As George Karlaftis shines as a standout defensive end, his brother, Yanni Karlaftis, is creating ripples of his own.
As it is common for family legacies to pave the way for promising talents to rise in the world of sports, the Karlaftis family is no exception.
Therefore, this article explores Yanni Karlaftis’ athletic journey and provides insights into the dynamics of the age gap between the two siblings.
George Matthew Karlaftis plays as a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL).
He enrolled at West Lafayette High School, securing consecutive state shot put championships.
Upon enrolling at Purdue, he commenced his freshman year by starting all 12 games, amassing 54 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
Later, the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Furthermore, Karlaftis contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVII and secured a consistent starting position.
George Karlaftis Brother, Yanni Karlaftis: Age Gap?
While George and Yanni pursue different positions on the football field, their shared dedication to the sport ties them together.
Born in 2001, George is two years older than his brother, Yanni.
Yanni achieved success at an early age by winning a youth world championship in judo.
His journey to college football was paved with success at West Lafayette High School.
He significantly contributed to West Lafayette’s 8-2 record in 2020, achieving a flawless 4-0 mark in the Hoosier-West Conference.
While in West Lafayette, he was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 16 outside linebacker and No. 3 overall recruit in Indiana.
Furthermore, ESPN ranked him as the No. 26 outside linebacker, No. 2 recruit in Indiana, and No. 24 in the region.
In the 2022 season as a redshirt freshman, Yanni demonstrated his defensive skills in 9 games with contributions on special teams.
Yanni showcased his impact on the field by securing four total tackles, including two solo efforts.
George Karlaftis Parents
Born on April 3, 2001, in Athens, Greece, George Karlaftis is the offspring of Matthew and Amy Weida Karlaftis.
Matthew Karlaftis, fondly known as Matt, started his athletic journey as a javelin thrower for the University of Miami’s track and field team.
Seeking football at Miami, he faced tragedy with a severe skull injury during his first practice, which required surgery.
Hence, he pursued a PhD in civil engineering, becoming a professor at the National Technical University of Athens.
Furthermore, he holds one of the University of Miami’s longest javelin throws and has received accolades such as a Fulbright scholarship.
Amy Weida Karlaftis, George’s mother, is an impressive athlete in her sphere.
In her West Lafayette High School years, she excelled in three sports and graduated as the top scorer in girls’ basketball history.
Amy’s Purdue athletic journey included volleyball at the co-rec, where she met Matt, sparking their enduring love story.
The Karlaftis family faced a tragic turn of events in 2014 when Matt passed away from a heart attack.
Amy left to navigate the challenges of raising four young children and decided to move the family back to West Lafayette, Indiana.
