Emerging from Marietta, Georgia, Kimani Vidal (born August 28, 2001) has made a name for himself in the NFL as a compact yet dynamic running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. Selected in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Troy University, Vidal rose quickly from Sun Belt standout to professional guard runner, demonstrating relentless work ethic and a strong football lineage. As the great-nephew of baseball legend Hank Aaron, Vidal connects sporting generations with his own gridiron achievements.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimani Vidal |
| Date of Birth | August 28, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Marietta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| High School | Marietta High School |
| College | Troy University (2020–2023) |
| Draft | 2024 NFL Draft, Round 6, Pick 181 – Los Angeles Chargers |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Position | Running Back (#30) |
| Height / Weight | 5′ 8″ / 215 lb |
| Notable College Records | Troy all-time rushing leader; single-season & single-game marks |
| Awards | Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year (2023); AP Third‑Team All-America |
| Rookie Season Stats (2024) | 155 rushing yards, 62 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD |
| Known Family Relation | Great-nephew of MLB Hall of Famer Hank Aaron |
| Net Worth Estimate | Undisclosed; income via NFL rookie contract, potential endorsements |
From Marietta Roots to College Stardom
Vidal grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta in a family steeped in sporting excellence. As the great-nephew of Hank Aaron, he inherited both genetic gifts and an expectation to excel. At Marietta High School, he drew attention from FBS programs including LSU, Syracuse, and South Carolina, ultimately choosing Troy University.
At Troy, Vidal developed rapidly under offensive coordinator Jon Sumrall’s run-first strategy. He carried a heavy workload—873 touches across 48 games—and posted consistently strong numbers. After a productive freshman year (516 rushing yards), he steadily improved, culminating in a breakout 2023 season when he set school records and earned conference offensive MVP honors.
Grit and Game-Changers: Powers on the Field
At Troy, Vidal built his reputation as a bruising, between-the-tackles runner with rare durability. In 2023, he led the nation in carries of 10+ yards, forced 94 missed tackles, and demonstrated a blend of power, contact balance, and north-south burst.
Chargers scouts valued his compact frame and workhorse style. At 5’8″, 213 lb, he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and posted strong agility and burst metrics in the 87–88th percentile. Despite concerns about workload-related wear, his clean injury history and pass-protection skills made him an appealing, cost-effective depth option.
NFL Debut and Rookie Highlights
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Vidal in April 2024, placing him in a backfield with veterans J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Isaiah Spiller. Early-season injuries pushed him onto the 53-man roster. In October, he made an immediate impact, scoring a 38-yard receiving touchdown on his first NFL touch.
He finished his rookie season with 155 rushing yards, five receptions for 62 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. Although he saw limited touches behind established backs, his efficiency and physical style drew attention from fantasy football players and NFL analysts alike.
Off-Season Momentum & Training Camp Buzz
In the 2025 preseason Hall of Fame Game, Vidal scored a short-yardage touchdown and showcased his physical running style. He credited extra reps and familiarity with the offense for helping his development.
Analysts praised Vidal’s chip-on-the-shoulder mindset and his collaboration with rookie quarterback Trey Lance, whom he described as “nice and crisp.” Scouts also highlighted his crisp pass protection and reliability on third down as underrated strengths.
More Than a Player: Legacy Ties and Personal Life
Vidal draws pride and inspiration from his family history. His parents, Kwame and Dayna Vidal, and his sister Kaylin, support him as he pursues his career. Though still early in his career, Vidal maintains a private personal life. He has not publicly announced a spouse or children, and his net worth currently reflects rookie contract earnings and potential regional endorsements.
Hidden Edges and Fan Appeal
Scouting reports praise Vidal’s contact balance, toughness, and willingness to fall forward for extra yards. Analysts rank his metrics in the 83rd percentile, comparing him favorably to backs like Austin Ekeler and Isiah Pacheco. While some fans remain skeptical, many hail him as a “diamond in the rough,” and his quiet consistency may soon shift public perception.
Legacy in the Making
Kimani Vidal represents the archetype of the modern compact, powerful NFL runner. From Marietta to Troy record-setter to scoring a touchdown on his first NFL touch, his discipline and family lineage shine through. As he integrates further into the Chargers’ offense, Vidal has the potential to reshape the backfield and emerge as a key contributor.
Though he has yet to reach the household-name status of his great-uncle, Kimani Vidal is carving his own story—one defined by grit, consistency, and a legacy in the making.
It’s incredible to see how Kimani Vidal’s work ethic has helped him rise so quickly in the NFL. His connection to Hank Aaron just adds another layer to his story, blending family history with his own legacy in sports.