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D'Andre Lawan "Dre" Kirkpatrick (born October 26, 1989) is an American former professional football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Kirkpatrick attended Gadsden City High School located in Gadsden, Alabama where he played for the Gadsden City Titans high school football team. He was a teammate of fellow Crimson Tide players Jerrell Harris and Kendall Kelly. He completed his senior football season in the fall of 2008. Kirkpatrick participated in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the 2008 Alabama Mississippi All-Star Football Classic, where he was recorded at 6 ft 2 in and 180 lbs.

Kirkpatrick played his final three high school seasons at Gadsden City (35 games) and finished his career with 193 tackles, 17 interceptions, three returned for a touchdown, 36 pass breakups, two sacks, one punt return touchdown, one kick return touchdown, and one receiving touchdown. After completion of his senior season he was awarded as the ASWA 6A back of the year as well as a first-team all-state defensive back for the second consecutive year.[1]

Entering February 2009, Kirkpatrick was one of the most highly rated and sought after high school football recruits in the country, having been awarded a five-star rating by national recruiting outlets Rivals.com[2] and Scout.com.[3][4]

On February 7, 2009, Kirkpatrick ended months of recruiting, committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide on National Signing Day,[5] as he announced his decision live on ESPNU.

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Coming out of Alabama, Kirkpatrick was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He received an invitation to the NFL combine and opted to skip the bench press, short shuttle, and three-cone drill due to a shoulder injury and after injuring his hamstring during the combine. On March 7, 2012, Kirkpatrick participated at Alabama's pro day and performed the three-cone and positional drills for the team representatives and scouts from all 32 NFL teams.[6] He was ranked the third best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com and NFL analyst Mike Mayock.[7][8]

External videos
video icon Dre Kirkpatrick's NFL Combine Workout
video icon Dre Kirkpatrick's 40-yard dash
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 1+5⁄8 in
(1.87 m) 		186 lb
(84 kg) 		30+5⁄8 in
(0.78 m) 		9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 4.51 s 1.53 s 2.57 s 7.20 s 35 in
(0.89 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Alabama's Pro Day[9]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

2012

[edit]

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Kirkpatrick in the first round (17th overall, traded from Oakland in exchange for Carson Palmer) of the 2012 NFL draft. He was the third cornerback drafted in the 2012 NFL draft, behind Morris Claiborne (6th overall, Cowboys) and Stephon Gilmore (10th overall, Bills).[10]

External videos
video icon Bengals draft Dre Kirkpatrick 17th overall
video icon Pre-Draft Interview: Dre Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick at training camp in 2012

On May 18, 2012, the Bengals signed Kirkpatrick to a four-year $8.62 million contract that includes $7.84 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.71 million.[11]

Kirkpatrick joined a veteran core of cornerbacks that included six highly touted first round picks. While preparing for training camp, Kirkpatrick fractured his knee and was expected to miss the next six weeks and be sidelined during training camp.[12] His knee recovered in August before the Cincinnati Bengals played their last preseason game. Kirkpatrick returned to practice, but developed tendinitis in his knee that later delayed his debut.[13] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Kirkpatrick the sixth cornerback on the Bengals' depth chart to begin the season, behind Nate Clements, Leon Hall, Terence Newman, Jason Allen, and Adam Jones.[14]

He was inactive for the first seven games and made his professional regular season debut on November 4, 2012, recording one tackle during the 23–31 loss to the Denver Broncos. In Week 11, Kirkpatrick recorded a season-high two combined tackles in the Bengals' 28–6 defeat over the Kansas City Chiefs. The next week, he made a tackle in a 34–10 victory over the Oakland Raiders, but suffered a concussion and was unable to finish the game. Kirkpatrick missed the following four games and was inactive for the rest of his rookie season. He finished the 2012 season with four combined tackles and was limited to five games.[15][16]

2013

[edit]

Kirkpatrick entered training camp in 2013 and competed for the starting cornerback role with Terence Newman, Leon Hall, and Adam "Pacman" Jones. He was named the fourth cornerback on the depth chart behind Newman, Hall, and Jones.[17]

On November 17, 2013, he collected two combined tackles and made his first career sack on Jason Campbell in a 41–20 victory over the Cleveland Browns.[18] On December 1, 2013, Kirkpatrick made his first career interception after he picked off a pass attempt by San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers during a 14–10 victory. The following week against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirkpatrick recorded a season-high six solo tackles in the Bengals' 42–28 victory. On December 15, 2013, he made his first career start in place of Terence Newman who was out with an MCL injury and finished the 20–30 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with four combined tackles.[19]

