Kendrick Green Bio
Kendrick Green is an American professional football center who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 22, 1998, in Peoria, Illinois, Green emerged as a standout offensive lineman during his college career at the University of Illinois before entering the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 2021. His journey from a multi-sport athlete at Peoria High School to a professional center demonstrates his dedication and evolution within the sport. Green has competed for four NFL franchises during his professional career, showcasing his adaptability and resilience at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Kendrick Green grew up in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended Peoria High School. During his high school years, Green was a versatile athlete who participated in multiple sports, including baseball, football, and wrestling. This multi-sport background helped him develop the physical attributes and mental toughness that would later serve him well on the football field. His competitive nature and athletic ability were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his future football career.
As a senior at Peoria High School, Green delivered an exceptional final season. He earned first-team All-State honors after recording 113 tackles, including 33 for a loss, 15 sacks, and four forced fumbles. His dominant performance helped Peoria capture the 2016 IHSA 5A state championship, a testament to his impact on the field and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Green received scholarship offers from several major college programs before ultimately choosing to continue his football career at the University of Illinois over other notable offers, including one from the University of Iowa.
Path to Professional Football
Green arrived at the University of Illinois in 2017 and redshirted his true freshman season. During this time, he made a significant transition by moving from defensive tackle to offensive line, a positional change that would define his collegiate career and eventual professional path. This adjustment showcased his versatility and willingness to adapt for the benefit of his team. The coaching staff recognized his potential and moved him to a position where his skills could be maximized.
As a redshirt freshman in 2018, Green immediately made an impact by starting all 12 of Illinois’ games at left guard. His performance at the position demonstrated his ability to anchor an offensive line and protect the quarterback. He continued to build on this success during his redshirt sophomore season, again starting all of Illinois’ games at left guard. His consistent play earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference honors and recognition as an honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Focus. These accolades highlighted his emergence as one of the top offensive linemen in the conference.
Kendrick Green Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021–2022)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kendrick Green in the third round, 87th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On July 20, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the organization. Heading into organized team activities and his first NFL training camp, Green was listed as the starting center on the Steelers’ training camp depth chart. He faced minor competition from veteran J.C. Hassenauer for the starting job. At the conclusion of the NFL preseason, head coach Mike Tomlin officially named Green the Steelers’ starting center, marking a significant achievement for the rookie.
Green made his first career start and NFL debut in the Steelers’ Week 1 victory over the Buffalo Bills. He played 95% of the offensive snaps in that game and continued his strong performance with 100% of the offensive snaps in Week 2. Green maintained this high level of participation throughout the season, playing 100% of the offensive snaps in every game from Weeks 4 through 15. He suffered an injury in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs that kept him out of the final two games of the season. Overall, Green finished his rookie season appearing in 15 games (all starts), playing 96% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps and posting a 53.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. He committed 6 penalties total, including 4 holding penalties.
In his second season with the Steelers, the team moved Green from center to guard. He competed in the preseason with Kevin Dotson for the starting left guard position, but Dotson prevailed in that competition. Green spent the entire season on the active roster but was a game-day inactive for all 17 games, a challenging season for the young offensive lineman as he adjusted to his new position.
Houston Texans (2023–2024)
On August 29, 2023, the Steelers traded Green to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. This trade marked a new chapter in his professional career as he joined a different organization seeking to establish himself as a contributor. Green brought his experience from the Steelers to a Texans team looking to build their offensive line depth. His versatility as both a center and guard made him a valuable asset for the team’s roster construction.
However, Green’s tenure with the Texans was interrupted by injury. He was placed on injured reserve on October 4, 2023, after suffering a torn meniscus in Week 4. This injury required him to miss the remainder of the 2023 season, presenting another obstacle in his professional journey. The setback demonstrated the physical challenges that professional athletes face and the resilience required to overcome them.
Buffalo Bills (2025)
On March 14, 2025, Green signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. He joined a franchise known for its competitive nature and playoff aspirations. Following training camp, he was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. The Bills re-signed him to the practice squad the next day, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue developing his skills while awaiting another opportunity.
Cleveland Browns (2025–Present)
On December 24, 2025, the Cleveland Browns signed Green off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. This move brought him to his fourth NFL franchise and presented a fresh opportunity to contribute at the professional level. As a member of the Browns’ roster, Green joined an organization with its own offensive line needs and team objectives. His experience from playing for multiple teams provided him with a broad understanding of different offensive schemes and team cultures.
Playing Style and Strengths
Green possesses the size and athleticism typical of NFL offensive linemen, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 315 pounds. His collegiate transition from defensive tackle to offensive line gave him a unique perspective on how to read opposing defenders and anticipate their movements. His experience at both guard and center positions demonstrates his versatility and adaptability within offensive line schemes. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to play a high percentage of offensive snaps when healthy, indicating his durability and conditioning.
Notable Events and Milestones
Green’s rookie season with the Steelers featured several notable achievements, including his Week 1 debut against the Buffalo Bills and his consistent playing time throughout the first half of the 2021 season. His transition to the NFL represented the culmination of years of development from his high school days in Peoria, where he helped lead his team to a state championship. Being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft marked a significant milestone in his football career, validating his progression through the collegiate ranks at Illinois.
Kendrick Green Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Green has appeared in 37 games with 19 starts across his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns. His versatility has allowed him to contribute at both the center and guard positions, providing value to multiple organizations during his professional tenure.
College Highlights
During his collegiate career at Illinois, Green established himself as a dominant offensive lineman in the Big Ten Conference. His first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020 highlighted his status as one of the conference’s top performers. Prior to that, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and honorable mention All-American recognition from Pro Football Focus during his redshirt sophomore season. Starting all 12 games as a redshirt freshman demonstrated his early readiness for college football at the highest level.
Professional Career Statistics
In his NFL career spanning from 2021 through 2025, Green has appeared in 37 games with 19 starts. His rookie season with the Steelers represented his most extensive playing time, as he started all 15 games in which he appeared. His professional journey has included periods of significant contribution as well as challenges, including injuries and position changes that have tested his adaptability.
Kendrick Green Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Kendrick Green’s family background and any athletic lineage are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. His upbringing in Peoria, Illinois, and his success as a multi-sport athlete at Peoria High School suggest a supportive environment that fostered his athletic development. His decision to continue his football career at Illinois, turning down offers from programs like Iowa, indicated his connection to the region and his desire to build his career close to home.
Personal Life
Green maintains a public presence on social media, with an Instagram account that allows fans to follow his professional journey. Born on December 22, 1998, in Peoria, Illinois, he represents the city of his birth throughout his football career. His career trajectory has taken him across multiple NFL franchises, reflecting the移动 nature of professional football. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant year of change for Green. Beginning the year with the Buffalo Bills, he signed with the organization in March and competed during training camp and the preseason. Following his release and subsequent re-signing to the practice squad, he remained with the Bills as they pursued their season objectives. In December 2025, Green received an opportunity with the Cleveland Browns, who signed him away from Buffalo’s practice squad. This move to Cleveland represented his fourth NFL franchise and provided him with a fresh start to conclude the 2025 season. His ability to remain on NFL rosters through various organizations demonstrates his continued value as an offensive lineman despite the challenges he has faced throughout his career.