K. J. Cloyd

Kevon "K. J." Cloyd (born February 19, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisville and Miami.

Early life

Cloyd was born in Columbia, Mississippi to Elsie Cowart and Kevin Cloyd, both former college basketball players. He played high school football at Columbia High School. While participating in an Oklahoma drill, Cloyd severed multiple nerves in his arm. Barely avoiding amputation, Cloyd would go on to miss his entire sophomore season and four games of his junior season due to the injury. Despite this, upon graduating he played JUCO football at Jones College for a season and eventually became a three-star recruit.

College career

Ahead of the 2020 college football season, Cloyd committed to Louisville. In 2020, Cloyd mostly played on special teams and recorded 12 tackles. In 2021, he made his first college start and played in all 12 games, once again making 12 tackles. In 2022, he had 15 tackles and a fumble recovery.

In 2023, heading into his senior year, Cloyd transferred to Miami. During his sole season with the Hurricanes, Cloyd played in all 12 games and started six. He had the fifth most tackles on the team at 42, while also recording 6.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, and a pass breakup.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, Cloyd signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. On July 25, he was waived by the Vikings.

New York Giants

On August 11, 2024, Cloyd was signed by the New York Giants. During Week 3 of the preseason, Cloyd's performance stood out against the New York Jets. On August 28, Cloyd was released and then re-signed to the practice squad. On August 31, Cloyd was released by the Giants once again to make room on the practice squad for Gervarrius Owens.