Fulton Kuykendall was an American football player. He was a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles who played pro football from 1975–1985 for the Atlanta Falcons.
The lanky 6-4 225 lb Kuykendall started primarily at inside linebacker for the Falcons from 1975–1983, making the Pro Football Weekly All-NFC Team in 1978.
Nicknamed “Kaptain Krazy” by his teammates, Kuykendall was known for his apparent disregard for his body, launching himself into opposing blockers and ball carriers with fervor.
Kuykendall was a member of the famed 1977 Atlanta Falcons “Grits Blitz” defense, which was notable for allowing the fewest points in a season (129) during the Super Bowl era.
As a result, that Falcons defense lives on in NFL lore as one of the top NFL Defenses of All-Time.
Fulton Kuykendall cause of death
Fulton Kuykendall died of complications from dementia on February 15, 2024, at a memory care facility in Canton, Georgia.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Grits Blitz member and Falcons Legend, Fulton Kuykendall,” the Falcons said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Fulton Kuykendall wife
Fulton Kuykendall, the former Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers player, was married to Sherry Kuykendall for 44 years.
According to his wife, Kuykendall’s brain will be donated to Boston University as part of its ongoing study into traumatic brain injury among NFL players.
The rest of his body will go to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for use in medical school studies.
“Fulton will become a teacher for a year,” Sherry Kuykendall said. For much of his post-football life, her husband was a part of the medical community, working in the cardiac catheterization lab at Piedmont Hospital.
“What I’ll remember most is his sweet smile and his curly brown hair. All the caregivers he ever had adored him because he was so sweet,” Sherry Kuykendall said. “He had a beautiful, calm temperament.”
“He loved the sport,” Sherry said. “I remember when we first met, I think his first salary was for $19,000, and he was like, ‘I can’t believe they’re going to pay me $19,000 to do what I love.’”
And, even after all the pain and the gradual loss of himself that came with football, he was able to maintain that love?
“He really did,” his wife said. “You could ask him even after he retired if he’d do it all over again, and he’d tell you, yes.”
Fulton Kuykendall children
Fulton Kuykendall is survived not only by his wife, Sherry Kuykendall, but also by his son, Trent Kuykendall, and three other siblings.
Fulton Kuykendall net worth
Fulton Kuykendall’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $9 million. He accumulated this wealth primarily from his career as a professional football player.
Fulton Kuykendall illness
Kuykendall had a long battle with dementia. He passed away at the age of 70 at a memory-care facility in Canton.
His brain will be donated to Boston University as part of its ongoing study into traumatic brain injury among NFL players.
Fulton Kuykendall funeral
At present, the family of the late Fulton Kuykendall has not revealed the funeral date.
However, we are actively monitoring the situation and will provide you with timely updates regarding Kuykendall’s funeral service once we receive significant information.
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