Kyle Van Noy Bio
Kyle Van Noy is an American professional football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. Born on March 26, 1991, in Reno, Nevada, Van Noy played college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars from 2009 to 2013. After being selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions with the 40th overall pick, he has built an impressive 12-season NFL career spanning six teams. Van Noy won two Super Bowl championships during his time with the New England Patriots and earned his first Pro Bowl selection at age 33 in the 2024 season. He is married to former Miss Utah USA Marissa Powell and is the founder of the Van Noy Valor Foundation, which supports adopted children and youth in foster care.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Van Noy was born in Reno, Nevada, in 1991. His birth mother placed him for adoption as a newborn through LDS Family Services, and he was adopted at approximately three to four months of age by Layne and Kelly Van Noy, who were living in Lodi, California at the time. The Van Noys, who also had an older son named Travis, chose to be open with Kyle about his adoption from the very beginning. His adoptive mother, Kelly, explained that the family never treated his adoption as a secret, stating that they believed there was no magical time to tell him and that they always explained who he was while emphasizing their love for him.
The family relocated to Reno, Nevada, when Kyle was approximately 11 years old. His father, Layne, managed the city’s recreation programs and played a significant role in guiding Kyle’s early athletic development. Van Noy attended Robert McQueen High School in Reno, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. As an all-state linebacker and receiver, he led his high school football team to a perfect 14-0 record and a 4A state championship in 2008. Beyond football, Van Noy lettered in basketball, baseball, and track, earning all-league honors in the 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m relay events. He received scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs, including Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, BYU, California, Colorado, UCLA, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, and Stanford.
Path to the NFL
Van Noy chose to attend Brigham Young University, where he played for the BYU Cougars football team from 2010 to 2013. During his freshman season in 2010, he appeared in every game while starting two and earned letterman honors. He recorded 35 tackles, including 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks, and led the team with two forced fumbles while also recovering a fumble and returning it 44 yards for a touchdown. His sophomore season in 2011 proved to be a breakthrough, as he started eight of 13 games and led the team with 15 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Notably, he was the only FBS Division I player that season to record a stat in all ten defensive categories.
Van Noy’s junior season in 2012 saw him emerge as the defensive leader of a BYU team that led the nation in red zone defense and finished second in rushing defense. He recorded 53 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss, 13.0 sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles in 13 games. His dominant performance in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl against San Diego State, where he recorded eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, one interception for a touchdown, and a blocked punt, cemented his status as an elite collegiate defender. As a senior in 2013, Van Noy was named the All-Independent Defensive Player of the Year and earned second-team Walter Camp All-American honors. He graduated from BYU with a degree in history in 2013 and was projected as a first or second round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft before choosing to declare for the draft.
Kyle Van Noy Career
Detroit Lions (2014–2016)
The Detroit Lions selected Van Noy in the second round with the 40th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Lions traded their second, fourth, and seventh round picks to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire the selection used to draft Van Noy. He signed a four-year, $5.10 million rookie contract on June 4, 2014. During training camp, Van Noy competed against Ashlee Palmer for the starting strongside linebacker position, but an abdominal injury suffered in August required surgery and caused him to miss the first several weeks of the season.
Van Noy made his professional regular season debut in Week 10 of the 2014 season against the Miami Dolphins and registered two solo tackles in the victory. He finished his rookie year with six solo tackles appearing in eight games. The Lions finished 11-5 and earned a wild card playoff berth, where Van Noy played in his first career playoff game, a 24-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In his second season, Van Noy recorded his first career sack during a Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings, bringing down quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for a one-yard loss. He finished the 2015 season with ten combined tackles and one sack in 16 games. During his third season with Detroit in 2016, Van Noy made his first career start in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, but his time with the Lions ended shortly thereafter.
New England Patriots First Stint (2016–2019)
On October 25, 2016, the Lions traded Van Noy and a seventh round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for a sixth round pick. Van Noy later called the trade a turning point in his career, and friends noted that he was a different person once he arrived in New England, thriving on the acceptance and stability the organization provided. He was inactive for his first two games with the Patriots before making his debut in Week 11, where he recorded three combined tackles and one sack in a win against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the 2016 season with 29 combined tackles, two pass deflections, one sack, and one interception in seven games.
