Matt Kalil Siblings: Meet Danielle and Ryan Kalil

Matthew Francis Kalil, born on July 6, 1989, in Corona, California, is a former professional American football offensive tackle who made a significant impact in the National Football League during the 2010s.

He was known for his athleticism, strength, and technical prowess as a left tackle, a position critical for protecting the quarterback’s blind side.

Growing up in a family with deep roots in football, Kalil followed a path paved by his father’s NFL aspirations and his older brother’s All-Pro success, ultimately carving out his own legacy as a high draft pick and Pro Bowl participant.

After retiring from the league in 2019 due to persistent injuries, Kalil transitioned into business ventures, including co-founding a premium tequila brand with his brother, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit beyond the gridiron.

Siblings

Matt has two siblings.

His older brother, Ryan Joseph Kalil, born in 1985, is a retired NFL center who enjoyed a distinguished 12-year career primarily with the Carolina Panthers, where he was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Ryan, a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, anchored the Panthers’ offensive line during their run to Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and later ventured into film production, earning an Emmy for his work on the Netflix series Quarterback.

The brothers’ paths notably intersected in 2017 when Matt joined Ryan on the Panthers’ offensive line, marking only the third instance in NFL history of siblings starting together on the same unit and the first in 24 years.

Complementing the athletic duo is their sister, Danielle Kalil, a vocalist who gained public attention by performing the national anthem at that very Vikings-Panthers game in 2013, blending family pride with her own artistic pursuits.

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Career

Kalil’s football journey began at Servite High School in Anaheim, California, where he excelled as a two-way lineman, earning widespread acclaim before committing to the University of Southern California.

At USC, after redshirting his freshman year, Kalil quickly ascended, starting all 13 games at left tackle as a sophomore and solidifying his role as the protector for quarterback Matt Barkley.

His junior season in 2011 was a breakout, anchoring an offensive line that surrendered just eight sacks league-wide, propelling USC to a strong campaign.

Kalil’s college dominance led to his declaration for the 2012 NFL Draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected him fourth overall after trading down, viewing him as the premier tackle prospect.

Signing a four-year, $60.3 million rookie deal with over $40 million guaranteed, Kalil started all 16 games in his debut season, earning immediate recognition.

Over five seasons with the Vikings, he appeared in 62 games, though injuries like a knee issue in 2014 began to surface.

In March 2017, seeking a fresh start and a reunion with Ryan, Kalil inked a five-year, $55.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, where he started 18 games across two injury-plagued seasons, including a knee scope that sidelined him briefly.

Released in 2019, he briefly joined the Houston Texans on a one-year deal but managed only two appearances before knee troubles forced his retirement at age 30.

Kalil’s eight-year NFL tenure spanned 82 games, showcasing his potential as a franchise cornerstone tempered by the physical toll of the position.

Accolades

At Servite High, Kalil was a standout senior, securing Parade All-American, Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, first-team EA Sports All-American, second-team USA Today All-USA, second-team Scout.com All-American, and ESPN 150 recognition, while also shining in track and field with top throws in shot put and discus.

At USC, Kalil’s accolades peaked in 2011 with unanimous All-American status, the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s top offensive lineman, making him the 12th Trojan to claim it, and a semifinalist nod for the Lombardi Award, cementing his draft stock.

In the NFL, his rookie year with the Vikings brought a Pro Bowl selection after an injury to Trent Williams elevated him, alongside PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.