Patrick Dugger, brother of NFL star Kyle Dugger, earns recognition for his outstanding basketball career.
Kyle Dugger, born on March 22, 1996, has established himself as a formidable presence in the National Football League.
Currently playing as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dugger began his athletic journey at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he initially excelled in basketball before starting football in his senior year.
Despite his late start, his exceptional athleticism caught the attention of Lenoir–Rhyne, a Division II college in North Carolina, where he redshirted his freshman year and quickly became a key player in the Bears’ secondary.
During his college career, Dugger transitioned from cornerback to safety, earning accolades such as the prestigious Cliff Harris Award for the nation’s best small-school defensive player.
He showcased remarkable versatility, speed, and instinct, participating in the 2020 Senior Bowl and impressing NFL scouts.
The New England Patriots drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, making him the highest-selected player in Lenoir–Rhyne history.
Over subsequent seasons, Dugger has demonstrated consistent growth, recording multiple interceptions, fumble recoveries, and defensive touchdowns.
His recent trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers marks a new chapter in his professional journey, highlighting his continued impact on the field.
Patrick Dugger, Brother of NFL Player Kyle Dugger, Was A Basketball Prodigy
Patrick Dugger, born on July 14, 1992, is Kyle Dugger’s older brother and an accomplished professional basketball player.
Standing at 6’7″ and playing as a forward, Patrick carved out an impressive career in both college and professional basketball.
He attended LaGrange College, where he dominated the court with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills.
Throughout his collegiate career, Patrick earned multiple USA South All-Conference selections and the Delma Fowler Most Valuable Player award for consecutive seasons.
He frequently posted double-doubles and set career highs with 31 points in a single game and 20 rebounds in another, showcasing his all-around talent.
After graduating in 2014, Patrick pursued a professional career overseas and most recently played for the Atlanta Aliens in the ABA.
Represented by IceBasket Agency, he continues to impress with his athleticism and basketball IQ.
Growing up in a highly athletic family, Patrick’s size and skill were an early influence on Kyle, whose own extraordinary physical abilities were often compared to his brother’s.
The Dugger family’s commitment to sports excellence is evident in both brothers’ achievements, making them a remarkable pair in American football and basketball.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kyle Dugger was the first player drafted from Lenoir–Rhyne University in 18 years when the New England Patriots selected him in 2020.
- He was awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in 2023 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.
- As a child, Kyle had unusually long arms and large hands — his fingertips could reach his knees, a trait that later contributed to his athletic advantage.
