Kendall Christopher Fuller is an American professional football cornerback currently competing in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 13, 1995, in Baltimore, Maryland, he rose to prominence through the Virginia Tech Hokies college program before being selected by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Fuller is widely recognized for his ball-hawking instincts, most notably his game-sealing interception in Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kendall Fuller Bio
Kendall Christopher Fuller has built a reputation as a reliable, athletic cornerback throughout his NFL career. After beginning his professional journey in Washington, he has spent time with several franchises, earning a Super Bowl ring and consistent playing time as a starter. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds, he has played both outside and in the slot at a high level.
Early Life and Background
Kendall Christopher Fuller was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where football quickly became a central part of his life. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, starring on the football varsity alongside future NFL players Blake Countess and Stefon Diggs. As a senior, he earned prestigious honors, including the U.S. Army All-American Defensive Player of the Year and the Maryland Gatorade Football Player of the Year, after producing 44 receptions for 695 yards and seven touchdowns on offense while adding three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and 28 tackles on defense.
Beyond football, Fuller was a talented track and field athlete, competing in hurdles and jumps. He posted impressive bests of 17.94 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles, 47.81 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles, 6.48 meters in the long jump, and 13.71 meters in the triple jump. These performances highlighted the elite athleticism that would later translate to his success on the football field.
Ranked as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Fuller was considered the second-best cornerback and the ninth-best overall player in his recruiting class. In July 2012, he committed to Virginia Tech to play college football, choosing the Hokies over scholarship offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina.
Path to American Football
Kendall Christopher Fuller enrolled at Virginia Tech and immediately made an impact on the Hokies’ defense. As a true freshman in 2013, he started 12 of 13 games, recording 58 tackles and six interceptions, earning him the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He also garnered Freshman All-American honors for his outstanding debut campaign.
Returning as a starter for his sophomore season in 2014, Fuller continued his strong play and was recognized as a Second-team All-American and a First-team All-ACC selection. His combination of size, speed, and instincts at the cornerback position established him as one of the top defensive backs in college football. Following the 2015 season, Fuller declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility at Virginia Tech.
Kendall Fuller Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
The Washington Redskins selected Kendall Christopher Fuller in the third round (84th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the 14th cornerback taken that year and signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.12 million, including a signing bonus of $718,424. Expected to miss training camp after surgery for a torn ACL, Fuller recovered quickly enough to compete for a role, eventually debuting in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns after injuries struck the Redskins’ secondary. He finished his rookie year with 42 combined tackles and two pass deflections in 13 games.
Fuller broke out in 2017 as Washington’s starting nickelback. On September 24, 2017, he recorded his first career interception off Derek Carr during a victory against the Oakland Raiders. He added three more interceptions that season, including game-sealing picks against the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, finishing with 55 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, and four interceptions in 16 starts. His stellar play earned him a career-high 90.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2018–2019)
On March 14, 2018, the Washington Redskins traded Fuller and a third-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for quarterback Alex Smith. Head coach Andy Reid immediately named him the No. 1 starting cornerback, pairing him with Steven Nelson. Fuller thrived in Kansas City, finishing the 2018 season with a career-high 82 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 starts, while battling through a fractured wrist.
The Chiefs finished first in the AFC West with a 12-4 record in 2018, and Fuller started in his first playoff game, a Divisional Round victory over the Indianapolis Colts. In 2019, after the Chiefs hired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Fuller transitioned to the nickelback role. Despite a thumb fracture that sidelined him for five games, he recorded his first career sack and helped Kansas City reach Super Bowl LIV. On February 2, 2020, Fuller sealed the Chiefs’ 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers by intercepting a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo with 68 seconds remaining, earning his first Super Bowl championship ring.
Washington Commanders Era (2020–2023)
On March 16, 2020, Fuller signed a four-year, $40 million contract to return to Washington, where head coach Ron Rivera named him a starting cornerback alongside Ronald Darby. He responded with a career-high four interceptions in 2020, including three consecutive games with a pick. In 2021, he started all 16 games and recorded 77 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, one interception, and one sack, earning an 81.5 Pro Football Focus grade.
