Kyle Van Noy’s journey from journeyman linebacker to Pro Bowl standout is inspiring. His 2023-2024 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens not only revitalized his career but redefined how people see him—both as a player and as a personality
From dealing with an early injury setback to leading the league in sacks for a portion of the season, and from being the butt of a TV joke to becoming a fan favorite online, Van Noy has done it all with class, toughness, and a smile.
With at least one more season ahead, Ravens fans have plenty of reason to believe that Kyle Van Noy’s best may still be to come.
As Kyle Van Noy continues to rack up accolades and bonuses late in his career, he’s also building something more important: a legacy.
He’s redefining what it means to be a veteran in today’s NFL—productive on the field, vocal off it, and always preparing for what comes next.
Whether leading the locker room, cashing in on incentives, or calling Super Bowl outcomes, Van Noy remains a name worth watching.
His blend of performance and personality ensures he’ll remain a fixture in football circles long after his playing days are over.
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Kyle Van Noy Reacts to Unexpected Celebrity Comparison
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy recently went viral after he shared a hilarious Instagram reel reacting to a segment from Jimmy Kimmel Live.1
In the segment, host Jimmy Kimmel humorously compared Van Noy’s physical appearance to that of former President Donald Trump.
The clip, which showed a side-by-side of the NFL star and Trump, quickly circulated online, leaving fans—and Van Noy himself—laughing.
Van Noy, known not only for his on-field tenacity but also his personality, embraced the joke. He reposted the video with the overlay text:
“No way they put me in this 😂😂😂”
The 34-year-old linebacker further captioned the reel:
“I’ll let y’all be the judge 😂”
The light-hearted response showcased his ability to laugh at himself, which only endeared him more to fans across the NFL landscape.
I’ll let y’all be the judge 😂 thanks for the love @JimmyKimmelLive !! Me and trump 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/VXxLppB4bq
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) April 18, 2025
From Los Angeles to Baltimore: A Veteran on the Move
Kyle Van Noy’s NFL journey has taken him through multiple cities and franchises. After signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in May 2022, he went on to have a solid season, starting 13 of 17 games.
He posted 46 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble—a respectable output for a veteran linebacker joining a new defensive scheme.
Despite his performance, Van Noy did not return to L.A. for the following season. In 2023, he found a new home with the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its ferocious defense and hard-nosed mentality.
It didn’t take long for him to fit in.
Breaking Out in Baltimore
Van Noy made an immediate impact with the Ravens, posting a career-high nine sacks in just 14 games.
His versatility, leadership, and pass-rushing prowess allowed him to thrive in Baltimore’s aggressive system.
The Ravens, recognizing his contributions and potential to continue producing at a high level, rewarded him with a two-year, $10 million contract extension in early April.
That vote of confidence showed that Baltimore saw him as more than just a short-term solution—they saw him as a key piece in their pursuit of a championship.
Kyle Van Noy: Early Setback in 2024
However, the 2024 season didn’t start smoothly for Van Noy. In Week 1, during a high-profile matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, he suffered an orbital bone fracture.2
What made headlines beyond the injury itself was Van Noy’s critique of the Chiefs’ medical staff, stating there was a delay in him receiving the necessary attention.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Van Noy did not miss any extended time. His quick return to the field was a testament to his toughness and determination to contribute to a Ravens defense that had high aspirations.
Roaring Back with Dominance
Upon his return, Van Noy didn’t just play—he dominated. He recorded back-to-back multi-sack games, quickly reminding everyone of his presence.
His hot streak earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for September, a well-deserved accolade that underlined just how impactful he had become for Baltimore.
Van Noy was not merely filling a role; he was leading the charge.
Kyle Van Noy: Career Year and First Pro Bowl Selection
By the end of the season, Kyle Van Noy had cemented himself as one of the most productive edge rushers in the league.3
He finished the regular season with 12.5 sacks, setting a new career-high, and helped anchor a Ravens defense that ranked among the best in the NFL.
His exceptional play did not go unnoticed. For the first time in his NFL career, Van Noy was named to the Pro Bowl, a milestone moment for the veteran who had long flown under the radar in discussions of elite defenders.
A Leader in the Locker Room
Beyond the stats and accolades, Van Noy also emerged as a locker room leader.
With his playoff and Super Bowl experience from his time with the New England Patriots, he brought veteran savvy and accountability to a relatively young Ravens linebacker corps.
Teammates praised his work ethic and preparation, with many citing him as a key figure in their late-season surge.
Baltimore’s coaching staff also lauded his ability to read offenses and mentor younger players.
