Kyle Juszczyk Bio
Kyle Patrick Juszczyk is an American professional football fullback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 23, 1991, in Medina, Ohio, he built his reputation as one of the league’s most versatile offensive contributors, lining up at fullback, tight end, and wide receiver. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Juszczyk has appeared in multiple Super Bowls and holds the distinction of being the first Harvard alumnus to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl. He is widely regarded as a premier fullback of his generation and the highest-paid at the position in NFL history.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Juszczyk was born in Medina, Ohio, and grew up in nearby Lodi, where he attended Cloverleaf High School. At Cloverleaf, he played for the Colts as a tight end, gaining early experience as a pass catcher and blocker. He also competed in track and field, becoming a Suburban League champion in the shot put, an event that helped develop the lower-body power he would later rely on in the NFL.
Coming from a supportive Ohio family, Juszczyk combined athletic ability with strong academics, qualities that would eventually draw the attention of Ivy League recruiters. His versatility as a high school tight end foreshadowed the hybrid role he would eventually master at the professional level. By the time he finished at Cloverleaf, Juszczyk had established himself as a multi-sport athlete with a clear path toward college football.
Path to American Football
Kyle Juszczyk accepted a scholarship to Harvard University, where he played tight end for the Harvard Crimson under head coach Tim Murphy from 2009 to 2012. Following his senior season in 2012, he earned unanimous first-team All-Ivy League recognition, capping a college career that produced 125 receptions for 1,576 yards and 22 touchdowns. He became only the tenth Harvard player ever drafted into the NFL and the first fullback taken from the program.
Entering the 2013 NFL Draft, NFLDraftscout.com ranked Juszczyk as the top fullback in his class. Although he was not invited to the NFL Combine, he completed all required drills and positional workouts at Harvard’s Pro Day. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round with the 130th overall pick, the first fullback drafted that year.
Kyle Juszczyk Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
On May 2, 2013, the Baltimore Ravens signed Juszczyk to a four-year, $2.46 million contract. As a rookie, he appeared in all 16 regular season games, working mainly on special teams and as a blocking fullback behind veteran Vonta Leach. By his second season, Juszczyk had won the starting job, switched his jersey to number 44, and caught his first career touchdown reception from quarterback Joe Flacco against the Cleveland Browns.
In 2015, Juszczyk set career highs with 42 receptions for 321 yards and four receiving touchdowns, and he added two rushing attempts. During the 2016 season, he played the most snaps of any fullback in the league with 465, more than 115 ahead of any peer. His strong play earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and the top ranking among fullbacks from Pro Football Focus.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2013–2016)
Juszczyk’s Baltimore years laid the foundation for his status as a featured offensive weapon. He became a reliable target in the passing game and a dependable lead blocker in the run game. In his final Ravens season, he scored his first career rushing touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day 2016, capping a year that propelled him into free agency as the most coveted fullback on the market.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2017–Present)
On March 9, 2017, the San Francisco 49ers signed Juszczyk to a four-year, $21 million contract that included $7 million guaranteed, the largest deal ever for a fullback at that time. He finished his first 49ers season with 33 receptions for 315 yards and a touchdown and earned his second Pro Bowl nod. The following year, he recorded a 56-yard reception against the Minnesota Vikings and a 35-yard touchdown from Jimmy Garoppolo against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2019, Juszczyk appeared in Super Bowl LIV against the Chiefs, catching three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown in a 31–20 loss. That score was the first by a Harvard alumnus in Super Bowl history and the first by a fullback since Mike Alstott in Super Bowl XXXVII. On March 15, 2021, he signed a five-year, $27 million extension, later surpassing his own fullback contract record, and he continued to earn Pro Bowl honors every season through 2024, including a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023.
On March 11, 2025, the 49ers released Juszczyk in a move designed to give him freedom in free agency, and he re-signed with the team on a two-year, $8 million deal on March 19, 2025. In 2025, he appeared in all 17 games with starts in every contest, recording 24 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns while leading all NFL fullbacks in receiving yards. He was selected to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors for the second time.
Driving Style and Strengths
Juszczyk thrives as a hybrid fullback who aligns across the formation, lining up in the backfield, on the line as a tight end, and split out as a wide receiver. His blocking technique, route-running craft, and dependable hands make him a favorite target on play-action and a key piece of San Francisco’s motion-heavy scheme. His partnership with head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers coaching staff has helped redefine the modern fullback role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable achievements, Juszczyk became the first Harvard alumnus to score in a Super Bowl and signed the two largest contracts ever given to a fullback. His 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections set the standard for fullbacks in the modern NFL, and his first-team All-Pro honor in 2023 underscored his impact.
Kyle Juszczyk Career Wins
While the fullback position does not record traditional win totals, Juszczyk has consistently produced Pro Bowl-caliber seasons across his NFL career. Through the 2025 season, he has earned 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and one second-team All-Pro nod. His record-setting contracts and statistical production reflect sustained excellence at the position.
San Francisco 49ers Highlights
Since joining San Francisco in 2017, Juszczyk has appeared in two Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded two receptions for 31 yards in a 25–22 overtime loss. He has surpassed 300 receiving yards in three different seasons with the 49ers and led all NFL fullbacks in receiving yards in 2025. His career 49ers totals include 305 receptions for 2,877 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns as of 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
During his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Juszczyk earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2016 after leading all fullbacks in offensive snaps. He also set Ravens career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns during the 2015 season, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable pass-catching fullbacks before reaching free agency.
Kyle Juszczyk Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Juszczyk was raised in a close-knit family in Medina and Lodi, Ohio, where his parents encouraged his multi-sport development in football and track and field. His Ohio roots and emphasis on toughness helped shape his hard-nosed blocking identity at the NFL level. Details about extended family members in football are limited in public records.
Personal Life
Kyle Juszczyk married Kristin Arceri in July 2019. Kristin gained national attention during the 2023 season after designing a Travis Kelce-inspired jacket for Taylor Swift, an effort that later led to a licensing deal with the NFL. The couple resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2025 Season Performance
Kyle Juszczyk entered 2025 as one of the longest-tenured 49ers and a central figure in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. After a brief release on March 11 and a quick re-signing on March 19, he returned to San Francisco on a two-year, $8 million contract and resumed his starting fullback role from day one. He played in all 17 regular season games and started each contest, providing dependable blocking and steady contributions in the passing game.
Statistically, Juszczyk led all NFL fullbacks in receiving yards in 2025 with 213 yards on 24 receptions, including two receiving touchdowns. His production helped stabilize San Francisco’s offense and reinforced his value as a versatile safety valve for the team’s quarterbacks. He also continued to deliver as a lead blocker in the run game, helping set up explosive plays for the 49ers’ running backs.
On December 23, 2025, Juszczyk was selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, earning his 10th consecutive selection and a first-team All-Pro honor. The recognition extended his record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a fullback and cemented his legacy as one of the most decorated players at his position in NFL history. Heading into the next chapter, Juszczyk remains a cornerstone of the 49ers offense and a respected veteran leader in the locker room.