On December 21, 2013, Kirkpatrick had his best game yet when he collected a season-high nine combined tackles, three pass deflections, and intercepted two passes From Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco, as the Bengals won 34–17. He made his second interception during the fourth quarter and returned it for a 21-yard touchdown, marking the first touchdown of his career.[20]

He finished the season with 30 combined tackles (23 solo), five pass deflections, three interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown in 14 games and three starts.[15] The Cincinnati Bengals received a playoff berth after finishing first in the AFC North with an 11–5 record. On January 5, 2014, Kirkpatrick started his first career playoff games and made two solo tackles during the Bengals' 10–27 AFC Wildcard loss to the San Diego Chargers.[16]

2014

[edit]

Throughout the Cincinnati Bengals' training camp in 2014, Kirkpatrick competed for the job as the starting cornerback against Adam Jones, Terence Newman, Leon Hall, and rookie Darqueze Dennard. He was named the fourth cornerback to start the season, behind Hall, Newman, and Jones.[21]

In Week 10, he collected a season-high four combined tackles in the Bengals' 3–24 loss to the Cleveland Browns. On December 14, 2014, Kirkpatrick made his first start of the season and deflected a pass and intercepted a pass attempt by Brian Hoyer during the 30–0 victory at the Cleveland Browns.[22] The following week, Kirkpatrick made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes from Peyton Manning, as the Bengals' defeated the Denver Boncos 37–28. He returned the first interception for a 30-yard touchdown and sealed the game with his second interception in the final minutes.[23]

He finished the season with 23 combined tackles (20 solo), seven pass deflections, three interceptions, and a touchdown in two starts and 16 games.[15] The Cincinnati Bengals earned a playoff berth after finishing second atop the AFC North with a 10-5-1 record. On January 4, 2015, Kirkpatrick started in the AFC Wildcard game against the Indianapolis Colts and made four combined tackles and defended a pass during their 10–26 loss.[16]

2015

[edit]

On April 28, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals opted to exercise the fifth-year option on Kirkpatrick's rookie contract, paying him a salary of $7.5 million in 2016.[11]

Kirkpatrick entered Cincinnati Bengals' training camp and competed against Adam Jones, Leon Hall, Darquese Dennard, and Josh Shaw for the vacant starting cornerback job left by the departure of Terence Newman. Head coach Marvin Lewis named Kirkpatrick the starting cornerback, along with Adam "Pacman" Jones, to begin the 2015 season.[24]

During a Week 12 contest against the St. Louis Rams, Kirkpatrick collected a season-high ten combined tackles and defended three passes in their 31–7 victory. On December 28, 2015, he earned seven solo tackles and deflected a pass in a 17–20 loss at the Denver Broncos. He finished the 2015 season with a career-high 70 combined tackles (63 solo) and a career-high 16 pass deflections in 15 starts and 16 games.[15]

2016

[edit]

Kirkpatrick began the season as the starting cornerback with Adam Jones after winning the job over Darqueze Dennard and William Jackson III.[25]

On September 18, 2016, he recorded two combined tackles, defended two passes, and intercepted a pass attempt from Ben Roethlisberger during a 16–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Week 8, Kirkpatrick recorded a season-high six solo tackles in a 27–27 tie against the Washington Redskins. On November 14, 2016, Kirkpatrick made five combined tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass By New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning, as the Bengals lost 20–21. The next game, he collected two combined tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass from Tyrod Taylor in the Bengals' 12–16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the 2016 season with 46 combined tackles (35 solo), ten passes defensed, and three interceptions in 15 games and 14 starts.[16]

2017

[edit]

On March 9, 2017, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Kirkpatrick to a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension that includes $12 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $7 million.[11][26]

Kirkpatrick was named the starting cornerback, along with Adam "Pacman" Jones, for his second consecutive season after beating out Darqueze Dennard, Josh Shaw, and William Jackson III.[27]

