Note: The following appears in the North Carolina football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
For Kylon Griffin, football has always been part of the story. But throughout his tenure at Clemson, the veteran safety has discovered that it may not be the whole story.
Growing up in Birmingham, Ala., Griffin played multiple sports before eventually deciding to focus primarily on football. That decision came when he received his first college scholarship offer from Indiana.
“That’s when I really locked in,” said Griffin. “I kept running track, but I kind of left basketball alone and played it in spare time with my boys.”
Football eventually led Griffin to Clemson, a place he had never expected to call home.
The decision was made easier by Clemson’s reputation and its proximity to Birmingham. Griffin wanted to be close enough to home without being too close.
“Clemson is very special,” stated Griffin. “The way and the longevity we’ve had with winning and the consistency we’ve had, and on top of that, it’s only four hours from home, not too far, not too close.”
One of his favorite memories came during Clemson’s ACC Championship victory over SMU in 2024. Griffin remembers the tension surrounding the game, particularly the game-winning kick that helped Clemson secure a CFP berth.
“The kick was a thriller. Being a part of that was amazing. The locker room, the bus ride…everything was good.”
Another defining moment came when Griffin recorded the first interception of his career against Notre Dame in 2023.
“It was a huge confidence builder and booster to know that I can do that.”
While Griffin has made plays on the gridiron, some of his most interesting experiences at Clemson have taken place away from it.
Through Clemson’s P.A.W. Journey program, Griffin has had opportunities to explore what life could look like after football. He has traveled to Los Angeles, South Africa, Miami and Australia, gaining exposure to different industries and experiences along the way.
During a business week in Los Angeles, Griffin visited Netflix. The experience was particularly meaningful because acting had quietly been an interest of his since high school.
The next step was finding an opportunity. That opportunity began with a simple conversation at the football facility.
Griffin was talking with P.A.W. Journey representatives when they asked what he wanted to do after football. He mentioned acting, something he had been interested in for years but never knew how to pursue.
Soon afterward, he was given an opportunity to audition.
He got the role.
Griffin has now appeared in two films. The first, produced through a university project, follows a classroom of students and a professor. Griffin played one of the students, appearing throughout the film as the class worked through different problems.
His second project followed a similar concept with a smaller cast.
For Griffin, getting those opportunities while still playing football at Clemson has been a blessing.
“In that industry, it’s hard to take the first step so early. I’m grateful to have done that here in Clemson.”
The experiences have given Griffin a glimpse into a future beyond the football field, but his focus remains firmly on the present.
“I’m definitely going to continue to pursue it. I pray it ends up being my career when I’m done with football.”
Griffin wants to be a leader for Clemson’s safety room during his last season and help the team pursue its goals.
“My goal is to be a good leader and make sure my position group is on the same page, heading towards one goal.”
Griffin credited Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Thomas Allen for helping the group develop with an emphasis on details.
“Those little minute details that you think don’t matter are important, not only on the field, but in life.”
As Griffin continues in his final season, he is grateful for the Tiger faithful who have supported the team throughout his time in a Clemson uniform.
After years of playing in front of them, Griffin knows the energy they bring to Death Valley can make a difference.
“I want to thank our fanbase, which is amazing. They pump us up.”
For Griffin, the Clemson experience has been difficult to put into words. As a high school player, he never imagined he would eventually wear the orange and purple. Now, as his career approaches its final chapter, he knows exactly how he feels about the decision that brought him here.
“It’s all been surreal. I owe a lot to this university.”
There is one thing, however, that Griffin knows for certain.
“I tell myself this every week…I’ll never regret picking Clemson.”
His college career may be in its final season, but Griffin’s story is far from finished.
Whether the next chapter takes him onto another football field, in front of a camera or somewhere he has yet to imagine, Griffin has already begun preparing for what comes next.