Damontae Kazee

Damontae Kazee's Biography

Damontae Tyron Kazee, better known in the football arena as “Damontae Kazee,” has cemented his place in the National Football League by being known for his grit, agility, and an undying passion for the game. Kazee, born on June 5, 1993, is a well-known name in American professional football as a safety from the esteemed team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The journey of this talented player is full of notable highlights, and as one ventures deep into the life of Damontae Kazee, one can’t help but be absorbed by his impressive path in this highly competitive sport.

Kazee hails from the athletic cradle of Cajon, where he gained considerable experience being a two-way player from his high school days. He played as both a cornerback and running back. In 2011, during his final year in high school, Kazee was well-recognized for his phenomenal performance that lead to outstanding statistics: 27 tackles, 2 interceptions, one forced fumble, 4 rushing touchdowns, and 4 receiving touchdowns. A three-time All-CIF selection, Kazee was not just limited to football. Alongside his dedication to football, he showcased versatile athleticism by earning letters in basketball and track.

College days saw Kazee accepting a football scholarship from San Diego State. He followed in the promising path of his older brother, Walter, who was a running back with the Aztecs. As a redshirt freshman, Kazee appeared in 13 games as a backup cornerback apart from a game against the University of New Mexico, where he was temporarily sidelined due to concussion. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated remarkable skill and hard work, making several significant tackles and interceptions against notable universities like Ohio State, Oregon State, and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, to mention a few. His senior year at college was marked by 65 tackles and 7 interceptions.

Kazee’s dedication to the sport, combined with his fierce playing style, caught the attention of scouts, eventually landing him an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl. His performance during the game under the mentorship of Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson further raised his draft stock. Subsequently, Kazee was one of the selected collegiate cornerbacks invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.

On March 23, 2017, Kazee attended San Diego State’s Pro Day, where he left an impressive mark by delivering outstanding performance in positional drills, short shuttle, and three-cone drills for scouts and team representatives from 29 NFL teams. This event further solidified his prospect as a strong pick for the draft. He was ranked as the 22nd best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.

His professional career began in earnest when he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. In the same year, on May 9th, he signed a four-year contract with the Falcons. Kazee’s continuous contribution to the team through consistent performances, his leadership in high-pressure situations, and his unwavering drive on the pitch led him to begin to make his mark in the roster of the team.

Kazee’s first professional regular season debut came in the Falcons’ season-opener against the Chicago Bears where his instrumental performance led the team to a 23–17 victory. The highlight of the match included Kazee making two solo tackles and forcing a fumble. His exceptional performances caught the attention of head coach Dan Quinn, who transitioned Kazee to free safety, a position where he flourished.

Despite suffering an Achilles’ tendon injury in the 2020 NFL season, Kazee bounced back after intensive rehabilitation and continued to showcase exceptional performances on the field. In 2021, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, returning to his mentor from the Atlanta Falcons, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Kazee made significant contributions by notching 54 defensive tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defensed and forced fumbles, as well as 2 special teams tackles.

The year 2022 started on another promising note, as Kazee signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and secured a place in their esteemed roster. However, his participation during the season was interrupted after a fractured forearm in the preseason. Despite setbacks, Kazee maintained his focus and determination as he bounced back on the field on November 10 that year, registering 19 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups in 9 games with 4 starts.

While Kazee has had a successful career, it’s also marred by setbacks – from injuries to suspensions. In 2023, he was ejected from the Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts after hitting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr’s head. As a result, the NFL announced his suspension for the remainder of the 2023 season. Apart from career setbacks, Kazee has had his share of personal life struggles as well. On October 19, 2021, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Texas.

Kazee’s love for football and his resilience in overcoming obstacles have certainly defined his career. His career journey stands testament to his potential and the successes he has achieved thus far. Kazee, in his endeavor, has transformed himself from a talented high school player to a much-sought-after professional football safety. His passion for the game and relentless spirit clearly demonstrate that Damontae Kazee is more than just a player; he is a resilient warrior in the high-pressure realm of American Football.