Two stars from Notre Dame’s dominant 2018 defense are teaming up again — this time in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Former Notre Dame Defenders Reunite With Kansas City Chiefs

Two key members of Notre Dame’s 2018 College Football Playoff defense are reuniting in the NFL.

Safety Alohi Gilman has agreed to join the Kansas City Chiefs, where he will team up with former Notre Dame captain Drue Tranquill.

The move brings back a defensive pairing that helped power one of the Fighting Irish’s most successful seasons in recent history.

Gilman Signs Three-Year Deal With Chiefs

Reports indicate Gilman signed a three-year contract worth $24.75 million with Kansas City.

The 29-year-old defensive back entered the league as the 186th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Despite being a late-round selection, Gilman has carved out a solid NFL career.

He spent his early years with the Los Angeles Chargers before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 season.

Strong Impact in Baltimore

After arriving in Baltimore, Gilman contributed to a Ravens defense that allowed just 18.4 points per game during the remainder of the season.

During his short time with the Ravens he recorded:

1 forced fumble
2 fumble recoveries
1 interception returned 84 yards for a touchdown

His playmaking ability helped boost his value entering free agency.

Reunion With Drue Tranquill

In Kansas City, Gilman reunites with linebacker Drue Tranquill, another key defender from Notre Dame’s 2018 squad.

Tranquill was the team captain that season and later played for the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Chiefs.

Since joining Kansas City, Tranquill has:

Won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2023
Returned to another Super Bowl appearance in 2024

Now he will share the field once again with his former Notre Dame teammate.

Remembering Notre Dame’s 2018 Defense

The 2018 Fighting Irish defense was one of the best in the country.

Notre Dame allowed only:

237 total points
18.2 points per game

That ranked 13th in the nation and helped the team reach the College Football Playoff.

Gilman delivered several key moments that season, including a crucial forced fumble against USC that helped preserve Notre Dame’s undefeated regular season.

Bringing the Magic to Kansas City

With the Chiefs continuing to build a strong defense around Patrick Mahomes’ offense, the reunion of Gilman and Tranquill could bring some of that 2018 Notre Dame defensive chemistry to Kansas City.

For Gilman, the move represents another step forward in a career that began as a late-round draft pick — and now includes a major opportunity with one of the NFL’s top teams.