Darian Kinnard, the towering 6’5” offensive lineman, has carved a niche in the NFL with his physicality and determination.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, he transitioned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, chasing his third consecutive Super Bowl. His journey from a challenging upbringing to NFL stardom is a testament to resilience.
Darian Kinnard’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Darian Kinnard |
| Nickname | D.K. |
| Born | December 29, 1999 (Youngstown, Ohio) |
| Age | 25 (as of 2025) |
| College | University of Kentucky |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’5” (196 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 (Round 5, Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Net Worth | ~$2.3 million (career earnings + endorsements) |
| Salary (2025) | $1.08 million |
| Spouse | Single (no reported spouse) |
| Relationship | Single (no children) |
| @dariankinnard |
Early Career
Kinnard moved from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend Saint Ignatius High School. A four-star recruit, he chose Kentucky over UCLA, Penn State, and Tennessee, drawn by former coach John Schlarman’s mentorship.
At Kentucky (2018–2021), Kinnard became a three-year starter, anchoring the “Big Blue Wall.” He earned consensus First-Team All-American honors in 2021, the Jacobs Blocking Trophy (SEC’s top blocker), and blocked for three 1,000-yard rushers, including Benny Snell Jr..
His senior season included a 39-game streak of consecutive starts, securing him as the Wildcats’ first consensus All-American tackle since 1965.
Professional Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2022–2023): Drafted 145th overall, Kinnard contributed to back-to-back Super Bowl wins (LVII and LVIII). Despite limited snaps (1 game in 2022, practice squad in 2023), his physicality and drive earned him a reserve/future contract.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024–Present): Signed a two-year, $2.045 million deal, Kinnard transitioned to guard, starting one game in 2024. His role expanded in the postseason, aiding the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX quest.
Darian Kinnard’s Net Worth Details
Darian Kinnard’s net worth is estimated to be $2.3 million as of 2025, combining career earnings and endorsement deals.
Contract
Darian Kinnard signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2024. The deal, categorized as a reserve/futures contract, is worth a total of $2,045,000. For the 2024 season, Kinnard earned a base salary of $915,000 along with a $100,000 signing bonus, totaling $1,015,000.
In 2025, his base salary increases to $1,030,000 with an additional $50,000 workout bonus, bringing his total for the year to $1,080,000. This contract reflects his transition from the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad to an active role with the Eagles.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings | Other Bonuses | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kansas City Chiefs | $705,000 | $358,412 | $1,063,412 | – | $1,063,412 |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | $216,000 | – | $216,000 | – | $1,279,412 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | $915,000 | $100,000 | $1,015,000 | – | $2,294,412 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Eagles | $1,030,000 | – | $1,080,000 | $50,000 (Workout) | $3,374,412 |
Total Career Earnings
- Base Salary: $2,866,000
- Signing Bonuses: $458,412
- Other Bonuses: $50,000
- Grand Total: Approximately $3.37 million
Kinnard’s earnings reflect his progression from a rookie contract with the Chiefs to a more lucrative deal with the Eagles. His highest single-year earnings came in 2024 with a total payout of over $1 million.
Career Stats
College Career Stats (University of Kentucky)
| Year | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 2 | Helped set season highs in rushing yards and total offense; no sacks or penalties allowed. |
| 2019 | 13 | 13 | 32 knockdowns, only one penalty in 706 snaps, contributed to school rushing records. |
| 2020 | 11 | 11 | Graded at 87.4%, 47 knockdowns, First-Team All-SEC honors. |
| 2021 | 13 | 13 | Consensus First-Team All-American, Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, led team with 30 knockdowns. |
| Total | 46 | 39 | Key member of the “Big Blue Wall,” contributing to one of the nation’s top offensive lines. |
NFL Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Sacks Allowed (SA) | Snap Counts (Offense) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2 | 1 | 0 | 55% |
| Total | 3 | 1 | 0 | – |
Highlights
- In college, Kinnard was a dominant offensive tackle, earning multiple All-American and All-SEC honors while helping Kentucky achieve record-setting offensive performances.
- In the NFL, Kinnard has played sparingly but started one game for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 season. He continues to develop as a professional offensive lineman.
Awards
- 2x Super Bowl Champion (LVII, LVIII).
- Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2021).
FAQs
1. Where was Darian Kinnard born and raised?
Darian Kinnard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on December 29, 1999. He later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Saint Ignatius High School. He committed to the University of Kentucky over offers from Penn State, UCLA, and Tennessee.
2. What were his college football achievements?
At Kentucky, Kinnard became the first offensive lineman since 1965 to earn consensus First-Team All-American honors. He won the 2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, played in 46 games with 39 consecutive starts, and was a key member of the “Big Blue Wall” offensive line that set school rushing records.
3. How did he transition from college to the NFL?
Kinnard was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. After being waived by the Chiefs in August 2023, he joined their practice squad. In February 2024, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he currently plays.
4. Has he won any Super Bowls?
Yes, Kinnard won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 (Super Bowl LVII) and 2023 (Super Bowl LVIII). In 2025, he reached Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles, aiming for his third consecutive championship.
5. What positions does he play in the NFL?
Kinnard primarily plays offensive tackle but has been discussed as a potential guard due to his size, strength, and versatility. His college experience as a right tackle and physical attributes make him a candidate for both tackle and guard roles.
6. What is his current contract status?
Kinnard signed a two-year, $2.045 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2024, including a $100,000 signing bonus and $300,000 guaranteed. His 2025 cap hit is $1.13 million.
7. What are his strengths and weaknesses as a lineman?
Kinnard excels with his athleticism, size (6’5”, 322 lbs), and raw power in run-blocking. However, he struggles with hand placement, pad level, and lateral agility, which can lead to holding penalties and struggles against quicker pass rushers.
8. How is he involved in community outreach?
Kinnard frequently visited the Lexington VA Hospital during his college years and supported the Wounded Warrior Project through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative in 2024.
9. What major awards did he win in college?
He won the 2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy (SEC’s top blocker) and was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy (nation’s top interior lineman). He also earned consensus All-American honors from multiple outlets.
10. How has his performance been rated in Madden NFL?
In Madden NFL 25, Kinnard has an overall rating of 64, with strengths in run-blocking (72) and pass-blocking (67). His injury rating is 91, indicating durability, though his agility (50) and awareness (55) are areas for improvement.