The Patriots finished 14-2 and earned a first round bye in the playoffs. Van Noy appeared in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, making one tackle and being credited with half a sack during the Patriots’ historic comeback victory from a 25-point deficit. In 2017, Van Noy signed a two-year, $11.75 million contract extension and established himself as a key contributor, recording 73 combined tackles and 5.5 sacks in 13 games with 12 starts. The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in 2018, where Van Noy made five combined tackles in Super Bowl LII, a 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. During the 2018 season, Van Noy scored his first career touchdown on a 29-yard fumble recovery return against the Chicago Bears and added a second fumble recovery touchdown against the New York Jets. He continued his strong play into the playoffs, recording ten tackles and two sacks in the AFC Championship Game victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Miami Dolphins (2020)
On March 21, 2020, the Miami Dolphins signed Van Noy to a four-year, $51 million contract that included $30 million guaranteed and a $12 million signing bonus. The signing reunited him with Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who had served as the Patriots’ linebackers coach during Van Noy’s first season in New England. Van Noy made his Dolphins debut against his former team, the Patriots, in Week 1 and recorded one sack in the 21-11 loss. He continued his productive play throughout the season, including a standout performance in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he recorded eight tackles, five for loss, and three sacks, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Van Noy finished the 2020 season with six sacks, 69 total tackles, six passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 14 appearances with 13 starts. However, the Dolphins released him on March 10, 2021, after just one season.
New England Patriots Second Stint (2021)
Van Noy returned to the New England Patriots on March 19, 2021, signing a two-year deal worth up to $13.2 million. In the 2021 season, he appeared in 16 games with eight starts, recording five sacks, 66 total tackles, one interception, ten passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Despite his productive contributions, the Patriots released him on March 7, 2022, due to salary cap constraints.
Los Angeles Chargers (2022)
On May 5, 2022, Van Noy signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He appeared in 17 games with 13 starts during the 2022 season, recording five sacks, 46 total tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble. After being released by the Chargers following the season, Van Noy entered the 2023 season without a roster spot at age 32.
Baltimore Ravens (2023–Present)
Van Noy signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad on September 27, 2023, and was promoted to the active roster three days later. He recorded nine sacks in fourteen appearances during the remainder of the 2023 season, leading to a two-year, $10 million contract extension with Baltimore. On April 4, 2024, Van Noy signed another two-year, $10 million extension with the Ravens. The 2024 season proved to be a career renaissance for Van Noy. After suffering an orbital bone fracture in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he returned to post 2.0 sacks in each of the next three games, including a strip sack of Josh Allen in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills.
Van Noy earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for September 2024 and continued his dominant play throughout the season, recording at least 1.0 sack in each of his last five games. He finished the 2024 season with a career-high 12.5 sacks in 16 games and earned his first Pro Bowl selection at age 33. In the 2025 season, Van Noy appeared in 15 games, recording two sacks, 20 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended while missing two games due to a hamstring injury. His highlight came in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he intercepted a pass by quarterback Joe Burrow and lateraled the ball to safety Alohi Gilman, who returned it 84 yards for a touchdown in a 24-0 shutout victory.
Playing Style and Strengths
Van Noy has developed a reputation as a versatile and reliable linebacker capable of contributing in multiple facets of the defense. His strengths include his ability to rush the quarterback effectively, his instincts for forcing turnovers, and his leadership qualities that have made him a valuable presence in every locker room he has joined. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a knack for making game-changing plays, whether through sacks, forced fumbles, or key defensive stops. His experience across multiple systems and teams has allowed him to adapt his game and remain productive into his mid-30s.
Notable Events and Milestones
Van Noy’s career has been defined by several significant milestones. Winning Super Bowl LI with the Patriots after their historic comeback against the Falcons stands as one of his most memorable achievements. His performance in the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, where he recorded ten tackles and two sacks, helped propel New England to another Super Bowl appearance. The 2024 season marked a career resurgence, as his 12.5 sacks represented a new personal best and earned him his first Pro Bowl selection after more than a decade in the league. His versatility has allowed him to contribute across six different teams, demonstrating his ability to adapt and excel in various defensive schemes.
Kyle Van Noy Career Wins
Throughout his 12-season NFL career, Van Noy has accumulated impressive statistics while playing for six different teams. His career totals include 561 total tackles, 57 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 39 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. He has demonstrated consistency and durability throughout his career, appearing in games across multiple seasons and contributing to championship-winning teams.
