Kyle Brandon Fuller is a former American football cornerback who played in the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Virginia Tech. Fuller spent seven seasons with the Bears, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2019, and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 2018. He also played one season each for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens before retiring. Fuller was known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers, notably leading the league in interceptions and pass deflections in 2018.
1990: First Bears Rookie DB to Receive Award Since 1990
Kyle Fuller was the first Bears rookie defensive back to win an award since Mark Carrier in 1990.
February 16, 1992: Birth of Kyle Fuller
Kyle Brandon Fuller was born on February 16, 1992.
2005: First Bears Rookie with Two Interceptions Since 2005
Fuller became the first Bears rookie to record two interceptions in a game since Chris Harris in 2005.
2010: Track and Field Achievements
In 2010, Kyle Fuller excelled in track and field, winning the long jump at the Woodlawn Warrior Invitational with a personal best of 6.41 meters and placing fifth in the 300-meter dash at the IAAM-MIAA Champs.
2010: Top Recruit Ranking
In 2010, Kyle Fuller was ranked as a three-star recruit and the No. 43 cornerback in the nation by ESPN.com.
2010: College Football Debut
Kyle Fuller began his college football career in 2010, starting seven games as a true freshman.
2011: Second-Team All-ACC Selection
In 2011, Fuller was named a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection.
2012: Honorable Mention All-ACC
Kyle Fuller received an honorable mention All-ACC recognition in 2012.
2013: Team Captain and Injury
Fuller served as a team captain in 2013 but missed the final four games due to an injury.
March 19, 2014: NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day
On March 19, 2014, Kyle Fuller participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and Virginia Tech's pro day.
May 14, 2014: Signing with Chicago Bears
On May 14, 2014, Kyle Fuller signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Bears.
September 14, 2014: NFC Defensive Player of the Week
On September 14, 2014, Fuller was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against the San Francisco 49ers.
December 29, 2014: Bears Fire Coach Trestman
The Chicago Bears fired coach Trestman on December 29, 2014, after a disappointing season.
2014: Two-Interception Game Against 49ers
In 2014, Kyle Fuller had a notable game where he intercepted two passes against the San Francisco 49ers. This performance was later referenced during his 2018 season when he had a similar game against the Miami Dolphins, demonstrating a pattern of strong performances with multiple interceptions.
2014: NFL Draft
Kyle Fuller was drafted into the NFL in 2014.
October 18, 2015: Season-High Tackles
Fuller recorded a season-high eight combined tackles on October 18, 2015, against the Detroit Lions.
August 18, 2016: Knee Surgery
Kyle Fuller underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on August 18, 2016.
September 28, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve
The Bears placed Fuller on injured reserve on September 28, 2016, due to his knee injury.
November 30, 2016: Return to Practice
Fuller returned to practice on November 30, 2016, but remained on injured reserve.
April 29, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Declined
The Chicago Bears declined the fifth-year option on Fuller's contract on April 29, 2017.
December 3, 2017: Strong Performance Against 49ers
On December 3, 2017, Fuller recorded seven tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception against the San Francisco 49ers.
March 6, 2018: Transition Tag Placed
The Bears placed a transition tag on Fuller on March 6, 2018.
March 16, 2018: Contract with Bears
On March 16, 2018, the Bears matched the Green Bay Packers' offer, securing Fuller's contract through 2021.
2018: Impressive Season Finish
During the remaining 2018 regular season games, Kyle Fuller recorded four more interceptions against various quarterbacks. He finished the season with a total of seven interceptions, tying for the league lead, alongside 55 tackles and 21 passes defended. He also received a high ranking from Pro Football Focus, reflecting his excellent overall performance.
2018: Disappointing Start and Interception Comeback
Kyle Fuller began the 2018 season by dropping a crucial interception against the Packers, which led to a loss. However, he redeemed himself in the following weeks with three interceptions against the Dolphins and Patriots. In 2014, Fuller had a similar two-interception game versus the 49ers.
2019: Career-Best Tackles and Solid Season
In 2019, Kyle Fuller reached a career-high in combined tackles with 82, while also recording three interceptions and 12 pass breakups, contributing to a solid overall performance for the season.
January 9, 2020: Pro Bowl Selection
On January 9, 2020, Kyle Fuller was named to the 2020 Pro Bowl as a replacement for an injured Jalen Ramsey, marking a significant achievement in his career.
March 20, 2021: Released by the Bears
Kyle Fuller's time with the Chicago Bears came to an end on March 20, 2021, when the team released him.
March 23, 2021: Signs with the Broncos
Three days after being released by the Bears, Kyle Fuller signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos on March 23, 2021, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.
2021: Trade Speculation and Season Statistics
During the 2021 season, there were rumors about Kyle Fuller potentially being traded by the Broncos. Despite the trade speculation, Fuller played for the team and recorded 51 combined tackles, along with 4 pass deflections and did not intercept a pass.
2021: Contract Extension Through 2021
Kyle Fuller signed a contract extension with the Bears in 2018, keeping him with the team through 2021.
May 24, 2022: Signs with the Ravens and Season-Ending Injury
Kyle Fuller joined the Baltimore Ravens on May 24, 2022. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a torn ACL suffered during the first game of the season against the New York Jets, leading to his placement on injured reserve.