Kenny Willekes
Current teamColumbus Aviators
Number48
PositionDefensive end
Birth dateJuly 22, 1997 (age 29)
Birth placeRockford, Michigan, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in3
Weight lb264
High schoolNorthPointe Christian (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
CollegeMichigan State (2015–2019)
Draftyear2020
Draftround7
Draftpick225
Pastteams
StatusActive
Highlights
StatleagueNFL
Statlabel 1Total tackles
Statvalue 116
Statlabel 2Sacks
Statvalue 22.5
Statlabel 3Pass deflections
Statvalue 31
Statlabel 4Interceptions
Statlabel 5Forced fumbles
Statlabel 6Fumble recoveries
Statlabel 7Defensive touchdowns
PfrW/WillKe06

Kenny Willekes (born July 22, 1997) is an American professional football defensive end for the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Michigan State, and was three times named to the All-Big Ten team. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL draft.

Early life

Willekes attended NorthPointe Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played linebacker and running back in high school. He had 423 tackles during his high school football career.[1]

College career

Willekes joined Michigan State University as a walk-on in 2015.[2][3] He redshirted his first year and played in one game in 2016.[4] In 2017, Willekes became a starter, starting 12 of 13 games. He finished the season with 72 tackles and seven sacks.[5] In 2018, he was named the Big Ten Conference Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording 78 tackles and 8.5 sacks.[6][7] Willekes returned to Michigan State his senior year in 2019 rather than enter the 2019 NFL draft.[8][9] During the season he broke Julian Peterson's school record for career tackles for loss.[10] He was named the 2019 recipient of the Burlsworth Trophy on December 9, 2019, in Springdale, Arkansas, during a reception hosted by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in conjunction with the Springdale Rotary Club at the Springdale Convention Center.[11]

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

Willekes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 225th pick in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft.[12] He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2020.[13]

On August 31, 2021, Willekes was waived by the Vikings and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[14][15] He was promoted to the active roster on January 8, 2022.[16]

On June 2, 2022, Willekes was waived/injured by the Vikings and placed on injured reserve.[17]

On May 23, 2023, Willekes was released.[18]

Michigan Panthers

On December 8, 2023, Willekes signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).[19] He re-signed with the team on August 23, 2024.[20]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On August 19, 2025, Willekes signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[21] He was released by the Steelers on August 22.[22]

Columbus Aviators

On January 12, 2026, Willekes was allocated to the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL).[23]

References

  1. ^ Charboneau, Matt. "Tireless work ethic pays off for MSU's Kenny Willekes". Detroit News
  2. ^ "Seems like old times: How a former walk-on is sparking the Spartans' revival". ESPN.com. November 9, 2017.
  3. ^ Solari, Chris (2018-12-24). "Michigan State's Kenny Willekes: From 0-star to NFL prospect". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  4. ^ "Once doubted as walk-on, Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes validated as potential starter". mlive. August 9, 2017.
  5. ^ "Kenny Willekes - It's No Wonder That He Drives Team Chemistry". July 29, 2018.
  6. ^ Solari, Chris. "Michigan State's Kenny Willekes: Big Ten defensive lineman of the year". Detroit Free Press
  7. ^ Charboneau, Matt. "Former walk-on Kenny Willekes emerges as Michigan State's terror in trenches". Detroit News
  8. ^ Solari, Chris. "To understand Kenny Willekes' rise at MSU, start with his broken leg". Detroit Free Press
  9. ^ Solari, Chris. "Kenny Willekes returning to Michigan State football for his senior season". Detroit Free Press
  10. ^ "Kenny Willekes breaks Michigan State's tackle for loss record vs. Maryland". mlive. December 1, 2019.
  11. ^ "Kenny Willekes Wins Burlsworth Trophy". December 9, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  12. ^ Wenzel, Matt (April 25, 2020). "2020 NFL draft: Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes picked by Vikings in seventh round". MLive.com. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  13. ^ "Willekes Placed on Reserve/Injured; Roster Moves". Vikings.com. September 2, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  14. ^ "Vikings Announce Roster Moves to Get to Initial 53". Vikings.com. August 31, 2021.
  15. ^ Peters, Craig (September 1, 2021). "Vikings Claim TE Ben Ellefson & Sign 14 to Practice Squad". Vikings.com
  16. ^ Peters, Craig (2022-01-08). "Vikings Activate Christian Darrisaw & Ezra Cleveland, Make Multiple Roster Moves". Vikings.com. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  17. ^ Smith, Eric (2022-06-02). "Vikings Add Jonathan Bullard to Roster". Vikings.com. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  18. ^ Ireland, Tyler (May 23, 2023). "Vikings sign XFL WR Lucky Jackson, waive OLB Kenny Willekes". Daily Norseman. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  19. ^ Larsen, James (December 8, 2023). "Michigan Panthers Sign RB Nate McCrary & Edge Kenny Willekes". Pro Football Newsroom. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  20. ^ "The #UFL has announced the following transactions". No. 1827118631081365733. August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  21. ^ Varley, Tere. "Steelers make roster moves". steelers.com. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  22. ^ Varley, Teresa. "Steelers make initial round of roster moves". steelers.com. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  23. ^ "UFL Announces Quarterback Rooms and Allocated Players Ahead of 2026 Draft". www.theufl.com. Retrieved 2026-01-13.