Introduction
Kyle Hamilton has swiftly emerged as one of the NFL’s most dynamic and impactful defensive talents. As the safety for the Baltimore Ravens, his combination of size, instincts, and versatility—able to fill roles from deep coverage to near-line support—has earned him rare accolades and a historic new contract. At just 24 years old, Hamilton is already rewriting the financial benchmarks for his position. This article delves into everything from his iconic jersey and contract details to his engagement, game-changing stats, and meteoric rise in the league—all optimized for SEO and designed to give you a comprehensive look at the rising star.
Section 1: The Iconic Jersey & Early Beginnings
Kyle Devin Hamilton, born on March 16, 2001, in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, boasts a unique background—his father is African-American and his mother is Korean. Soon after his birth, his family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where Hamilton attended Marist School in Brookhaven. There, he began to gain attention on the gridiron, playing safety and wide receiver, earning All-State honors and eventually becoming a standout in the 2019 All-American Bowl.
At Notre Dame, he further established his legacy—becoming a consensus All-American in 2021 and declared for the NFL Draft shortly thereafter. The Baltimore Ravens selected Hamilton with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 draft. He now wears #14—a number that’s become synonymous with his early success and defensive brilliance.
Section 2: Contract & Extension – Record-Setting Move
Rookie Contract
In June 2022, Hamilton signed a four-year rookie deal with the Ravens valued at $16,255,085 fully guaranteed, including a $9,001,880 signing bonus. The contract averaged approximately $4,063,771 per year.
Per Spotrac, his cap breakdown included a base salary that grew from $705,000 in 2022 to $2,921,603 in 2025—along with escalating cap hits and a significant dead cap in later years. As his rookie deal neared its conclusion, contract negotiations loomed.
Fifth-Year Option Exercised
On April 30, 2025, the Ravens exercised Hamilton’s fifth-year option, locking him into a salary of $18.6 million for the 2026 season. General Manager Eric DeCosta emphasized that this move paved the way for a long-term extension.
Record-Breaking Extension
On August 27, 2025, the Ravens agreed with Hamilton on a four-year extension worth $100.4 million, including $82 million guaranteed, and an average annual value of $25.1 million—making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. GM DeCosta lauded Hamilton as a “unicorn” for his flexibility and game-changing presence.
Section 3: Performance & Impact – Stats That Speak
From Week 18 of the 2024 season, Hamilton’s career totals include:
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250 total tackles
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7.0 sacks
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5 interceptions
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4 forced fumbles
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1 fumble recovery
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27 pass deflections
In his sophomore campaign (2023), he earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors; followed by Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl in 2024.
2024 season alone:
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107 tackles
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Pro Bowl nod, Second-Team All-Pro, and placed ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Notably, Hamilton tied the NFL record for most sacks by a defensive back in the first half—three sacks in the first half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.
As of April, reports indicate 2024 cumulative performance over his last 32 games:
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188 total tackles
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5 sacks
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22 passes defended
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5 interceptions
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3 forced fumbles.
Clearly, Hamilton’s performance cements his value—and justifies the landmark extension. Kyle Hamilton contract extension.
Section 4: Personal Life – Engagement to Reese Damm
Unlike media-friendly celebrity profiles, Hamilton keeps his personal life private—but there’s heartwarming news. On a romantic trip to France in late June 2025, he proposed to his high school sweetheart, Reese Damm. She accepted, and the couple shared the moment through photos featuring candles, framed pictures, and a scenic waterfront setting.
Damm, a public relations graduate from the University of South Carolina, currently works in PR and pursues music—she’s released two EPs and a single. The couple has been together since Marist School in Atlanta, and they gained early attention for a celebratory handshake that went viral when Hamilton was drafted. Kyle Hamilton contract extension.
Section 5: Age & Career Trajectory
At just 24 years old, Hamilton has rapidly ascended the ranks. Born March 16, 2001, he now enters his fourth NFL season near peak performance and recognition.
Being the youngest among elite safeties resetting the market, his athletic profile—standing at 6’4″ and ~220–224 lbs—sets him apart when it comes to versatility and physical dominance.
Given his on-field productivity, leadership qualities, and new contract, experts widely predicted he’d become the highest-paid safety—the Ravens simply accelerated the timeline.
Section 6: FAQs
Q1: What jersey number does Kyle Hamilton wear?
A1: He wears #14 for the Baltimore Ravens, matching his draft position and quickly becoming an iconic identifier of his play style.
Q2: What is the total value and terms of his latest contract extension?
A2: On August 27, 2025, Hamilton signed a four-year extension worth $100.4 million, with $82 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $25.1 million, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Kyle Hamilton contract extension.
Q3: Was his fifth-year option picked up?
A3: Yes—as of April 30, 2025, the Ravens exercised his fifth-year option, locking in an $18.6 million salary for 2026.
Q4: What are Kyle Hamilton’s key career stats?
A4: As of the end of the 2024 season:
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250 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 27 pass deflections.
In 2024 alone, he notched 107 tackles, second-team All-Pro honors, and a Pro Bowl selection.
Over his last 32 games: 188 tackles, 5 sacks, 22 passes defended, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles.
Q5: Who is his fiancé?
A5: Kyle Hamilton is engaged to Reese Damm, his high school sweetheart. She graduated in PR from the University of South Carolina and is also a musician with two EPs and a single released. They got engaged in France in June 2025.
Q6: How old is Kyle Hamilton, and what are his physical stats?
A6: Born March 16, 2001, Hamilton is 24 years old. He stands at 6’4″ and weighs between 220–224 lbs.
Conclusion
Kyle Hamilton’s quiet confidence and dazzling versatility have reshaped expectations for the safety position in the NFL. From his Greek birthplace to adopting jersey #14 in Baltimore, he’s cultivated a brand defined by tenacity and adaptability. His historic extension underscores not just his past excellence, but the league-wide belief in where he’s headed. Meanwhile, his engagement to Reese Damm adds a touching human portrait to the elite performer. Still just 24, Hamilton could become one of the greatest, setting new standards both on and off the field
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