The Ravens’ Defensive Identity Reaffirmed
Baltimore has long been associated with physical, intimidating defense—think Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. In 2023 and 2024, Van Noy added his name to that lineage. His arrival coincided with the Ravens rediscovering that fierce identity.
Whether it was chasing down quarterbacks, setting the edge in run defense, or energizing the crowd with big plays, Van Noy helped define the team’s defensive personality.
Social Media Star in the Making?
- With his quick wit and growing fanbase, Kyle Van Noy may have a future beyond football as a media personality.
- His viral Instagram reel reacting to the Trump comparison on Jimmy Kimmel Live showed he’s more than just an athlete—he’s got a sense of humor and social media savvy.
- Many NFL players have successfully transitioned into entertainment roles post-retirement, from Michael Strahan to Pat McAfee. Van Noy’s charm and media presence suggest he might follow a similar path.
- Now under contract through the 2025 season, the big question is whether Van Noy can maintain—or even surpass—his 2024 production. The Ravens are poised to make another playoff push, and Van Noy will be integral to their success.
- His veteran experience, combined with the fire he’s shown in recent seasons, could be the x-factor that Baltimore needs to finally get over the hump and return to the Super Bowl.
- In a league where younger, flashier names often dominate the headlines, Kyle Van Noy’s story stands out. He’s battled adversity, changed teams, proven his worth, and now, at 34, is playing the best football of his career.
- Whether it’s chasing quarterbacks on Sundays or laughing at memes on Instagram, Van Noy shows that being elite doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor.
- It means showing up, being consistent, and making your presence felt—on and off the field.
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Kyle Van Noy: Veteran Leadership and Bonus Breakthrough
In his 11th NFL season, linebacker Kyle Van Noy continued to prove why he’s one of the most dependable defensive assets in the league.
Not only did he reach a key statistical milestone during the 2023 season, but he also emerged as a vocal analyst and a locker room leader.
From collecting performance bonuses to offering sharp Super Bowl analysis, Van Noy has shown he’s far from finished.
Hitting the Sack: Van Noy Reaches Incentive Goal
The defining moment of Van Noy’s season came in January, during a critical matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Van Noy recorded a sack on rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, pushing his season total to 12. This number not only led the Baltimore Ravens for the second consecutive year but also triggered a $250,000 incentive built into his contract.
The veteran linebacker was aware of what was at stake. That sack didn’t just help his team; it hit a performance clause that paid him handsomely. NFL contracts often include performance-based bonuses for veterans, especially players like Van Noy who sign short-term deals.
At age 32, every opportunity to capitalize on such incentives is critical, and Van Noy made the most of his chance.
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Nearly Double the Payday
Van Noy’s $250K payday could have doubled if he had managed an additional 2.5 sacks in the regular season finale.
Though he came up short, the effort was there, and the pursuit of that final payout became a storyline of its own among Ravens fans and analysts.
Still, reaching 12 sacks was a significant achievement for a player many believed was in the twilight of his career. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about making a statement that Van Noy still had plenty left in the tank.
Leading by Example: Back-to-Back Sack Leader
Perhaps most impressive is the consistency Van Noy displayed. This was the second straight season he led the Ravens in sacks.
Considering Baltimore’s reputation for producing elite defensive talent, being the top sack artist in back-to-back seasons is a major feat.
Whether he was lining up off the edge or working as an inside linebacker, Van Noy’s versatility was crucial.
His football IQ, leadership, and ability to adapt to new defensive schemes are just some of the reasons why he continues to thrive while others from his draft class have faded into obscurity.
Kyle Van Noy‘s Perspective
Van Noy’s support for the Eagles wasn’t just based on hype. He broke down specific reasons for his pick.
One of the key arguments he made was the Eagles’ ability to match Kansas City’s explosive offense.
With a receiving core featuring playmakers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and a dual-threat backfield including Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia boasted a balanced attack that Van Noy believed would keep the Chiefs’ defense on their heels.
On the defensive side, Van Noy argued the Eagles had the personnel to pressure Mahomes, particularly up the middle, which is crucial for disrupting his rhythm and forcing errors. The presence of elite pass rushers and disciplined linebackers gave Philadelphia an edge in his eyes.
Kyle Hamilton Counters with Chiefs Loyalty
Teammate Kyle Hamilton offered a counterpoint on the same podcast, picking the Kansas City Chiefs to win. His reasoning was rooted in trust—trust in Patrick Mahomes to deliver under pressure.
Hamilton emphasized Mahomes’ proven ability to thrive in high-stakes moments, which he felt would be the deciding factor in a tight game.
The friendly back-and-forth between the two Ravens players offered fans a peek behind the curtain of NFL locker room conversations. It also showcased the growing camaraderie and mutual respect between veteran and up-and-coming stars.
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