Kyle Peko Bio
Kyle Peko is an American professional football nose tackle currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 23, 1993, Peko has built a career in professional football after playing college football at Cerritos College and Oregon State University. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2016, signing with the Denver Broncos.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Peko was born in La Habra, California. He attended La Habra High School where he developed his skills in football before moving on to collegiate play. Peko began his college football career at Cerritos College, a junior college, where he played for the Cerritos Falcons. He later transferred to Oregon State University to play for the Oregon State Beavers, further honing his abilities as a defensive lineman.
Path to American Football
After completing his college career, Peko entered the 2016 NFL Draft but was not selected. Despite this, he was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, marking the start of his professional career. His early years involved moving between practice squads and active rosters, gaining experience and proving his value as a nose tackle in the league.
Kyle Peko Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Peko signed with the Denver Broncos shortly after the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent time on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster late in the 2016 season. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Peko experienced multiple transactions with the Broncos, including several signings and releases, as he worked to establish himself in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills and Subsequent Teams (2018–2021)
In September 2018, Peko joined the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract with the team. He was promoted to the active roster in 2019 but was waived later that year. Peko then had brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and returned to the Denver Broncos in late 2019. In 2020, he opted out of the NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Peko signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded his first career sacks and forced fumble during the season.
Later Career and Team Transitions (2022–Present)
Kyle Peko signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, spending time on the practice squad and active roster. In 2023, he rejoined the Tennessee Titans, contributing notably in Week 13 with multiple quarterback hits and a pass defensed. Later that year, he was placed on injured reserve. In 2024, Peko signed with the Detroit Lions, where he was promoted to the active roster before suffering a season-ending injury. In 2025, he signed with the New England Patriots and later joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kyle Peko is known for his strength and ability to disrupt offensive lines as a nose tackle. His playing style emphasizes physicality and leverage, allowing him to occupy blockers and create opportunities for his teammates. His persistence and adaptability have been key in maintaining his NFL career across multiple teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Peko’s career milestones include recording his first sacks and forced fumble during the 2021 season with the Tennessee Titans. His resilience through multiple team changes and overcoming personal challenges, including supporting his wife through cancer treatment, highlight his determination both on and off the field.
Kyle Peko Career Wins
While primarily a defensive player whose contributions are not measured by wins in the traditional sense, Kyle Peko has been part of several NFL teams, contributing to their defensive efforts across multiple seasons. His career highlights include impactful plays that have aided his teams in key games.
Other Wins & Performances
Peko’s career includes notable performances such as his sacks and forced fumble with the Tennessee Titans in 2021 and his impactful plays in the 2023 season before his injury. These moments underscore his role as a reliable defensive asset.
Kyle Peko Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kyle Peko is the younger cousin of Domata Peko, a longtime NFL nose tackle who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006. The cousins were teammates on the Denver Broncos in 2017, highlighting a family connection within professional football.
Personal Life
Kyle Peko is married to Giuliana, who was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2019. Peko took time off during training camp to support her treatment, which was later reported successful. The couple has two children together, and Peko has balanced his professional career with his family responsibilities.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kyle Peko signed with the New England Patriots but was released shortly after. He then joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, aiming to contribute to their defensive line. His experience and resilience position him as a valuable depth player as he continues his NFL career.