40 Facts About Kyle Hamilton

Early Life and Background

Kyle Hamilton's journey to the NFL is as unique as his playing style. From his birthplace to his family background, every detail adds a layer to his story.

1. Birthplace and Early Life: Kyle Hamilton was born in Heraklion, Greece, to Derrick Hamilton, an African-American professional basketball player, and Jackie Hamilton, a Korean mother. His multicultural background adds a rich layer to his identity.

2. Citizenship: Hamilton holds both Greek and American citizenship, reflecting his diverse heritage.

3. Family Background: His father, Derrick, played professional basketball in Greece and later in Russia before retiring and moving to the Atlanta area. This athletic lineage undoubtedly influenced Kyle's career.

4. Early Education: Hamilton attended the Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia, where he played safety and wide receiver for their football team. His versatility was evident even in high school.

5. High School Achievements: He was a consensus four-star recruit and played in the 2019 All-American Bowl. He also earned DI offers in basketball, showcasing his multi-sport talent.

College Career at Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton's college career at Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular. His performance on the field earned him numerous accolades and set the stage for his professional journey.

6. College Career: Hamilton committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. He played in 13 games as a freshman with one start and recorded 41 tackles, four interceptions, and a touchdown.

7. Freshman All-American: Hamilton was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America for his impressive performance in his first year at Notre Dame.

8. Sophomore Season: As a sophomore, Hamilton took over as a starter and recorded 63 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception in the 2020 ACC Championship Game against Clemson.

9. Consensus All-American: In 2021, despite a knee injury that sidelined him after seven games, Hamilton was named a consensus All-American with 34 combined tackles (19 solo), three interceptions, and four pass deflections.

Transition to the NFL

Hamilton's transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2022 draft and his immediate impact on the Baltimore Ravens.

10. NFL Draft: Hamilton declared for the 2022 NFL draft following the 2021 season and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 14th overall pick.

11. Professional Debut: In his first season with the Ravens, Hamilton played in 16 games with four starts, recording 62 tackles and two interceptions.

12. Versatility: At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Hamilton has the size to match up with bigger pass-catchers and is a sure tackler who feels comfortable playing close to the line of scrimmage.

13. Ball Skills: Hamilton was a takeaway artist in college with eight interceptions during his three-year career at Notre Dame. He has excellent ball skills and is a threat to come down with the football when he gets his hands on it.

14. Speed and Agility: Despite a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day, Hamilton plays fast on tape and has excellent instincts that help with his range.

Achievements and Records

Hamilton's achievements and records highlight his impact on the field, both in college and the NFL.

15. Injury History: Hamilton has had knee injuries in both the 2021 college season and the 2022 NFL season, which have limited his playing time.

16. First NFL Touchdown: Hamilton scored his first NFL touchdown when he tipped a pass from Deshaun Watson to himself for an 18-yard pick-six against the Browns in Week 10 of the 2022 season.

17. AFC Defensive Player of the Week: Despite not finishing the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, Hamilton was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his two interceptions and overall performance.

18. Pro Bowl Selection: Before the Ravens' Week 18 game, Hamilton was named to the 2023 AFC Pro Bowl Team, recognizing his outstanding defensive play.

19. Ravens Franchise Records: Hamilton holds the Ravens franchise record for most sacks in the first half of a game with three (tied) and most interceptions in a single game with two (tied).

Career Statistics

Hamilton's statistics provide a numerical testament to his skills and contributions on the field.

20. College Statistics: In his three-year college career, Hamilton recorded 143 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and five interceptions.

21. NFL Statistics: In his first two seasons in the NFL, Hamilton has recorded 143 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 5 sacks.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond football, Hamilton's personal life and interests add depth to his character.

22. Personal Life: Hamilton started dating American musician Reese Damm in high school, where they met.

23. Podcasting Career: In July 2021, Hamilton, along with Notre Dame teammates Cam Hart, Conor Ratigan, and KJ Wallace, launched a podcast called Inside The Garage.

24. Mensa International Membership: Hamilton is a member of Mensa International, the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world.

