Kilpatrick was born to a Canadian mother and American father, raised in New York City, and later attended Yale University. He competed in football and track and field, and was recognized as one of the top players of the era.
Kilpatrick, with roots in Canada and the United States, was raised in New York City before pursuing higher education at Yale University. His athletic prowess in football and track and field earned him recognition as one of the top athletes of his era.