Francis Michael Chesley is a former American football linebacker who played briefly in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 1970s. Born in Washington, D.C., Chesley attended Eastern High School before enrolling at the University of Wyoming. His collegiate athletic career began unexpectedly after a chance meeting with a track-and-field coach, leading him to initially play baseball for one season before walking on to the university's football team. At Wyoming, Chesley transitioned through multiple positions, including safety and tight end, before finding success as a starting defensive end due to roster injuries.
Chesley was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 1978 NFL Draft, making him the sole player from his college team drafted that year. However, an early-season injury sidelined him during practices, leading to his release by the Saints. Later that same season, the Green Bay Packers signed Chesley to bolster their injury-depleted linebacker corps. He appeared in one game for the Packers during the 1978 season. Chesley comes from an athletic family, with his brothers Al Chesley and John Chesley also playing in the NFL.