Family Influence

The influence of Hamilton's family, particularly his father and brother, has played a significant role in his athletic development.

25. Father’s Basketball Career: Derrick Hamilton, Kyle’s father, played professional basketball in Greece and later in Russia. He was drafted in the third round of the NBA Draft and had a successful career overseas.

26. Brother’s Basketball Career: Kyle’s older brother, Tyler Hamilton, played basketball at Penn and as a grad transfer at William & Mary.

High School and College Highlights

Hamilton's high school and college highlights showcase his early promise and development as a player.

27. High School Football Experience: At Marist School, Hamilton played safety and wide receiver. He was a standout player and helped his team achieve significant victories.

28. College Football Experience: At Notre Dame, Hamilton played in all 13 games as a freshman and started one game. He was named a Freshman All-American and continued to excel in subsequent seasons.

29. Sophomore Season Highlights: As a sophomore, Hamilton recorded 63 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception in the 2020 ACC Championship Game against Clemson.

30. Junior Season Impact: Despite a knee injury that limited his playing time to seven games, Hamilton was named a consensus All-American in 2021. He recorded 34 combined tackles (19 solo), three interceptions, and four pass deflections.

NFL Draft and Professional Impact

Hamilton's draft process and professional impact highlight his journey from a top college player to a key NFL asset.

31. NFL Draft Process: Hamilton was widely expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL draft. However, a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day may have caused him to fall out of the top 10.

32. Ravens’ Secondary Improvement: With the addition of safety Marcus Williams in free agency, the Ravens will have a dramatically different look in the secondary next year under new Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald. Hamilton is expected to play a key role in improving pass coverage and run defense.

33. Versatile Defensive Back: Hamilton is the type of versatile defensive back the Ravens covet. He can help both the pass coverage and run defense, making him a valuable asset to the team.

34. Career Interceptions: Hamilton had eight career interceptions at Notre Dame, showcasing his ability to force turnovers and make plays on the ball.

Pro Bowl and Franchise Records

Hamilton's Pro Bowl selection and franchise records underscore his exceptional talent and contributions to the Ravens.

35. Pro Bowl Selection Criteria: Hamilton’s selection to the 2023 AFC Pro Bowl Team is a testament to his outstanding defensive play. He has consistently shown the ability to make significant impacts on the field, whether it’s through interceptions, tackles, or pass deflections.

36. NFL Records Held: Hamilton holds the Ravens franchise record for most sacks in the first half of a game with three (tied) and most interceptions in a single game with two (tied).

Career Highlights and Future Prospects

Hamilton's career highlights and future prospects paint a promising picture of his continued success in the NFL.

37. Career Sacks: In his first two seasons in the NFL, Hamilton has recorded 5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to rush the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses.

38. Career Interceptions in NFL: In his first two seasons in the NFL, Hamilton has recorded 4 interceptions, showcasing his ball skills and ability to make plays on the ball.

39. Career Tackles in NFL: In his first two seasons in the NFL, Hamilton has recorded 143 tackles, highlighting his ability to be a reliable and consistent tackler.

40. Future Prospects: With his versatility, ball skills, and consistent performance, Kyle Hamilton is expected to continue making significant contributions to the Baltimore Ravens. His selection to the Pro Bowl and holding multiple franchise records indicate a bright future in the NFL.

Kyle Hamilton: A Rising Star in the NFL

Kyle Hamilton's journey from Greece to the NFL showcases his talent, versatility, and determination. Born in Heraklion, Greece, to a basketball-playing father and a Korean mother, Hamilton's unique background adds to his intriguing story. At Notre Dame, he quickly made a name for himself with standout performances, earning Freshman All-American honors and becoming a consensus All-American despite injuries.

Drafted 14th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, Hamilton's rookie season highlighted his potential. With 62 tackles and two interceptions, he proved his worth on the field. His versatility, ball skills, and size make him a valuable asset to the Ravens' defense.

Off the field, Hamilton's interests include podcasting and being a member of Mensa International. With a bright future ahead, Kyle Hamilton is set to continue making waves in the NFL, solidifying his place as a rising star.