Fuller’s most productive season came in 2022, when he started all 17 games and scored a career-high two defensive touchdowns, including a 37-yard pick-six against the Houston Texans and a 29-yard interception return against the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the year with 52 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions. In 2023, he added 79 combined tackles and two interceptions in 15 starts before a knee injury ended his season early.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024)
On March 18, 2024, the Miami Dolphins signed Fuller to a two-year, $15 million contract that included a $10 million signing bonus. Head coach Mike McDaniel named him a starting cornerback alongside Jalen Ramsey. Despite missing time due to two concussions, Fuller appeared in 11 games with 11 starts, finishing with 50 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. On February 14, 2025, the Dolphins officially released him.
Driving Style and Strengths
While primarily a cornerback rather than a driver, Kendall Christopher Fuller brings a versatile skill set to the defensive secondary. His strengths include excellent route recognition, physical tackling in the open field, and the ability to play effectively in both man and zone coverage. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a knack for making clutch plays in critical moments, evidenced by multiple game-sealing interceptions and his Super Bowl LIV heroics.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Kendall Christopher Fuller’s defining moments came on February 2, 2020, when his interception of Jimmy Garoppolo in the closing minute of Super Bowl IV sealed the Kansas City Chiefs’ first championship in 50 years. He also recorded his first career touchdown on November 20, 2022, returning an interception 37 yards against the Houston Texans, and earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors during his freshman season at Virginia Tech in 2013.
Kendall Fuller Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Kendall Christopher Fuller has been part of numerous team successes, highlighted by his Super Bowl IV championship with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. While individual game victories are extensive, his most celebrated team accomplishment remains the Chiefs’ 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, where his late-game interception secured the title.
Team Achievements
Fuller played a vital role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ back-to-back AFC West titles in 2018 and 2019, as well as their Super Bowl LIV championship run. With the Washington Commanders, he served as a starting cornerback during the 2020 NFC East championship season, contributing 50 tackles and a career-high four interceptions.
Individual Awards
During his college career at Virginia Tech, Kendall Christopher Fuller earned Second-team All-American honors in 2014, Freshman All-American recognition in 2013, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013, First-team All-ACC in 2014, and Second-team All-ACC in 2013.
Kendall Fuller Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kendall Christopher Fuller comes from a distinguished football family. His three older brothers, Vincent, Corey, and Kyle Fuller, all played college football at Virginia Tech and went on to play in the NFL. Kyle Fuller notably became a Pro Bowl cornerback during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, further cementing the Fullers’ reputation as one of the league’s prominent football families.
Personal Life
Off the field, Kendall Christopher Fuller maintains close ties to his Maryland roots and his family. While details about his spouse and children are not publicly confirmed, his commitment to the sport is deeply rooted in the encouragement and example set by his older brothers throughout his formative years.
2025 Season Performance
Following his release from the Miami Dolphins on February 14, 2025, Kendall Christopher Fuller became a free agent. On October 14, 2025, he signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, briefly rejoining an NFL roster. However, the Lions released him on October 27, 2025, leaving his 2025 campaign limited in scope.
Despite the brevity of his 2025 appearances, Fuller remains an experienced and proven cornerback capable of contributing to a defensive secondary. His track record of clutch interceptions and reliable coverage makes him a viable depth option for any team in need of veteran leadership in the secondary. Should he sign with another franchise before the season concludes, his performance in 2024, including 50 tackles and seven pass deflections in 11 games, suggests he can still compete at a high level.
Looking ahead, Fuller’s future in the NFL may depend on finding the right scheme fit, as his versatility allows him to play both outside cornerback and nickelback. Regardless of where he lands, his pedigree as a Super Bowl champion and former Second-team All-American ensures he remains a respected presence in professional football circles.