Kendall Daniel Milton Bio
Kendall Daniel Milton is an American professional football running back currently with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Georgia, where he was part of two College Football Playoff national championship teams in 2021 and 2022. Milton began his professional career in 2024 after declaring for the NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Kendall Daniel Milton was born on February 10, 2002, in Clovis, California. He attended Buchanan High School in Clovis, where he excelled as a running back. In his senior year, Milton rushed for 1,514 yards and scored 23 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top high school prospects in the nation. Recruiting services rated him highly, with Rivals ranking him as a five-star recruit and the 29th best player nationally. He chose to attend the University of Georgia over other major programs such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas.
Milton is also related to former NFL linebacker Kevin Hardy, who is his uncle. This family connection adds to his football lineage and background.
Path to American Football
Milton’s high school success and national rankings positioned him well for collegiate football. His early exposure to competitive football in California and his standout performances attracted attention from top college programs. Committing to Georgia marked a significant step in his football career, allowing him to compete at the highest collegiate level and develop under a renowned coaching staff.
His recruitment and transition to college football were marked by strong performances and early playing time, reflecting his readiness and skill level. Milton’s ability to contribute as a true freshman demonstrated his potential to succeed at the professional level.
Kendall Daniel Milton Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Milton began his college career at Georgia in 2020, earning significant playing time as a true freshman despite tough competition in the backfield. He rushed for 193 yards on 35 attempts before suffering an injury mid-season. He returned to play in the Peach Bowl and earned All-American Freshman honors despite missing half the season. In 2021, his production increased to 264 yards and one touchdown on 56 carries. The 2022 season saw further improvement with 592 yards and eight touchdowns before a groin injury cut his season short.
In 2023, Milton had a career-high performance against Georgia Tech with 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He was named MVP of the 2023 Orange Bowl after rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns, helping Georgia secure a 63–3 victory over Florida State, the largest margin in any FBS bowl game. He finished the 2023 season with 790 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Professional Career (2024–Present)
Milton declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on January 1, 2024. Although undrafted, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in May 2024 but was waived in August the same year. Shortly after, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in late August 2024. Milton was promoted to the Bengals’ active roster in November 2024 but was waived and re-signed to the practice squad within weeks. In January 2025, he was again signed to the active roster. In August 2025, Milton was waived during final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kendall Milton is known for his power running style combined with agility and vision. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a valuable asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Milton’s versatility allows him to contribute both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield, and his early collegiate success reflects strong instincts and adaptability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Milton’s collegiate career is highlighted by two CFP national championships with Georgia in 2021 and 2022. His MVP performance in the 2023 Orange Bowl stands out as a career milestone, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes games. His transition to the NFL as an undrafted free agent and subsequent roster movements illustrate the challenges and persistence typical of professional football careers.
Kendall Daniel Milton Career Wins
While individual wins are not tracked for running backs in football, Milton’s career includes significant team achievements such as two national championships at Georgia and key victories in major bowl games. His contributions have been integral to his teams’ successes at the collegiate level.
College Highlights
Milton’s college career featured steady growth in production and impact. His freshman year All-American honors and performances in championship games highlight his role in Georgia’s dominant teams. The 2023 Orange Bowl MVP award is a notable personal accolade.
Professional Highlights
Milton’s professional career is in its early stages, with experience on both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals rosters. His promotions to active rosters and practice squads reflect ongoing development and potential in the NFL.
Kendall Daniel Milton Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Kendall Milton is the nephew of Kevin Hardy, a former NFL linebacker. This connection provides a familial link to professional football and may have influenced his development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Milton’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Kendall Milton remains with the Cincinnati Bengals, primarily on the practice squad with occasional promotions to the active roster. His role is expected to grow as he gains experience and adapts to the professional level. The Bengals’ coaching staff values his potential and physical running style, which could translate into increased playing time. The 2025 season will be critical for Milton to establish himself as a reliable contributor in the NFL.