Kendal Bryant Vickers Bio
Kendal Bryant Vickers (born May 23, 1995) is an American professional football defensive tackle who has played in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). He began his professional career in 2018 and has since played for multiple teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Edmonton Eskimos, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, and currently the New Orleans Saints.
Early Life and Background
Kendal Bryant Vickers was born on May 23, 1995, in Havelock, North Carolina, where he grew up and attended Havelock High School. It was during his high school years that Vickers first developed his passion for football and began playing defensive tackle, a position he would continue throughout his career. His hometown in North Carolina served as the foundation for his athletic development before he moved on to play at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Havelock High School, Vickers pursued his football career at the University of Tennessee, where he played from 2013 to 2017. During his time with the Volunteers, he developed his skills under head coach Butch Jones, gaining valuable experience that would prepare him for the professional level. His collegiate career laid the groundwork for his transition to professional football, despite going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Kendal Bryant Vickers Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
Vickers began his professional career in 2018 when he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. However, his tenure with the Steelers was short-lived, as he was waived on August 31, 2018, during final roster cuts. Later that year, on December 24, 2018, he joined the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, though he was released just two weeks later on January 7, 2019. These early experiences provided Vickers with a glimpse into the professional football landscape before he took his career north of the border.
Edmonton Eskimos Breakthrough (2019-2020)
In 2019, Vickers signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on May 19. This move proved to be a significant step in his development, as he recorded 12 tackles with two sacks during his season with the team. These solid performances demonstrated his ability to compete at a professional level despite not making an NFL roster. Vickers was released by Edmonton on January 20, 2020, to allow him to pursue NFL opportunities, marking the end of his CFL tenure that helped further establish his professional credentials.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024-Present)
After stints with several NFL teams, Vickers signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on May 13, 2024. Despite being released on August 28 and re-signed to the practice squad, he managed to play in one game for the Saints before being released on December 18. His current contract extends through 2025, indicating the team’s continued interest in his services. His time with the Saints represents his most recent professional football opportunity as he continues to navigate the competitive landscape of professional football.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a defensive tackle, Vickers has shown the ability to provide consistent pressure opposing offenses. His strength lies in his ability to disrupt offensive lines and create opportunities for teammates. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 295 pounds, he has the physical attributes necessary to compete at the professional level. His experience in both NFL and CFL environments has allowed him to adapt to different offensive schemes and playing styles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Vickers recorded his first career NFL sack during Week 15 of the 2020 season while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing down Justin Herbert in a 30-27 overtime loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. This milestone marked his first significant impact at the NFL level. Additionally, his 12 tackles and 2 sacks during his 2019 season with the Edmonton Eskimos represented his most statistically productive professional season to date.
Kendal Bryant Vickers Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Vickers has experienced success primarily at the individual performance level rather than team championships. His contributions have been most notable in the CFL where he recorded 12 tackles and 2 sacks during his 2019 season with the Edmonton Eskimos. While team success has been limited, his consistent performances in both NFL and CFL settings demonstrate his ability to contribute as a defensive lineman at the professional level.
NFL Highlights
In the NFL, Vickers has played for seven different teams since 2018. His most significant contributions came during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded his first career sack. While his NFL statistics are modest with 10 total tackles and 2 sacks across multiple teams, his ability to stay on rosters and practice squads across the league shows his value as a depth player.
CFL Highlights
Vickers’ most productive season came in 2019 with the Edmonton Eskimos, where he recorded 12 tackles and 2 sacks, along with 1 forced fumble. This performance represented his strongest statistical output in professional football and helped him maintain his career trajectory. The CFL experience provided him with the opportunity to develop his skills against different offensive schemes and playing styles, which has benefited his overall professional development.
Kendal Bryant Vickers Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Information about Kendal Vickers’ family background and any potential football lineage is not publicly available. His personal life has been kept largely private, with no public information about his parents or whether there are other family members involved in football.
Personal Life
Kendal Bryant Vickers maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his football career. He is married, though details about his spouse are not publicly disclosed. There is no information available about whether he has children. He is active on Instagram under the handle @kvick39, where he shares content related to his professional football career and personal interests.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025 season, Kendal Vickers will continue his professional football career with the New Orleans Saints, where he is currently under contract through the end of the 2025 season. His role with the team is expected to remain as a defensive tackle, providing depth and experience to the defensive line. As he enters his eighth professional season, Vickers will look to build on the experience gained throughout his career in both NFL and CFL settings, with the goal of securing a more consistent role on the active roster.