Chiefs News: Christian Roland-Wallace saw misunderstandings before selection

One of the heroes of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 was rookie cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace.

The 49ers were ahead in the third quarter. With a deficit of 14:12, they had a good chance of taking the lead. But deep in Kansas City territory, Roland-Wallace grabbed a missed throw from San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy – and then tapped his toes perfectly downfield. It was exactly what you would expect from a veteran wideout.

After practice on Friday, Roland-Wallace talked about what he saw before he made the catch.

“[It was] “Just a miscommunication,” the USC product told reporters, “and then I just capitalized on it — and came down with the ball.”

Of course, Roland-Wallace kept it as a souvenir.

“Just for memories or something,” he said. “My first INT.”

The 49ers’ next drive would also end in an interception – this one by rookie safety Jaden Hicks in the end zone. The two first-year pros had kept perhaps 14 San Francisco points on the field – and the Chiefs rallied until the end, scoring 14 points off turnovers.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

“It meant a lot to me,” Roland-Wallace said of the two rookie defenders’ first interceptions in the same game. “You know, as children we dream of moments like this. So it was great that it came true.”

Roland-Wallace was happy to hear from former teammates and coaches this week – but he made sure to credit defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for helping him succeed as a pro.

“I’m grateful for them, the staff, the spags, the vets here who helped Jaden and I – just this whole organization.”

Roland-Wallace also praised defensive coach Dave Merritt.

“He taught us a lot,” the freshman said, “so I just try to soak up everything he doesn’t tell us.”

Roland-Wallace signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent following the NFL Draft in April. The Chiefs’ recent track record with young defensive backs was a key factor in his decision.

“I just knew I had a chance,” he recalled of the moment, “and they were interested. I just came in and just controlled what I could.”

After training camp, this unexpectedly led to a spot on the team’s first active roster. But Roland-Wallace now realizes that this was only the first step.

“I was excited – and so was my family,” he recalled of the team’s formation, “but there’s still a lot of work ahead of us.”

Part of that was his work as a nickel cornerback — something he did at both Arizona and USC.

“I moved around a little bit in college,” Roland-Wallace said, “so I got some reps there and stuff.” So it wasn’t entirely new.”

Unfortunately, there was a price to pay for Sunday’s win: starting outside cornerback Jaylen Watson suffered a broken ankle that could end his season. Roland-Wallace expects all defensive backs to get stronger.

“I feel like everyone is locked in the room and preparing like they’re playing,” he explained. “So if the opportunity presents itself, it won’t be a surprise.”