A mature Van Noy proud of his redemption at BYU


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

PROVO — What Kyle Van Noy did in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl is legendary.

He turned a 6-3 deficit to San Diego State in the fourth quarter into a 23-6 victory almost single-handedly. He forced two turnovers and turned them into touchdowns in a historic defensive performance.

The game capped off a junior year that impressed NFL scouts. He was third in the nation with 13 sacks and he earned All-American honors. He was sure to be drafted if he left school early, and many experts saw him as high as a second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

It would have been the perfect way to end his college career and begin living his dream of playing in the NFL, but it turns out Van Noy has unfinished business at BYU.

"I'm too blessed to be stressed, and that's the way I try to look at things," he said. "I'm happy to be able to be living (my dream)."

He made the decision to return for his senior year, but that unfinished business isn't what you might think. It has nothing to do with ending a three-game losing streak to Utah or improving his draft stock. It's not about his legacy at BYU or chasing records.

Unfinished business for Van Noy is graduating this fall and spending a few more months with the people that mean the most to him — the people he considers family.


I want to be remembered as the redemption. Someone who, I guess, was on the verge of losing it all in a time of trial and error and trying to figure out life and being able to get back on the course — get back on your feet and keep moving forward.

–Kyle Van Noy


"I'm thankful he came back," said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "I'm thankful that he trusted me enough to come back."

Trust is an important part of the relationship between Van Noy and Mendenhall. There was a time when Van Noy violated that trust and his career at BYU almost ended before it began.

Van Noy was set to sign with BYU in February 2009, but just days before signing day, he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. It was a choice that would force him to sit out the 2009 season. He would have to clear up the legal issue, earn his way back into BYU and earn back the trust of Mendenhall if he wanted to continue his career with the Cougars.

Van Noy could have gone somewhere else at that point and was wooed by big name BCS programs, but he chose to stay true to his commitment to Coach Mendenhall and BYU. He sent his coach an apology letter and began the process of working his way through the difficult path to good standing at BYU.

Since that time, Van Noy has earned back the trust of his coach and also earned his respect.

"That's one of the main reasons I've decided I love coaching is to see the growth — and he's a great example," Mendenhall said. "From how and where Kyle was when he came into the program to where he is now — his maturity level — it's been really fun to watch that and to be a small part of it."

Kyle Van Noy stats
Tackles
YearSoloAstTotLossSk
20102411357.52.0
201150186815.07.0
201237165322.013.0
Kyle Van Noy stats
Def. Int.
YearIntYdsAvgTDPD
201000002
201137926.305
201222613.017
Kyle Van Noy stats
Fumbles
YearFRYdsTDFF
201014412
20111913
20120016

That maturity is evident now in a player who is very honest about what has changed with him during his time at BYU.

"Everything," he said. "Just experiences in life over the last five years. A lot of people just see the football aspect and people don't see the behind the scenes stuff."

What has happened behind the scenes is a realization of what is most important to him. He mentions family as a major factor in his decision to return for his senior season. For him, family is more than just immediate family. It includes teammates and other students on campus that have had an impact on his growth as a person.

One special relationship he has developed is with BYU basketball star Brandon Davies. Like Van Noy, Davies made a mistake that became public and it led to a suspension at a time when his team needed him most — a mistake that would have been a minor roadblock at another university, but at BYU could end a career.

"Having a relationship with him and what he's gone through — trials, and me having trials — just to become close to him has meant more to me than what credentials I've earned," he said about his friendship with Davies. "He's helped me in a lot of everyday things. Just like the relationships I have with my close teammates. I wouldn't change those for anything because it's helped me grow up and become a better person."

Breaking records at BYU, being an All-american or achieving fame and fortune in the National football League are not a priority for Van Noy right now. When his career at BYU is over he wants to be remembered for something different.

"I want to be remembered as the redemption," he said. "Someone who, I guess, was on the verge of losing it all in a time of trial and error and trying to figure out life and being able to get back on the course — get back on your feet and keep moving forward. And being able to show people that no matter what you do you can mess up, you can still chase your dreams, you can still do it.

"It doesn't matter how far you were off of, what you think is right you can still come back and make a difference," he added. "To be different you have to be different from the world, and so I finally figured that out and chosen the path I've chosen and I'm happy I'm on it. I hope it reflects who I am and shows people, if he did it, I can too. That's what I want to be remembered for is the redemption."

With his redemption complete and a difficult decision behind him, he can now focus on his unfinished business. No matter what the record ends up being on the field, he will cherish every moment with his teammates, knowing how close he was to having it all taken away.

"I think it would just add to what I'm already blessed with now," he said. "For me, personally, to see the growth of the younger guys, to be able to live an experience and be able to have fun and win and just all that stuff, it would be killer. I hope I can enjoy every second of it."

#Promo

Related stories

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

BYU CougarsSports
Jeremiah Jensen

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast