Kendall Fuller

Kendall Christopher Fuller (born February 13, 1995) is an American football cornerback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia Tech and was selected by the Commanders, then known as the Redskins, in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Fuller also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded the game-sealing interception in their Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Kendall Fuller
refer to caption
Fuller with the Washington Commanders in 2022
No. 29 – Washington Commanders
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1995-02-13) February 13, 1995
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:198 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Maryland)
College:Virginia Tech (2013–2015)
NFL Draft:2016 / Round: 3 / Pick: 84
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 7, 2023
Total tackles:442
Sacks:2.0
Forced fumbles:2
Pass deflections:72
Interceptions:16
Defensive touchdowns:2
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Fuller attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, where he played football and ran track. On the football varsity, he was teammates with Blake Countess and Stefon Diggs. As a senior, he was the U.S. Army All-American Defensive Player of the Year and the Maryland Gatorade Football Player of the Year after he totaled 44 receptions for 695 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, and three interceptions, eight pass breakups and 28 tackles (including a sack) on defense.

In track & field, Fuller competed in hurdles and jumps, posting bests of 17.94 seconds in the 110m hurdles, 47.81s in the 300m hurdles, 6.48 meters (21 feet, 2.5 inches) in the long jump and 13.71m (45 feet) in the triple jump.[1]

Fuller was a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked as the second best cornerback and ninth best player overall in his class.[2] He committed to Virginia Tech in July 2012 to play college football, over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, among others.[3][4]

College career

As a true freshman in 2013, Fuller started 12 of 13 games, recording 58 tackles and six interceptions. For his play he was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.[5][6] Fuller returned as a starter his sophomore season in 2014.[7] On December 15, 2015, Fuller declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.[8][9]

College statistics
Season Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckFFFRIntTDPD
2013 13125838200.5116017
2014 13135432222012117
2015 33734110001
Career292811973463.5228135

Professional career

Fuller attended the NFL Scouting Combine, but was unable to perform any physical drills due to a torn meniscus he suffered in the fall.[10] Before his meniscus tear, Fuller was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. Fuller was ranked the fifth best cornerback prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com, the ninth best cornerback by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and was ranked the 10th best defensive back prospect by Sports Illustrated.[11][12][13]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand spanBench press
5 ft 11+1⁄2 in
(1.82 m)		 187 lb
(85 kg)		 31+1⁄2 in
(0.80 m)		 10 in
(0.25 m)		15 reps
All values from NFL Combine[14]

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins selected Fuller in the third round (84th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.[15] Fuller was the 14th cornerback selected in 2016.[16]

External video
video icon Redskins select Fuller 84th overall

2016

On June 2, 2016, the Washington Redskins signed Fuller to a four-year, $3.12 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $718,424.[17][18]

Throughout training camp, he competed against Quinton Dunbar, Greg Toler, and Dashaun Phillips to be the third cornerback on the Redskins' depth chart.[19] Head coach Jay Gruden named Fuller the fifth cornerback on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland, Quinton Dunbar, and Greg Toler.[20]

He was inactive for the first three games (Weeks 1-3) and made his professional regular season debut in Week 4 after injuries to Bashaud Breeland and Quinton Dunbar.[21] On October 2, 2016, Fuller earned his first career start and recorded a season-high eight combined tackles during a 31–20 victory against the Cleveland Browns. Fuller surpassed Greg Toler on the depth chart after Week 7 and became their fourth cornerback. In Week 8, he tied his season-high of seven solo tackles in the Redskins' 37 - 37 tie at the Cincinnati Bengals.[22] After struggling in Week 13, Fuller was replaced by Greg Toler after defensive coordinator Joe Barry demoted him to the fifth cornerback on the depth chart.[23] He finished his rookie season in 2016 with 42 combined tackles (32 solo) and two pass deflections in 13 games and six starts.[24]

2017
Fuller (right) in 2017

Fuller entered training camp slated as the starting nickelback, but saw competition from rookies Fabian Moreau, Josh Holsey, and veteran Dashaun Phillips.[23][25] Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky named Fuller the starting nickelback and the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind starters Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland.[26]

On September 24, 2017, Fuller recorded three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception off a pass by Derek Carr during a 27–10 victory against the Oakland Raiders.[27] In Week 6, he made a solo tackle, a season-high two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by quarterback C. J. Beathard in the last ten seconds of the Redskins' 26–24 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.[28] On November 23, 2017, Fuller deflected a pass and recorded another victory-sealing interception against Eli Manning in the last 1:16 of the Redskins' 20–10 victory against the New York Giants.[29] In Week 15, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles and two pass deflections during a 20–15 win against the Arizona Cardinals.[30] He finished the 2017 season with 55 combined tackles (43 solo), ten pass deflections, and four interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[24]

2018

On January 30, 2018, the Washington Redskins agreed to trade Fuller and a third round pick (78th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Alex Smith.[31] The trade was officially completed on March 14, the start of the new league year.[32]

Fuller became the No. 1 cornerback on the Kansas City Chiefs’ depth chart after Marcus Peters was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.[33] Head coach Andy Reid named Fuller and Steven Nelson the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season.[34]

On December 14, 2018, Fuller underwent surgery on his wrist and was inactive for the Chiefs’ Week 16 loss at the Seattle Seahawks.[35] He finished the season with 82 combined tackles (64 solo), 12 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.[36]

2019

In Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers, Fuller made a handful of crucial plays late in the 4th quarter including a critical pass deflection and an interception off a pass thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo that helped the Chiefs secure the victory.[37]

2020

On March 23, 2020, Fuller signed a four-year, $40 million contract with the Washington Commanders, still known as the Redskins at the time.[38][39] Fuller recorded two interceptions in a Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens.[40] He finished the season with 50 tackles and four interceptions.

2021
Fuller gets an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in 2021.

Fuller recorded his first interception of the 2021 season against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Week 6.[41] In Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, he intercepted Russell Wilson on a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter which sealed Washington's 17-15 win.[42] On December 14, 2021, he was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and was forced to miss the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.[43] He was placed back on the active roster on December 24.[44]

2022

In Week 11, Fuller scored his first career touchdown on an interception return off of Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills.[45] The following week against the Atlanta Falcons, Fuller intercepted Marcus Mariota in the end zone with 58 seconds left to seal Washington's 19-13 victory.[46] In Week 18, Fuller recorded his second career touchdown on an interception return off of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.[47]

Personal life

Fuller's three older brothers, Vincent, Corey and Kyle, all played college football at Virginia Tech and in the NFL as well.[48][49][50]

