Kevin Knowles II (born April 9, 2003) is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles.
Early life Knowles was born in 2003 in Hollywood, Florida. He played high school football as a wide receiver and safety for the McArthur Mustangs. His sophomore performance during which he recorded 39 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups, helped the Mustangs win a district championship. During his junior season, Knowles recorded 25 tackles and caught five interceptions, earning him First-Team All-County and Second-Team All-Broward honors. He was rated a three-star recruiting prospect by 247Sports.com. He received a total of 30 athletic scholarship offers prior to his graduation in 2020.College Recruitment Profile at 247Sports.com. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
College career Upon formalizing his commitment in 2020, Knowles enrolled at Florida State University. He joined the Florida State Seminoles in the 2021 season as a true freshman playing nickelback. He was promoted to starting nickelbackMurschel, Matt (October 14, 2021). "Kevin Knowles II’s secret to developing into a shutdown defensive back for FSU". Orlando Sentinel.com. Retrieved August 31, 2025. for seven of the season's final eight games and recorded 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and two pass breakups. At the end of the season, Knowles won Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year, an accolade he shared with fellow true freshman cornerback Omarion Cooper.Karels, Carter (July 3, 2022). "Florida State's defense to keep benefiting from Kevin Knowles II's play at nickel". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved August 31, 2025. At the end of his senior year in 2024, Knowles played 50 games and recorded one interception, one sack, and 113 combined tackles.Dillon, John (July 11, 2025). "Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 38, DB Kevin Knowles". Chiefs Wire. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
Professional career
On April 27, 2025, Knowles signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft.NFL Contract Details. OvertheCap.com. Retrieved August 31, 2025."The Chiefs have signed Florida State CB Kevin Knowles, per Aaron Wilson." Instagram.com. Retrieved August 31, 2025. He was relegated to the practice roster once the active roster was finalized."Chiefs Announce Practice Squad and Other Roster Moves Heading Into 2025 NFL Season". Retrieved August 31, 2025. He was elevated from the practice squad twice to play special teams and was signed to the active roster on October 21. He primarily played on special teams, including downing two punts inside the five yard line against the Dallas Cowboys, and began to play increasingly on defense in the last five games of the season.
On August 31, 2026, Knowles was waived by the Chiefs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers On September 1, 2026, Knowles was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
References
External links Kansas City Chiefs bio Florida State Seminoles bio ESPN Profile