5 Ways Chris Kyle’s Kids, Colton And McKenna, Are Honoring The ‘American Sniper’ Legacy Today

More than a decade after the tragic murder of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the legendary "American Sniper," his two children have stepped into the public eye to share their story and actively carry on his powerful legacy. As of late 2025, Colton Kyle (19) and McKenna Kyle (18) are no longer the young children devastated by their father's loss; they are now young adults forging their own paths while remaining deeply connected to the man who inspired a nation. Under the guidance of their mother, Taya Kyle, the siblings are dedicating their lives to the values Chris Kyle held most dear: God, country, and family.

Their journey from private grief to public service is a testament to the resilience of the Kyle family. In the years following his death on February 2, 2013, the children—who were 8 and 6 at the time—have grown up to embody the spirit of service and patriotism that defined their father, proving that "The Legend" lives on through them.

Chris Kyle: A Biography and Legacy Profile

Christopher Scott Kyle, known by his nicknames "The Legend," "Devil of Ramadi," "Tex," and "The Punisher," remains one of the most celebrated figures in modern military history. His life and service set the stage for the enduring legacy his children continue to uphold.

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• Birth Name: Christopher Scott Kyle
• Born: April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas
• Died: February 2, 2013, at a shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas (Murdered alongside friend Chad Littlefield by former Marine Eddie Ray Routh)
• Spouse: Taya Kyle (married 2002)
• Children: Colton Kyle and McKenna Kyle
• Military Service: United States Navy SEAL (1999–2009)
• Tours of Duty: Four tours in the Iraq War
• Confirmed Kills: Officially credited with 160 confirmed kills, making him the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history.
• Awards: Two Silver Star Medals, five Bronze Star Medals with "V" device, and numerous other honors.
• Memoir: American Sniper (2012), which was later adapted into the 2014 blockbuster film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper.

Kyle’s story transcended his military achievements, focusing on the sacrifice of military families and the challenges faced by veterans returning to civilian life. This focus is now central to the work of his widow and children.

1. Colton Kyle: The Driving Force Behind The American Sniper Brand

Colton Kyle, the eldest of Chris Kyle’s children, has taken on a significant public role by becoming the "operator" and "driving force" behind the official American Sniper Brand.

Honoring Values Through Apparel

The brand, which sells apparel and merchandise, is more than a clothing line; it is a direct tribute to Chris Kyle’s life and mission. Colton uses this platform to ensure his father’s values of God, country, and family are promoted to a new generation. This involvement allows Colton to forge his own path while simultaneously honoring the legacy left by his heroic dad.

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In his role, Colton has spearheaded collaborations, including a notable partnership with Wiley X, a company specializing in protective eyewear. This business-minded approach demonstrates a mature commitment to keeping the American Sniper name relevant and impactful, ensuring the brand continues to support the military community.

2. McKenna Kyle: Preparing for Service with a Focus on Psychology

McKenna Kyle, Chris Kyle's daughter, is also charting a course dedicated to service, though her path is currently focused on education and self-discovery.

The Gap Year and Future Plans

Having graduated high school in 2024, McKenna is currently taking a gap year, a period of intentional reflection and exploration before committing to higher education. Her long-term goal is deeply rooted in her family’s mission: she is considering pursuing a degree in psychology.

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The intention behind this pursuit is to eventually work at The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation (TACKF), the nonprofit organization established by her parents. Her interest in psychology highlights a desire to help others cope with trauma and loss, a mission that resonates profoundly with her own family’s experience as a Gold Star family.

3. Speaking Out for the First Time: A New Chapter

A significant update in late 2025 was the decision by both Colton and McKenna to speak publicly for the first time about their father's death and their life since.

For years, the Kyle children were shielded from the intense media scrutiny surrounding their father's celebrity status, the movie American Sniper, and the trial of his murderer, Eddie Ray Routh. Now, as young adults, they feel ready to open up about life without their hero dad.

Colton shared that people often tell him how much he resembles his father, a comment he takes as a deep compliment. McKenna, who was often at her father’s side, has shared memories that paint a picture of a loving, present father behind the "Devil of Ramadi" persona.

4. Carrying The Torch of The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation (TACKF)

The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation (TACKF) is perhaps the most direct way the family continues the legacy. While Taya Kyle is the primary leader, the children’s involvement ensures the foundation’s mission stays true to Chris Kyle's original vision.

The foundation is dedicated to strengthening the marriages and families of those who serve, including military, veteran, and first responder communities. Colton and McKenna’s presence at foundation events and their public support help to humanize the mission, offering a powerful, relatable example of a family finding strength after immense sacrifice.

5. The Enduring Family Values: God, Country, and Family

The core of Chris Kyle's legacy, and the foundation upon which his children are building their lives, is a simple, steadfast set of values. Colton explicitly states that the American Sniper Brand proudly stands for God, country, and family.

This commitment is evident in how the family has navigated their grief. Taya Kyle has spoken extensively about the importance of faith and finding strength in their shared values to overcome what was an overwhelming and unbearable loss. For Colton and McKenna, these values are not just abstract concepts; they are the practical guideposts that help them honor their father’s memory every day. The resilience they show in continuing their lives and working toward a greater good is the ultimate tribute to "The Legend."