Ethan Driskell, the towering offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, has quickly become a name to watch in the NFL.
Standing at 6’8” with a wingspan over 83 inches, Driskell’s physical traits and relentless work ethic propelled him from an undrafted free agent in 2024 to a key developmental player on the Chiefs’ roster.
This article dives into Driskell’s personal life, career journey, financial standing, and future prospects.
Ethan Driskell’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ethan Driskell |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | June 29, 2000 (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Age | 24 (turns 25 on June 29, 2025) |
| College | Marshall University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’8” (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 313 lbs (142 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Undrafted, signed with Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million |
| Salary | $960,000 |
| Spouse/Partner | Sydney Porter (Fiancée) |
| Children | None |
| @ethan_driskell |
Early Career
Ethan Driskell grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where he attended Holy Cross High School. A dual-sport athlete, he excelled in football and basketball, earning all-region honors in basketball as a senior.
Despite limited football recruiting interest, Marshall University offered him a walk-on spot in 2019. Driskell redshirted his freshman year but became a key contributor by 2022, starting 26 consecutive games at left tackle.
His college career was marked by durability, appearing in 48 games and paving the way for Marshall’s rushing attack, which ranked among the nation’s best.
Professional Career
Driskell went undrafted in 2024 but signed a three-year, $2.87 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. His rare physical traits—6’8” frame, 35⅜-inch arms, and 83½-inch wingspan—caught the attention of GM Brett Veach.
Though raw technically, Driskell’s preseason improvements earned him a spot on the 53-man roster over veterans.
In 2024, he served as a backup tackle, appearing in two games. Analysts project him as a long-term project with starter potential if he refines his footwork and hand placement.
Wife
Driskell is engaged to Sydney Porter, a professional stylist from West Virginia. The couple met on Halloween 2020 and got engaged on June 22, 2024. They share a four-year-old Great Dane named Bane, who frequently stars on their social media. No children have been announced as of 2025.
Ethan Driskell’s Net Worth Details
Ethan Driskell’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.
This figure stems primarily from his NFL contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which guarantees him steady earnings through 2026.
Contract
Driskell signed a three-year, $2.87 million contract with the Chiefs in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. The deal includes $265,000 in guaranteed money, covering his signing bonus and first-year salary.
The contract’s average annual value (APY) is $956,667, placing him in the lower tier of NFL offensive tackles. His 2025 base salary is $960,000, with a cap hit of $973,333.
The Chiefs view him as a long-term project, with his contract structured to reward incremental growth. If he remains on the roster through 2026, he’ll earn $1,075,000 in his final year.
Salary
In 2025, Driskell earns a base salary of $960,000 as part of his rookie contract. This reflects a standard second-year raise for undrafted free agents. His cap hit for the season is slightly higher at $973,333, accounting for the prorated portion of his signing bonus.
While his earnings are modest compared to NFL starters, they align with his role as a backup tackle. His salary ranks him 82nd among NFL right tackles, highlighting his status as a developmental player with upside.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $835,000 |
| 2025 | Kansas City Chiefs | $960,000 |
| 2026 | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,075,000 |
| Total | $2,870,000 |
Career Stats
College Stats (Marshall)
| Season | Games Played | Starts | Sacks Allowed | QB Pressures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 16 |
| 2023 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 19 |
NFL Stats (2024)
- Games Played: 2
- Snaps: 0 (Special Teams/Backup Role)
FAQs
1. Who is Ethan Driskell, and which NFL team does he play for?
Ethan Driskell is an offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. Standing at 6’8″ and 313 pounds, he joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after playing college football at Marshall University. He primarily plays right tackle and is known for his size and run-blocking potential.
2. What are Ethan Driskell’s physical attributes and Madden NFL 25 rating?
Driskell is 6’8″, weighs 313 lbs, and has an 83½-inch wingspan. In Madden NFL 25, he holds a 62 overall rating, with strengths in run blocking (71) and strength (87). His agility (69) and pass-blocking ratings (67) reflect areas for development.
3. What is Ethan Driskell’s contract details with the Kansas City Chiefs?
Driskell signed a 3-year, $2.87 million contract with $40,000 signing bonus and $265,000 guaranteed. His 2025 base salary is $960,000, with a cap hit of $973,333. The deal includes incremental salary increases through 2026, when he becomes a restricted free agent.
4. How did Ethan Driskell enter the NFL?
Despite projections as a mid-round pick, Driskell went undrafted in 2024. He signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and impressed during training camp, earning a spot on the 53-man roster due to his rare physical traits and developmental upside.
5. What was Ethan Driskell’s college football career like?
At Marshall, Driskell started 26 games at left tackle from 2022–2023, earning Third-Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023. He blocked for standout RB Rasheen Ali and allowed 20 quarterback pressures in his final season. His college scheme emphasized run blocking and RPO plays.
6. What are Ethan Driskell’s strengths and weaknesses as an offensive tackle?
Strengths include his massive frame, long arms, and effectiveness in run blocking. Weaknesses involve inconsistent pass-protection technique, high pad level, and struggles against speed rushers. Scouts noted his need to refine hand placement and footwork for NFL-level pass sets.
7. Why did the Chiefs keep Ethan Driskell on their 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent?
The Chiefs valued Driskell’s rare physical traits (6’8″ frame, 35⅜-inch arms) and developmental potential. GM Brett Veach cited incremental preseason improvement and a desire to avoid losing him via waivers after investing in his training. His size aligns with Kansas City’s power-run philosophy.
8. Did Ethan Driskell participate in the NFL Combine drills?
While invited to the 2024 NFL Combine, Driskell did not participate in measurable drills due to an undisclosed injury. He also skipped testing at Marshall’s pro day, leaving teams to evaluate him based on game tape and Senior Bowl practices.
9. What is Ethan Driskell’s background before college football?
Driskell grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, attending Holy Cross High School, where he played defensive tackle and basketball. As a junior, he averaged 3.4 blocks per game in basketball, showcasing athleticism that later translated to his football career at Marshall.
10. How has Ethan Driskell performed in the NFL preseason?
In the 2024 preseason, Driskell showed mixed results. He allowed six pressures across three games but had a standout performance against Detroit with zero pressures in 24 pass-blocking snaps. His progress earned praise from coaches, though he remains a developmental project.
