Kyle Hinton Bio
Kyle Hinton is an American professional football guard for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washburn Ichabods, where he established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in Division II football. Hinton was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 253rd overall pick. Throughout his NFL career, Hinton has developed into a reliable depth player along the offensive line, contributing primarily as a reserve and special teams performer.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Hinton was born on February 27, 1998, in Peoria, Arizona, United States. He attended Liberty High School in his hometown, where he first developed his passion for football and began refining the skills that would later carry him to the professional level. His performance at the high school level positioned him for opportunities at the collegiate ranks.
After graduating from Liberty High School, Hinton chose to continue his football career at Washburn University, a Division II program in Topeka, Kansas. The decision to play at the Division II level proved pivotal, as it allowed him to develop his craft and showcase his abilities against regional competition before pursuing his professional dreams.
Path to Professional Football
Hinton joined the Washburn Ichabods in 2016 and spent four seasons developing as a student-athlete. His progression through the program culminated in an outstanding senior season that saw him earn recognition as one of the top offensive linemen at the Division II level. This performance attracted attention from NFL scouts and laid the foundation for his professional career.
His dedication to the sport and consistent improvement throughout his college career directly contributed to his selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The opportunity to continue playing at the highest level represented the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance through the challenges of collegiate football.
Kyle Hinton Career
Minnesota Vikings (2020–2022)
Hinton was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 253rd pick in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He reported to rookie minicamp with the Vikings and competed for a roster spot during training camp. However, he was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the following day, a common path for late-round draft picks seeking to prove themselves.
His perseverance paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 29, 2020, giving him his first official experience on an NFL roster. The following year, Hinton continued to battle for a roster spot, experiencing the cycle of being waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 12, 2022, but was waived again in late August 2022 and re-signed to the practice squad.
Atlanta Falcons (2023–Present)
On January 18, 2023, Hinton signed a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons, providing him with a fresh opportunity with a new organization. He joined the Falcons roster and began competing for a spot along their offensive line. The move to Atlanta represented a new chapter in his professional career.
In his second season with the Falcons, Hinton has continued to serve as a reliable depth piece along the offensive line. His experience gained during his time with the Vikings has translated into consistent contributions in practices and games, helping prepare the starting unit each week while being ready to step in when needed.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hinton brings a combination of size and mobility to the guard position. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 315 pounds, he possesses the prototypical frame for an NFL interior offensive lineman. His experience at Washburn against Division II competition helped develop his technique and physicality, which he has continued to refine during his time in the NFL. As a reserve player, his ability to contribute on special teams units has been valuable to each organization he has played for.
Notable Milestones
Throughout his career, Hinton has achieved several milestones worth noting. His promotion from the Vikings practice squad to the active roster in December 2020 marked his first official NFL experience. The opportunity to continue his career with the Falcons beginning in 2023 represented another significant step. As of Week 16 of the 2025 season, he has appeared in 50 NFL games with 3 starts, demonstrating his durability and ability to stick in the league as a depth player.
Kyle Hinton Career Highlights
Hinton has built a solid professional career despite being a seventh-round draft selection. His longevity in the NFL demonstrates his value as a reliable depth player who can contribute when called upon. His journey from undrafted free agent to roster player with two different franchises showcases his persistence and ability to overcome the challenges faced by late-round picks.
College Accolades
During his senior season at Washburn, Hinton received first-team All-American honors from d2football.com. He was also named second-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and the Hansen Football Committee. Hinton earned second all-region recognition from the D2CCA and the Hansen Football Committee, and he was a first-team all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association selection. These honors highlighted his dominance at the Division II level and his readiness for professional football.
Professional Career Statistics
As of Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, Hinton has appeared in 50 games across his career with the Vikings and Falcons. He has started 3 games during his professional career, demonstrating his ability to contribute when given the opportunity. His durability has been a notable aspect of his career, as he has remained on rosters for multiple seasons despite being a late-round selection.
| Team | Games Played | Games Started | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 26 | 1 | 2020–2022 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 24 | 2 | 2023–2025 |
| Career Total | 50 | 3 | 2020–Present |
Kyle Hinton Family
Personal Life
Kyle Hinton maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his Instagram and X accounts. He continues to represent his hometown of Peoria, Arizona, with pride throughout his professional career. Information regarding his family life remains private, as he focuses on his football career and professional development.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Hinton’s third year with the Atlanta Falcons organization. Entering the season with a wealth of experience from his time with the Vikings and Falcons, Hinton has continued to serve as a valuable depth piece along the offensive line. His familiarity with the Falcons’ offensive schemes has grown significantly since joining the team in 2023.
The Falcons’ offensive line has relied on Hinton’s contributions throughout the season, particularly in practice settings where he simulates opposing defensive linemen for the starting unit. His professional approach and work ethic have made him a respected member of the locker room. As the season progresses toward its final stretch, Hinton remains focused on maintaining his readiness and contributing however the team needs him.