Kevin Givens Bio
Kevin Givens is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. Born on March 1, 1997, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Givens developed into a standout defensive player during his college career at Penn State before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Givens was born in Newark, New Jersey, but grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He attended Altoona Area High School, where he played both defensive end and fullback. As a senior, he earned first-team All-State honors on defense and contributed significantly on offense, rushing for 317 yards and scoring six touchdowns. His high school performance laid a strong foundation for his football career.
Path to American Football
After high school, Givens committed to Penn State University, joining the Nittany Lions football program. He redshirted his true freshman season, allowing him to develop physically and mentally for college-level competition. His early college years showed promise, earning him recognition on the Big Ten Conference All-Freshman team. Givens steadily improved his performance, becoming a key defensive player for Penn State.
Kevin Givens Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
During his time at Penn State, Givens played five seasons, including his redshirt year. In his first active season, he recorded 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, earning all-freshman honors. His sophomore and junior seasons saw continued growth, with notable statistics including tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries. After completing his undergraduate degree, Givens declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, foregoing his final year of eligibility.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Givens signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in April 2019. Although initially waived during final roster cuts, he was quickly added to the practice squad and later promoted to the active roster in December. He was part of the 49ers team that reached Super Bowl LIV. In the 2020 season, Givens recorded his first career sack against the New England Patriots. Despite some roster moves and an injury reserve stint in 2021, he re-signed with the 49ers in 2022 and 2024, contributing as a rotational defensive tackle and starter in multiple games. His 2024 season was cut short due to a pectoral tear.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kevin Givens is known for his strength and agility on the defensive line. His ability to penetrate offensive lines and disrupt plays makes him a valuable asset in both run defense and pass rushing. His work ethic and adaptability have helped him maintain a role on a competitive 49ers defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Givens’ participation in Super Bowl LIV stands out as a career milestone. Recording his first NFL sack in 2020 marked his arrival as a playmaker. Over multiple seasons, he has demonstrated resilience by overcoming injuries and maintaining his position on the team.
Kevin Givens Career Wins
While defensive tackles do not accumulate wins individually, Givens has contributed to team victories throughout his NFL tenure, including playoff appearances and a Super Bowl run.
San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Givens has been part of the 49ers roster since 2019, contributing to their defensive efforts in regular season and postseason games. His first sack came in a decisive win over the New England Patriots in 2020. He has started multiple games and played in six playoff contests, including the Super Bowl.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the NFL, Givens earned first-team All-State honors in high school and was recognized on the Big Ten All-Freshman team during college, highlighting his consistent performance at each level.
Kevin Givens Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
No verifiable public information is available regarding Kevin Givens’ family background or lineage.
Personal Life
Details about Kevin Givens’ personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Kevin Givens re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2025. He began the season on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury sustained in the preseason but was activated in October ahead of the team’s Week 7 game. His return is expected to bolster the 49ers’ defensive line depth as they pursue another playoff run. Givens’ experience and versatility remain important assets for the team’s defensive strategies moving forward.