Kyle Peko Bio
Kyle Peko (born July 23, 1993) is an American professional football nose tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 305 pounds, he has built a long career as an interior defensive lineman despite entering the league without a draft selection. Peko is best known for his journeyman path, having spent time on practice squads and active rosters across the league while staying dedicated to his craft.
He played college football for the Cerritos Falcons and the Oregon State Beavers before turning professional in 2016. Over the years, Peko has developed a reputation for perseverance, working through injuries, roster changes, and personal challenges to remain active in the NFL. His story includes family ties to professional football and a well-known personal battle alongside his wife.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Peko was born on July 23, 1993, in La Habra, California. He grew up in the same Southern California town where he attended La Habra High School, developing an early interest in football and training as a defensive lineman. The region has a strong football culture, and Peko was exposed to the sport from a young age through school programs and local competition.
Coming from a family with deep roots in the game, Peko is the younger cousin of former NFL nose tackle Domata Peko, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006. Watching his older cousin succeed at the highest level helped shape his ambitions. This family connection to the NFL gave him a clear picture of the work and discipline required to compete professionally.
Path to American Football
After completing his time at La Habra High School, Peko continued his football career at Cerritos College, where he played for the Cerritos Falcons. His performance at the junior college level earned him the opportunity to transfer to a four-year program. This step was an important turning point, allowing him to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
Peko then joined the Oregon State Beavers, where he competed in the Pac-12 Conference. Playing at the NCAA Division I level helped him refine his technique as a nose tackle and prepare for the physical demands of professional football. Although he went unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft, his college experience positioned him to sign as an undrafted free agent and begin his professional journey.
Kyle Peko Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
On May 3, 2016, Peko signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent much of his rookie year moving between the practice squad and the active roster. He was released on September 20, re-signed to the practice squad on September 22, and was promoted to the active roster on December 28, giving him his first regular-season experience in the league.
During the 2017 season, Peko was signed and released by the Broncos multiple times, reflecting the constant churn at the bottom of NFL rosters. In 2018, he was again waived by Denver and later spent time on the practice squad. On September 12, 2018, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, and on December 31, he signed a reserve/future contract with the team.
Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts (2018-2019)
Peko was waived by the Bills on August 31, 2019, and signed to their practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 24, appearing in games during the early part of the season before being waived on November 2. His time in Buffalo was brief but allowed him to continue building his resume as a rotational defensive lineman.
On November 4, 2019, Peko was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts, though he was waived five days later and re-signed to the practice squad. His Colts stay was short, and on December 14, 2019, he was signed by the Denver Broncos off the Colts’ practice squad, returning to the franchise where his career began.
Denver Broncos Second Stint and Opt-Out (2019-2020)
Peko’s second stint with the Broncos gave him another opportunity in the league. However, on July 28, 2020, he announced that he was opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was a difficult one, but it allowed him to focus on personal matters during a challenging period. He was released by the Broncos after the season on February 18, 2021.
Tennessee Titans First Stint (2021)
On July 26, 2021, Peko signed with the Tennessee Titans. He was placed on injured reserve on August 26, released on September 6, and re-signed to the practice squad on October 13. Peko was promoted to the active roster on November 17, and he made the most of his late-season opportunity. He recorded 1.0 sack in each of the last two games of the season, marking the only sacks of his NFL career to date, and added his first career forced fumble in a 34-3 win against the Miami Dolphins.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2023)
On March 22, 2022, Peko signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was released on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad on September 5. After another release and re-signing, he was added to the active roster on December 6. On July 25, 2023, he re-signed with the Raiders before being released on August 13, continuing his pattern of movement across rosters.
Tennessee Titans Second Stint (2023)
On August 14, 2023, Peko signed again with the Tennessee Titans, was released on August 29, and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 19. In Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded a season-best performance with 2 quarterback hits and 1 pass defensed against quarterback Gardner Minshew, though the Titans lost 31-28 in overtime. Peko was placed on injured reserve on December 13, where he remained for the rest of the season.
Detroit Lions and New England Patriots (2024-2025)
On May 7, 2024, Peko signed with the Detroit Lions. He was released on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad, then promoted to the active roster on September 11. In Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on October 13, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle that required season-ending surgery and landed him on injured reserve. On August 11, 2025, he signed with the New England Patriots before being released on August 22.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025-Present)
On October 28, 2025, Peko signed with the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, joining his tenth NFL team in less than a decade. The move marked a return to his home state of California and added another chapter to his resilient career. He continues to provide depth and experience along the Chargers’ defensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a nose tackle, Peko relies on leverage, strength, and quick hands to hold up against double teams and disrupt the run game. His ability to play in confined spaces and anchor at the line of scrimmage has allowed him to survive on NFL rosters for nearly a decade. Coaches have valued his consistency, professionalism, and willingness to contribute on special teams when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Peko’s career came during the 2021 season finale with the Tennessee Titans, when he recorded his first career sacks and forced fumble. Another defining moment was his decision to opt out of the 2020 season, and his perseverance through injuries in 2023 and 2024. His overall journey from undrafted free agent to long-tenured professional stands as a milestone in itself.
Kyle Peko Career Wins
While individual statistics for nose tackles are limited, Peko has contributed to team success throughout his career. He has been part of several playoff-contending rosters, including the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. Verified on-field production includes 2.0 career sacks, 1 forced fumble, and multiple quarterback hits recorded across his stints with the Titans.
NFL Career Highlights
Peko’s most notable statistical highlights came during his time with the Tennessee Titans. In 2021, he posted sacks in back-to-back games to close the season, and in 2023, he recorded 2 quarterback hits and 1 pass defensed against the Indianapolis Colts. These performances, while limited, reflect the impact he has had when given the opportunity.
Other Performances
Beyond his statistical moments, Peko has been praised for his veteran presence in locker rooms and his leadership on practice squads. His career is a testament to persistence, as he has continually earned new contracts across multiple organizations.
Kyle Peko Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kyle Peko comes from a family with a strong football tradition. He is the younger cousin of Domata Peko, a longtime NFL nose tackle who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006. Domata played 14 seasons in the league, and the two became teammates on the Denver Broncos in 2017, a meaningful moment for the Peko family.
Personal Life
Peko is married to his wife, Giuliana. In 2019, Giuliana was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Kyle was excused for the first day of the Bills’ training camp to be with her. Peko later announced that her treatment was successful and that she was cancer-free. The couple has two children together.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been another year of movement for Kyle Peko. He signed with the New England Patriots on August 11 before being released on August 22, then joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad on October 28. His addition gives the Chargers additional depth at nose tackle as they navigate the second half of their schedule.
Coming off a pectoral injury that ended his 2024 campaign, Peko has worked to re-establish himself as a reliable rotational piece. His veteran experience and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes make him a valuable asset on the practice squad. The Chargers’ defensive staff values his knowledge of run-gap responsibilities and his ability to step in when needed.
Looking ahead, Peko’s primary goal is to earn another opportunity on an active roster and contribute to a team in the playoff picture. With his proven resilience and the support of his family, he remains committed to extending his NFL career for as long as possible.