation, after tallying 1,927 passing yards on 67.4% completion, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Nussmeier might get another chance to impress Reid during the Chiefs’ second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 22.
