Kyle Ostwald acknowledges he was too big of a threat to keep in Survivor 47

Family man. Challenge beast. Extremely Likeable. Even Kyle Ostwald knew his time in Survivor was coming to an end when he failed to win individual immunity.

Kyle was eliminated in episode 11 as the "Underdog" alliance, comprising Andy Rueda, Caroline Vidmar, Christine "Teeny" Chirichillo, Rachel LaMont, and Sue Smey, conspired to eliminate him.

In his exit interview, even Kyle acknowledged that he was too big a threat to continue to keep in the game. 'It stings a little bit having your torch snuffed knowing that the title of ‘sole Survivor’ won’t be yours, the million dollars won’t be yours,” Kyle said in his first comments after being eliminated. “But I’m pretty proud of myself and all the things I’ve accomplished and I think I made my family proud.”

A dominant challenge run with a family-first personality

Kyle's run on Survivor 47 ended early, but it was impressive nonetheless. The 31-year-old residential contractor and devoted family man set records early in the game, including achieving four individual immunity wins faster than any other contestant in series history. By Episode 10, he was one win away from tying the all-time single-season immunity record.

From the outset, Kyle was vocal about doing this for his family. He was a self-proclaimed 'family man', and in some of the confessionals throughout the game, talked about growing up in the foster system and why he now tries to do his best for his fiancee Shania and their children.

In his pre-game interview, Kyle stated that he intended to play with honesty and integrity. He also expressed a desire to sit with the best players at the end.

He stated, "I want that the era of "bring a goat with you, so that way it's a unanimous decision at the end, and you got it locked in," I want that to kind of be gone. I don't know how I'll feel when put in the position. But at this point, I want to see some players make it to the end where there are some split votes. I'm kind of tired of seeing all the votes run one way. I want a real nail-biter."

Unfortunately, his tribemates did not agree. His physical prowess and remarkable human story made him too big of a threat to keep in the game and he became the fourth member of the jury.

A classy exit

As host Jeff Probst announced that Kyle was eliminated, he remained his gracious self, giving hugs to each remaining tribemate individually, including arch-nemesis Sue. "Thank you, for each of the kind words you had to say for me, for my family. Everyone, you are beautiful and have a wonderful story. You are playing your hearts out. Thank you so much for this experience. Thank you so much for your friendship."

He then ended with his iconic a-buck-twenty quip. 'Give it a buck twenty. We do 100% for ourselves but when it comes to family, we put 120% in everything we do." He then saved one last hug for Probst as his torch was snuffed out.

Could we see Kyle back for Survivor 50?

Kyle has emerged as one of the most likable personalities from recent seasons of Survivor, and there is a possibility that he could be brought back for Survivor 50. Fans will undoubtedly remember his record-breaking performances and his heartfelt dedication to his family.

Survivor 50 films in 2025! We'll share the full cast when we find out.