References
  1. "Kendall Fuller - Feed". MileSplit Maryland.
  2. "Kendall Fuller, 2013 Cornerback - Rivals.com". n.rivals.com.
  3. Good Counsel All-Met Kendall Fuller commits to Virginia Tech
  4. Warters, Nathan. "Kendall Fuller commits to Tech". NewsAdvance.com.
  5. "Kendall Fuller earns ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors". Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  6. "Virginia Tech's Kendall Fuller earns ACC defensive rookie of the year honors - Daily Press". Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  7. Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller is ready to build on his stellar freshman season.
  8. Fortuna, Matt, "Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller declares for NFL draft", "ESPN", December 15, 2015
  9. Fortuna, Matt (December 15, 2015). "Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller declares for NFL draft". ESPN.com.
  10. Jones, Mike (April 29, 2016). "NFL draft: Redskins take Virginia Tech corner Kendall Fuller in the third round". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  11. "*Kendall Fuller, DS #5 CB, Virginia Tech". draftscout.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  12. "Mike Mayock's 2016 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". NFL.com. April 25, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  13. "2016 NFL draft position rankings". si.com. April 25, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  14. "NFL Draft Profile: Kendall Fuller". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  15. Skinnel, Brian (April 29, 2016). "Redskins Add To Cornerbacks Group With Kendall Fuller". Washington Football Team. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  16. "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  17. "Spotrac.com: Kendall Fuller contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  18. Czarda, Stephen (June 2, 2016). "Redskins Sign Cornerback Kendall Fuller". Washington Football Team. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  19. Jones, Mike (July 30, 2016). "Quinton Dunbar returns to action after welcoming first child". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  20. Makes, Jamie (September 6, 2016). "Redskins release first depth chart of 2016 season". 247sports.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  21. "After injuries, Kendall Fuller Getting Opportunity for Playing Time". September 28, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  22. "NFL Player stats: Kendall Fuller (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  23. Keim, John (June 28, 2017). "Su'a Cravens, Kendall Fuller can provide big boost to Redskins' secondary". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  24. "NFL Player stats: Kendall Fuller (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  25. "5 Washington Redskins position battles to watch during 2017 offseason". riggosrag.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  26. Cheaebrough, Diane (September 5, 2017). "Redskins Depth Chart: Week 1 vs. Philadelphia". redskinswire.usatoday.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  27. Cannon, Jay (September 26, 2017). "Montae Nicholson, Kendall Fuller Log First Career Interceptions Vs. Raiders". Washington Football Team. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  28. Allen, Scott (October 15, 2017). "Redskins' 'Flight Marshals' celebrate game-ending interception with a pat-down search". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  29. Paras, Matthew (November 28, 2017). "'Unsung hero' Fuller provides boost to secondary". WashingtonTimes.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  30. "NFL Player stats: Kendall Fuller (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  31. Paylor, Terez A. (January 30, 2018). "Chiefs trade Alex Smith to Washington, saving $15.6 million". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  32. Czarda, Stephen. "Redskins Trade For Pro Bowl Quarterback Alex Smith". Washington Football Team. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  33. "Kendall Fuller and David Amerson part of a revamped Chiefs secondary". ESPN.com. March 20, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  34. "Chiefs release 1st unofficial depth chart of regular season". chiefswire.usatoday.com. September 4, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  35. "Injuries: Kendall Fuller to undergo surgery on wrist". NFL.com. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  36. "NFL Player stats: Kendall Fuller (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  37. "Mahomes leads Chiefs' rally past 49ers in Super Bowl, 31-20". www.espn.com. Associated Press. February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  38. "Reports: Redskins Agree To Terms With CB Kendall Fuller". Washington Football Team. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  39. "Redskins Sign CB Kendall Fuller, Wes Schweitzer". Washington Football Team. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  40. "Ravens vs. Washington score: Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews rebound to defeat Washington with ease". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  41. Washington Football Team Public Relations (October 18, 2021). "Washington-Chiefs Monday Stats Pack". WashingtonFootball.com. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  42. Lambert, Ivan (November 30, 2021). "Fuller interception saves Washington". USAToday.com. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  43. Washington Football Team Public Relations (December 14, 2021). "Washington places Kendall Fuller, Tim Settle on Reserve/COVID-19 list, activates CB Darryl Roberts". WashingtonFootball.com. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  44. Washington Football Team Public Relations (December 24, 2021). "Washington activates Kyle Allen, Kam Curl, Kendall Fuller, Milo Eifler off the Reserve/COVID-19 list". WashingtonFootball.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  45. "Commanders' Kendall Fuller nabs first career pick-six against Texans". ESPN. November 20, 2022.
  46. "Commanders outrun Falcons, intercept Mariota in 19-13 win". ESPN. November 27, 2022.
  47. "WATCH: Commanders CB Kendall Fuller with a pick-6 vs. Cowboys". Commanders Wire. January 8, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  48. Sun, Steven Petrella, The Baltimore. "Kendall Fuller follows three brothers to Virginia Tech's football team". baltimoresun.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  49. Erickson, Joel. "Saints claim Bryce Harris off of waivers, release defensive tackle John Hughes". NOLA.com.
  50. "Arts & Entertainment News - The Virginian-Pilot". pilotonline.com.
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