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Day Later Than Planned, Kyler Gordon Finds NFL Home

Originally posted on FanNation Husky Maven  |  By Dan Raley  |  Last updated 4/29/22

He had no guarantees, but Kyler Gordon put on a smart-looking sport coat, some glitzy jewelry and attended Thursday's NFL draft in Las Vegas accompanied by family members, looking ever the part of an NFL first-rounder.

Unfortunately for him, Gordon had to wait another day. He went seven picks later. He'll take it.

On Friday, the former University of Washington cornerback finally was rewarded for his football skill set and self-confidence when he went to the Chicago Bears in the second round, with the 39th overall pick.

The 5-foot-11, 194-pound Gordon was taken 18 slots behind Trent McDuffie, his UW secondary running mate and fellow first-team All-Pac-12 selection.

Four cornerbacks were drafted in the first round and another in the second before Gordon's name was called.

From Mukilteo, Washington, Gordon was pegged for football greatness when he chose the UW over Notre Dame during his recruitment.

As a redshirt freshman, he became a cornerback starter for the Huskies for four games in 2019 before giving way ... to McDuffie, then a true freshman.

By the following year, with the pandemic disrupting everything and limiting the Huskies to four games, Gordon and McDuffie ended up playing side by side before the short season was over and they continued this secondary partnership throughout last fall. 

Gordon finished his UW career with 98 tackles, including 3 for lost yardage, and 14 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. 

Gordon and linebacker Jackson Sirmon were the only Huskies on the defense to start all 12 games last season, with McDuffie missing one outing because of injury.

While the Huskies imploded to a 4-8 season, Gordon and McDuffie continued to play at a high level, both earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

The reward for each UW corner is an NFL career worth millions. They'll be pro football opponents going forward, well-compensated and highly recognized, both playing in the Midwest. 

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This article first appeared on FanNation Husky Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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