Major Championships and Awards
Van Noy’s most significant accomplishments include two Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots. He earned his first ring in Super Bowl LI following the 2016 season and his second in Super Bowl LIII following the 2018 season. His 2024 season with the Ravens marked his first Pro Bowl selection, validating his career-resurgence performance. He has also earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and was named a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025), voted on by NFL players. In college, he was recognized as the Independent Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and earned multiple All-American honors.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his championship wins and Pro Bowl selection, Van Noy has consistently been a productive defender throughout his career. His 2020 season with the Dolphins included a three-sack performance against the Bengals, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week. His 2024 season with the Ravens, which featured his career-high 12.5 sacks, represented his most productive statistical season as a pass rusher. He has also demonstrated playmaking ability with multiple defensive touchdowns throughout his career, including fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns and interception returns.
| Series | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 561 | 57 | 14 |
Kyle Van Noy Family
Family Background
Kyle Van Noy was adopted as an infant through LDS Family Services and raised by Layne and Kelly Van Noy in Reno, Nevada. His adoptive parents have been open about his adoption from the beginning, creating an environment where Kyle never felt his adoption was a secret or something to be ashamed of. While attending BYU, Van Noy became roommates with and mentored Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, who walked on to the football team with no prior experience. The two later became teammates again when Ansah was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013. Van Noy was also close friends with former BYU basketball player Brandon Davies.
Personal Life
Van Noy married Marissa Powell in June 2014. Powell was the former Miss Utah USA winner and third runner-up in the 2013 Miss USA pageant. The couple met before Van Noy was drafted into the NFL, and he proposed in December 2013. Both Van Noy and Powell are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have two children together: a son named Trae Legend and a daughter named Giavanna Monnae. Van Noy has spoken about how Powell responded positively when he told her about his adoption on one of their early dates, noting that her father and brother were also adopted. Outside of football, Van Noy is an avid golfer and founded Chirpin Golf, a golf apparel company.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another solid year for Van Noy in his third season with the Baltimore Ravens. He appeared in 15 games, missing two contests due to a hamstring injury sustained in the early portion of the season. Despite the injury setback, he managed to record two sacks, 20 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended throughout the campaign. His ability to remain productive even while managing injuries demonstrated the resilience that has defined his extended NFL career.
Van Noy’s signature moment of the 2025 season came in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In a 24-0 shutout victory, he intercepted a pass by quarterback Joe Burrow and executed a lateral to safety Alohi Gilman, who returned the ball 84 yards for a touchdown. The play showcased Van Noy’s awareness and playmaking ability even in his mid-30s. For his sportsmanship and character both on and off the field, Van Noy was named the Ravens’ nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award for the second consecutive year and was selected as one of eight finalists for the award, which is voted on by NFL players. His continued high level of play and leadership contributed to the Ravens’ defensive identity throughout the season.
Philanthropy
In 2014, Van Noy and his wife Marissa co-founded the Van Noy Valor Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging personal valor in the lives of adopted children, those in foster care, and disadvantaged youth. Both founders have personal connections to adoption, as Van Noy was adopted as an infant and Powell’s father and brother were also adopted. The foundation’s signature annual event, “A Very Van Noy Christmas,” provides foster families with Christmas trees, holiday meals, and gifts, and has been held in both Utah and Baltimore. Van Noy has spoken publicly about using his platform to reduce the stigma around adoption and foster care, believing that adopted children should feel proud rather than ashamed of their backgrounds.
Media and Ventures
Van Noy has expanded his brand beyond football through various media ventures and business endeavors. In 2019, he launched a YouTube channel called “Vibin’ with the Van Noy’s,” which features a restaurant-review series titled “Elite Eatz.” In this series, Van Noy visits local restaurants with NFL teammates, including Stephon Gilmore, Matthew Judon, Damien Harris, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers. The show has received coverage from major outlets including Time Out Boston, the Today show, and Boston.com. In 2025, Van Noy launched “One More Shot,” a newsletter on the Substack platform where he writes about leadership, mindset, and his experiences in professional football. The newsletter’s name reflects a recurring theme in his career of rebuilding his role on multiple teams after being released.
Van Noy is also an avid golfer and the founder of Chirpin Golf, a golf apparel brand. In March 2023, he recorded a hole-in-one at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach, California, using a 56-degree wedge from 105 yards on the South Course. He has competed in the NFLPA Classic golf tournament alongside Ravens teammate Marlon Humphrey and hosts the annual Van Noy Charity Golf Challenge at Black Desert Resort in St. George, Utah, as a fundraiser for the Van Noy Valor Foundation.