Kyler Gordon

BIOGRAPHY

Kyler Gordon was born on December 17, 1999, and would grow up to become a household name in the National Football League (NFL) as an accomplished cornerback for the Chicago Bears. His journey to the professional league was not just a typical one marked by high school and collegiate success; it was one that also saw him infuse classical dance training–ballet in particular–into the components of his performance on the gridiron.

Gordon discovered his love for ballet at a young age. His participation in ballet was unusual for a young man who would later become an elite football player. However, his ballet training proved to be a hidden gem, providing him with an added skill set that would prove beneficial in his football career. The balance, agility and leaping ability he developed from ballet was a contributing factor in his football success and escalated him as an early second-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Even as Gordon transitioned to a professional football career, he did not abandon ballet completely. Although seen more as a hobby at this stage of his life, he remains thankful for how ballet has contributed to his exceptional performance on the football field.

Gordon’s football journey began at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett, Washington where he showcased his athleticism and skills as a wide receiver and cornerback. Post high school, he committed to the University of Washington to play college football. In 2018, during his freshman year, he participated in four games before being redshirted. In the following year, he started four out of the thirteen games and recorded a praiseworthy total of 32 tackles. In the year 2020, however, he started only one out of four games but managed 18 tackles. Gordon took on his role as a full-time starter the next year, in 2021.

By 2022, Gordon had accumulated sufficient accolades to declare for the 2022 NFL draft, which he did on January 5, 2022. He was then selected by the Chicago Bears as the 39th overall pick in the second round of the draft. During a Week 7 game against the New England Patriots on October 24, he recorded his first career interception off Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe that made headlines. His rookie season was memorable, concluding with 71 tackles, a forced fumble and recovery, six passes defended and three interceptions in just 14 starts.

As the 2023 season rolled around, Gordon was the Bears’ third cornerback, following Jaylon Johnson and rookie Tyrique Stevenson. However, he sustained a crucial injury–a broken hand in Week 1–and had to be placed on injured reserve. After a month off, Gordon made his triumphant return on October 14.

Along with football and ballet, Gordon is a big Spider-Man fan. This love for Spider-Man has translated directly to his football career. The Bears’ Head Coach, Matt Eberflus, affectionately named Gordon “Spider-Man” in 2022. Gordon not only embraced the nickname but also brought it to life by wearing custom Spider-Man cleats, gloves, and even a Spider-Man mask during warmups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. His association with Spider-Man has become so synonymous that even his signature celebration is a backflip followed by a pose right out of Spider-Man’s repertoire.

Despite his ups and downs, injuries and breakthroughs, Kyler Gordon represents a unique blend of artistry and sport, embodying a talent that proves there’s room for innovation and creativity in the world of professional sports. His journey continues to inspire both sports and non-sports fans alike, demonstrating that dedication, versatility, and individuality can indeed lead to extraordinary achievement.