The rise and fall of an NFL offensive line prodigy
In short: From a high school track star to a top-five NFL draft pick, Matt Kalil’s journey through professional football was defined by immense physical talent and rare family connections. Discover how this USC standout became part of a historic sibling reunion on the gridiron.
Before reaching the NFL, Matt Kalil was a standout multi-sport athlete at Servite High School in Anaheim, California. During his senior season in 2007, he earned prestigious honors including Parade All-American and was ranked among the top 150 players by ESPN. His athleticism extended beyond the football field; he was a formidable competitor in track and field, recording impressive distances in both the shot put and discus.
Kalil’s collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) saw him evolve from a backup to a dominant force. After redshirting his first year, he eventually took over the left tackle position. By his junior season, he was a key component of an offensive line that allowed a remarkably low eight sacks against quarterback Matt Barkley. His individual excellence was recognized with several All-American honors and the Morris Trophy, marking him as the premier offensive tackle prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft.
The 2012 draft saw the Minnesota Vikings select Kalil with the fourth overall pick, following a trade to move down from their original position. His professional career was marked by both individual accolades, such as being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and unique family milestones. In 2013, he faced his brother, Ryan Kalil, during a game between the Vikings and the Carolina Panthers. This matchup was particularly notable as the two brothers became the first pair to play on the same offensive line in 24 years, and only the third sibling duo to achieve such a feat in NFL history.
Despite his early success and a significant five-year, $55 million contract with the Panthers in 2017, injuries eventually hampered his career. Following knee and hip procedures that led to stints on injured reserve, Kalil was released by the Panthers in 2019 and later had a brief period with the Houston Texans.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Matt Kalil
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