Kevin Strong Bio
Kevin Strong Jr. (born August 5, 1996) is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing in the National Football League. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 295 pounds, he has built his career as an interior defensive lineman since entering the league in 2019. Strong first made his mark at the University of Texas at San Antonio before working his way onto NFL rosters through persistence and hard work along the defensive line. Known for his strength against the run and his ability to pressure quarterbacks from the interior, he has become a dependable rotational presence on multiple teams.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Strong Jr. was born on August 5, 1996, in Houston, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by the city’s strong football culture. He attended Cleveland High School, competing as a prep athlete before moving on to the college ranks. His physical frame and love for the game made football a natural path from an early age.
Coming out of high school, Strong received an opportunity to play at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he joined the UTSA Roadrunners program. The decision to attend a developing program allowed him time to grow physically and refine his technique as an interior lineman.
Path to Professional Football
Strong spent five seasons with the UTSA Roadrunners, redshirting his freshman year to develop his body and adjust to the college game. As he matured into a starting role, he became one of the team’s most disruptive defenders along the interior line.
In his junior season, Strong earned second-team All-Conference USA honors after recording 27 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks. He finished his collegiate career with 106 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks across 47 games played with 40 starts.
After graduating in 2018, Strong declared for the 2019 NFL Draft but went undrafted. His college production and physical tools, however, were enough to earn him an opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
Kevin Strong Career
Early Career (2019)
Kevin Strong Jr. signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2019, beginning his professional journey. He made his NFL debut on September 8, 2019, against the Arizona Cardinals, showing early signs of promise along the defensive line.
His rookie season was cut short on November 12, 2019, when he was placed on injured reserve after a season-ending injury. Despite the setback, Strong finished his first year with five tackles and a pass defended in eight games played.
Detroit Lions Tenure (2020)
On September 5, 2020, Strong was waived by the Lions and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on September 19 for the team’s Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers, and reverted to the practice squad after the game. He was released by the Lions on November 11, 2020, before re-signing to the practice squad on December 1, 2020, and being promoted to the active roster the following day.
In Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, Strong recorded his first career sack on quarterback Kirk Cousins during a 37-35 loss, marking a defining moment in his development. That sack remains a highlight from his time with the Lions.
Tennessee Titans (2021-2022)
Strong signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad on November 23, 2021, after being waived by Detroit earlier that year. He was promoted to the active roster on January 8, 2022, earning another chance to contribute at the NFL level.
His time in Tennessee allowed him to continue refining his game as a rotational defensive tackle, building on the experience he had gathered during his first two seasons in the league.
Arizona Cardinals (2023-2024)
On March 15, 2023, Strong signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, marking his first full free-agent signing. He contributed along the Cardinals’ defensive line during the 2023 season, providing depth and run-stopping ability in the interior.
He was released by the Cardinals on January 5, 2024, ending his time in Arizona but keeping him ready for the next opportunity in his career.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2024-Present)
On December 3, 2024, Strong was signed to the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, joining one of the league’s most respected defensive organizations. The move gave him a chance to compete for a role on a contending roster late in the 2024 season.
He has continued working within the Rams’ defensive system, bringing veteran experience and physicality to the interior line as he competes for an active roster spot.
Notable Events and Milestones
Strong’s first career sack on Kirk Cousins in Week 17 of the 2020 season stands as one of the defining moments of his career. His All-Conference USA junior season at UTSA also stands out as his most decorated college year, highlighting his growth as a defender.
Kevin Strong Career Wins
As an interior defensive lineman, Kevin Strong Jr.’s contributions are measured through statistical production rather than win totals. His first career sack remains a milestone moment, and his consistent play across multiple teams reflects his value as a rotational defender in the National Football League.
College Highlights
Strong finished his UTSA career with 106 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks across 47 games. His second-team All-Conference USA selection in his junior season remains the most notable individual honor of his college career.
Kevin Strong Family
Personal Life
Kevin Strong Jr. was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where his football journey began. He later moved to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he spent five years developing as a player and a person. He is active on social media, where he shares updates about his career and training.
2025 Season Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Kevin Strong Jr. is expected to compete for a role on the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line after signing with the team’s practice squad late in 2024. His veteran experience across multiple organizations gives him a strong understanding of defensive schemes and run-stopping responsibilities.
If he earns an active roster spot, Strong could provide valuable depth as an interior defensive tackle, contributing against the run and offering interior pass-rush upside. His ability to play in both base and sub-package defenses makes him a flexible piece for the Rams’ defensive rotation.
As the 2025 season approaches, Strong’s focus will be on staying healthy, earning the trust of his coaching staff, and continuing to build on the foundation he has established through six NFL seasons.