Kyle Dugger on COVID, Fatherhood, and the NFL: “I Was Emotionally Drained, But Everything He Does Is Adorable”

Jun 19, 2022 | 07:00 AM ET

For New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger, emerging from a Division II college to make his mark in the NFL was already a story of perseverance and determination. But nothing could have prepared him for the whirlwind of last season — testing positive for COVID-19 while his girlfriend, Kaiann, went into premature labor.

It was a situation Dugger calls unforgettable, and one that reshaped his perspective both on and off the field.

Rising Through Adversity

Dugger’s journey to the NFL was far from conventional. Drafted out of a small school, he had to prove himself at every stage, overcoming limited exposure, a pesky ankle injury during his rookie campaign, and the challenges of a league navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

By his second season, Dugger had started to establish himself as a key presence in New England’s secondary, a versatile player capable of impacting both the run and the pass. But the off-field challenges of impending fatherhood — coupled with a COVID diagnosis at a critical moment in the season — would test him in ways football never could.

After the Patriots’ Week 12 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Dugger learned he had tested positive for the virus. One day into quarantine, his life took an unexpected turn: Kaiann went into labor six weeks early.

“It’s not how I saw my first child coming into the world,” Dugger said. “I wouldn’t call it traumatic, but it’s definitely something I’ll never forget. I was like, there’s no way this is happening right now. It didn’t seem real that the timing matched up the way it did.”

Missing a game against the Buffalo Bills was difficult, but being unable to be at his child’s birth was a different level of stress and helplessness.

A Premature Arrival

Kaiann arrived at the first hospital already seven centimeters dilated, but complications forced her to advocate for herself and transfer to another facility. Dugger could only watch from afar, reliant on FaceTime calls while isolated in his quarantine.

“I’ve never been in a position where I literally felt like I was almost handcuffed and forced to watch someone struggle,” he said. “It’s almost as if I was restrained just to see someone I love go through something so difficult. I wasn’t there to help her, and I wasn’t there to see such an important moment. It was very weird. I felt like I was being held back and couldn’t do anything.”

Finally, in early December, Zairo Christian Dugger was born, weighing six pounds, eight ounces. Dugger was still recovering from COVID when he was finally able to meet his son. The experience, while joyous, was tinged with exhaustion and frustration.

“I was emotionally drained, honestly. I was still feeling the effects of COVID and it really took a minute to hit me,” Dugger said. “Once I got to the hospital, I was feeling very drained of any energy I had. It was a mixed feeling with sadness and a dark cloud hanging over me as I was meeting him for the first time. I hate it because I wasn’t able to really be present.”

Finding Perspective

As the season ended and life returned to a semblance of normalcy, Dugger embraced the opportunity to focus on family. The offseason allowed him and Kaiann to spend time in Charleston, S.C., close to family, while adjusting to life with a newborn.

“Once I realized the opportunity I’ve been given, and the position I’ve been put in to take care of my child, it’s been amazing,” Dugger said. “I want to do as much as possible. Everything he does is just so adorable.”

For Dugger, fatherhood has reshaped priorities. Every early-morning feeding or diaper change is part of an ongoing lesson in patience, love, and responsibility.

“The priorities have definitely switched around a lot,” he said. “He’s the most important thing. He trumps every other reason for me to work so hard and try to be the best version of myself — on and off the field.”

Balancing NFL Life and Fatherhood

Dugger’s story underscores the unique challenges NFL players face beyond the gridiron. High stakes, long hours, and physical demands intersect with deeply personal life moments that can’t be postponed — sometimes with little warning.

For Dugger, the birth of Zairo amidst quarantine created a unique challenge: supporting his partner and bonding with his child remotely, all while maintaining focus on the professional responsibilities that come with being a starting NFL safety.

“It’s been incredible, the opportunity to see him grow and just be present in small ways even after that initial chaos,” Dugger said. “It’s changed me. It’s made me more focused, more motivated, and more appreciative of everything.”

The Patriots organization, like many NFL teams, has protocols in place for COVID-19 and family emergencies, but nothing can fully replicate the experience of being there in the moment. Dugger’s story is a reminder of the human element behind the sport — the sacrifices and resilience required both on and off the field.

A New Motivation

Looking ahead, Dugger views fatherhood as an additional source of motivation. Every snap on the field, every practice, and every play carries weight not only for his team but also for his family.

“He’s my biggest inspiration now,” Dugger said. “Every day I wake up thinking about being the best I can for him. It gives me more reason to work hard, to lead, and to make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given.”

Dugger’s journey — from Division II standout to NFL starter, navigating injuries, a pandemic, and premature fatherhood — is a testament to perseverance. His story resonates far beyond football, reflecting the universal struggles and triumphs of parenthood in extraordinary circumstances.