Sydney William Kitson (born September 27, 1958) is an American former professional football player who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL) for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Wake Forest University.

Syd Kitson
No. 64, 73
Position:Guard
Personal information
Born: (1958-09-27) September 27, 1958 (age 66)
Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:New Providence (NJ)
College:Wake Forest
NFL draft:1980 / round: 3 / pick: 61
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:50
Games started:12
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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He attended New Providence High School in New Providence, New Jersey, where he played football on the New Providence Pioneers. He accepted a scholarship from Wake Forest University. In college, he started his career at tight end, before being moved to offensive tackle and eventually to offensive guard.

Professional career

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Green Bay Packers

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Kitson was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (61st overall) of the 1980 NFL draft. As a rookie, he was a reserve guard until the tenth game, when he replaced an injured Buddy Aydelette as the team's long snapper.[1]

On October 13, 1981, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a neck injury for five games.[2] In 1982, he was placed on the injured reserve list, after suffering a cracked shoulder, while playing against the Los Angeles Raiders in the preseason.[3]

In 1983, he alternated at left guard with Dave Drechsler for the first 4 games,[4] before being moved to right guard after the 11th game of the season in place of Tim Huffman.[5] He had a reception for 9 yards as an eligible receiver against the Minnesota Vikings.[6]

In 1984, he was benched after the third game, in favor of using a larger Ron Hallstrom at right guard.[7] He was released on October 23 to make room for guard Keith Uecker.[8]

Dallas Cowboys

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On November 27, 1984, he was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys and only played in one game.[9] He was waived on August 27, 1985 season.

Personal life

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From 1986 to 1992, he founded a real estate company that developed and sold residential communities, commercial properties, senior housing units, retail stores and offices.

Kitson is the chairman/CEO and one of the founding partners of Kitson & Partners, a real estate development company. He and his associates planned a new solar-powered city called Babcock Ranch in Southwest Florida.[10] Kitson also serves on the board of directors of the Florida Council of 100 and as the Chair of the Florida Chamber.

References

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  1. ^ "Packers Sign Two Linebackers To Replace Anderson, Cumby". Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  2. ^ "Packers Sign Guard, Deactivate Kitson". Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  3. ^ "Packers Cut Torkelson, Jensen, Livers". Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  4. ^ "Kitson And Sams On Their Guards". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  5. ^ "Packers Demote Huffman And Promote Kitson". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  6. ^ "Notes". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  7. ^ "Packers make guard changes". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  8. ^ "Kitson Cut By Packers". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  9. ^ "Cowboy Coach Landry Says Hell Back Next Season". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  10. ^ "Solar Energy-Loving NFL Vet Syd Kitson Is Building the Smartest Town in Florida". Retrieved February 19, 2016.