Kansas City, Mo ? R-Kal Truluck, who was almost killed while defending a teenage girl from a knife-wielding attacker, is finally getting a chance to play in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs added the 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end to their 53-man roster Wednesday and will use him on Sunday against Seattle, giving the 28-year-old Brooklyn native the opportunity he’s been dreaming of since he played college football at SUNY Cortland.

“It feels good to have my chance, to have my opportunity,” Truluck said Wednesday. “But regardless, I’m going to continue to work hard and do the things I need to do. I just want to come out and contribute and do whatever I can to make an impact.”

A pass-rush specialist who’s made a detailed study of some of the game’s greatest sack artists, Truluck was signed by the Chiefs last August and was placed on the practice squad after recording four sacks in the club’s exhibition season.

Coach Dick Vermeil, whose defensive line has been depleted by injury, said Truluck will probably get 26-30 plays against Seattle.

“I’m not sure he’s ready to step up. But he’s the only available healthy defensive lineman we have to give us eight men to suit up and play on Sunday,” Vermeil said.

“I think he deserves an opportunity. He’s done a good job on our practice squad. He’s done a very good job on our one-on-one pass protection, pass-rush drills.

“We’re optimistic. I’d like to see him take advantage of this opportunity.”

Truluck appeared in 38 games for Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football League in 1998-2000 and then went to the Arena Football League, where he was rookie of the year in 2001.