Career Timeline of Kyle Dugger: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kyle Dugger made an impact.

Kyle Dugger is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft after a successful college football career with the Lenoir–Rhyne Bears. Dugger is known for his athleticism and versatility on the field, making him a valuable asset to the Steelers defense.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1936: NFL Draft Established

In 1936 the NFL Draft was established, before Kyle Dugger was drafted.

2002: Last Lenoir-Rhyne Player drafted before Dugger

In 2002, John Milem was drafted, marking the last time a player from Lenoir-Rhyne was drafted until Kyle Dugger in 2020.

May 20, 2020: Signed with the New England Patriots

On May 20, 2020, Kyle Dugger signed a four-year, $8.33 million contract with the New England Patriots. The contract included $4.60 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $3.61 million.

July 19, 2020: Patrick Chung Opts Out of 2020 NFL Season

On July 19, 2020, Patrick Chung opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This occurred during the time Kyle Dugger was competing for a role as the primary backup safety for the Patriots.

September 13, 2020: Regular Season Debut

On September 13, 2020, Kyle Dugger made his regular season debut for the New England Patriots against the Miami Dolphins, contributing to their 21–11 victory.

November 15, 2020: First Career Start

On November 15, 2020, Kyle Dugger earned his first career start at free safety during a 23–17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, where he made a season-high 12 combined tackles.

2020: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In 2020, Kyle Dugger was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (37th overall) of the NFL draft. He was the second safety drafted in 2020.

September 12, 2021: 2021 Season Home-Opener

On September 12, 2021, Kyle Dugger started in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins, making seven combined tackles in a 17–16 loss.

October 17, 2021: First Career Interception

On October 17, 2021, Kyle Dugger recorded his first career interception on a pass thrown by Dak Prescott to Cedrick Wilson during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

2021: 2021 NFL Season

The New England Patriots finished the 2021 NFL season second in the AFC East with a 10–7 record.

January 2, 2022: Career-High Fourth Interception of the Season

On January 2, 2022, Kyle Dugger recorded his fourth interception of the season, a career-high, after picking off a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

January 15, 2022: First Postseason Game

On January 15, 2022, Kyle Dugger started in his first postseason game, recording four combined tackles as the Patriots were defeated by the Buffalo Bills.

October 9, 2022: First Career Touchdown

On October 9, 2022, Kyle Dugger scored the first touchdown of his career, returning a fumble recovery 59-yards during a game against the Detroit Lions.

November 20, 2022: First Career Sack

On November 20, 2022, Kyle Dugger had his first career sack on Zach Wilson during a game against the New York Jets.

January 1, 2023: Pick-Six and AFC Defensive Player of the Week

On January 1, 2023, Kyle Dugger intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

October 1, 2023: Career-High Tackles

On October 1, 2023, Kyle Dugger set a career-high with 15 combined tackles during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

March 5, 2024: Transition Tag

On March 5, 2024, the New England Patriots placed the transition tag on Kyle Dugger.

April 9, 2024: Contract Extension

On April 9, 2024, Kyle Dugger signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension with the New England Patriots.

October 20, 2024: Season-High Tackles

On October 20, 2024, Kyle Dugger set a season-high with 11 combined tackles and made one pass deflection during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.