“We’re Always Pushing Each Other”: Kyler Gordon’s Rise to Elite Status

Kyler Gordon (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

It’s not an overstatement to say Kyler Gordon is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears veteran may have emerged as the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the league after signing a three-year, $40 million contract extension with $31.25 million guaranteed, but he’s still not considered a household name.

Underrated But Elite

According to Pro Football Focus, Gordon was the 20th-ranked cornerback (76.0 grade) last season among all players at his position. That ranks right up there with teammate and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who posted a 76.2 defensive grade last season.

“We’re competitive [with each other] in the sense that we’re trying to see who’s going to make the most plays, who’s going to be collecting those moments,” Gordon says in a one-on-one interview with RG. “Competitive in that, but always pushing each other to be the best.”

Gordon and Johnson are only a few months apart in age, though Johnson entered the NFL two years earlier. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection, recognized as one of the most heralded cornerbacks in the league.

While the Bears as a team have struggled in recent years, their pass defense has quietly emerged as one of the best in the NFL. Last season, they allowed a league-low 20 passing touchdowns.

Chemistry and Learning

“It’s been great. He’s a very smart, very intelligent football player,” Gordon says about Johnson. “He’s also got a very determined, very hard work ethic. I love that he brings that to the table. I feel like I learned a lot from him. He’s been there for me, showing me things and helping me get acclimated into the system.”

“It’s nice to have him around because we have chemistry to the point where we already know what each other’s thinking. That allows us to play smoother and just do things nonchalantly.”

Gordon says the biggest lesson he’s learned from the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is pre-snap reads and the “process of elimination,” determining what offenses are showing before the snap.

From Ballet to Ball-Hawking

The 25-year-old Gordon is nicknamed “Spider Man” due to his background in ballet and dance. The Washington native began training in ballet and dance around age five or six and was committed until he turned 14. He says there’s no doubt his background in dance significantly impacted his skills as a defensive back.

“Growing up, it teaches you so much,” Gordon says. “You get that flexibility right away. You’re getting that core experience, balance, jumping, leaping ability, body control—all those things transfer over directly. Body control in the air, changing direction, regaining your balance off a misstep. So many different things that add into the game.”

When asked who his favorite cornerback was growing up, Gordon quickly mentions Darrelle Revis, the seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

“Definitely Darrelle Revis,” Gordon says. “His man coverage, his press. He was just a clinic—a very technical corner with good abilities. To have mechanics, technique, and athletic ability, it was nice to see from a young age. It felt like, ‘That’s how you do it.’ I liked the way he did it more than anyone else.”

Eyes on Bigger Goals

As the Bears look to turn things around in arguably the most competitive division in football—the other three NFC North teams made the playoffs last season—a lot hinges on the continued development of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The former No. 1 overall pick had a solid rookie season, posting 20 touchdowns against six interceptions for an 87.6 passer rating. He also set a rookie record with 562 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.

However, the Bears notably endured a 10-game losing streak before finally ending the skid in their season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

“I’m really excited for what he’s going to do this year,” Gordon continues. “We have a lot more pieces around him to allow him to keep being the best version of himself. I think he’s only going to show more greatness.”

Gordon’s new contract acknowledges him as the top nickel cornerback in the league, but he’s aiming for even bigger things. The 25-year-old is setting high goals, both individually and for the team.

He’s recorded a modest five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries through three NFL seasons but is targeting 10 total turnovers in 2025. He’s also aiming for 125 tackles, significantly above his previous season-high of 75.

“First and foremost, beat all our conference rivals, then playoffs,” Gordon says of his objectives. “NFC Championship, Super Bowl. As a team, 20 interceptions, 20 fumble recoveries for a total of 40 turnovers. For myself, I’d like 10 turnovers: six-plus interceptions, four or five fumbles, and 125 tackles.”