On October 29, 2017, Kirkpatrick recorded three solo tackles, defended a pass, and sacked Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Jacoby Brissett in a 24–23 victory. The following week, he made a season-high six solo tackles during a 23–7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.[16] In Week 11, Kirkpatrick intercepted Denver's Brock Osweiler in the end zone and returned it 101 yards, before mishandling and fumbling the ball and recovering it at the one-yard line.[28] Kirkpatrick sustained a concussion during the Bengals' Week 13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was sidelined for the next two games (Weeks 14–15).[29] Kirkpatrick finished the 2017 season with 55 combined tackles (47 solo), a career-high 14 pass deflections, an interception, and a sack in 14 games and 14 starts.[30] He received an overall grade of 56.4, which ranked 91st among all qualified cornerbacks in 2017.[31]

2018

[edit]

In 2018, Kirkpatrick started 13 games, recording 41 tackles, nine passes defensed and no interceptions. He was placed on injured reserve on December 28, 2018, with a shoulder injury.[32]

2019

[edit]

On November 15, 2019, Kirkpatrick was placed on injured reserve after hyper-extending his knee back in Week 6.[33] He finished the season starting six games, recording 33 tackles, four passes defensed, and a sack.

Kirkpatrick was released by the Bengals on March 31, 2020, after eight seasons.[34]

Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Kirkpatrick (#20) playing for the Cardinals in 2020.

Kirkpatrick visited the Arizona Cardinals on August 21, 2020,[35] and signed with the team two days later.[36]

In Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, Kirkpatrick intercepted a pass thrown by former Bengals teammate Andy Dalton during the 38–10 win. This was Kirkpatrick's first interception as a Cardinal.[37] In Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, Kirkpatrick intercepted a pass thrown by Josh Allen during the 32–30 win which would later be referred to as Hail Murray.[38] He finished the season playing in 14 games with 11 starts, recording 56 tackles, three interceptions (tied for first on the team), and seven passes defensed (second on the team).

San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

On September 14, 2021, Kirkpatrick signed with the San Francisco 49ers.[39] He was released on November 16.[40]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2012 CIN 5 0 4 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2013 CIN 14 3 30 23 7 1.0 1 3 21 1 21 5 0 1 9 0
2014 CIN 16 2 23 20 3 0.0 0 3 32 1 30 7 0 0 0 0
2015 CIN 16 15 70 63 7 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0
2016 CIN 15 14 46 35 11 0.0 0 3 21 0 21 10 0 0 0 0
2017 CIN 14 14 55 47 8 1.0 4 1 101 0 101 14 1 1 0 0
2018 CIN 13 13 41 35 6 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0
2019 CIN 6 6 33 27 6 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 11 0
2020 ARI 14 11 56 53 3 0.0 0 3 13 0 13 7 0 0 0 0
2021 SFO 6 1 7 6 1 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
119 79 365 313 52 3.0 10 13 188 2 101 72 1 3 20 0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2013 CIN 1 1 2 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014 CIN 1 1 4 3 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2015 CIN 1 1 3 2 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 9 7 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Personal life

[edit]

Kirkpatrick's son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., attended Gadsden City High School, the same high school as his father, and is currently a defensive back at the University of Alabama.[41] On November 1, 2025, Kirkpatrick Jr. would be arrested and charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, one count of attempting to elude and speeding, before being released from prison after posting a $1,500 bond, with the driving incident he was arrested for also now under investigation by the University of Alabama as a result.[42]

Kirkpatrick has four children in total. [2][43]

Kirkpatrick is the cousin of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Caleb Ransaw.[44]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dre Kirkpatrick

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
D'Andre Lawan Kirkpatrick (born October 26, 1989) is an American former professional football who played ten seasons in the (NFL). A native of , Kirkpatrick attended before playing for the Crimson Tide from 2009 to 2011, where he contributed to two BCS teams in 2009 and 2011 and earned first-team All-American honors from the in 2011. Selected 17th overall by the in the first round of the , he spent the majority of his career with the Bengals from 2012 to 2019, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2014 after recording two interceptions, including a 30-yard return for a , in a win over the . Kirkpatrick later played for the in 2020 and the in 2021, appearing in 119 regular-season games over his career and accumulating 365 total tackles, 13 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), three sacks, and three fumble recoveries. At 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 190 pounds (86 kg), he was known for his physicality and coverage skills as a shutdown .

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

D'Andre Lawan Kirkpatrick was born on October 26, 1989, in , to parents Charles Kirkpatrick and Kim Kirkpatrick. He grew up in a close-knit with three sisters, in a household centered around faith and community involvement. His father, Charles, served as the senior pastor of a local church, instilling in Kirkpatrick a strong sense of from an early age; the family attended services three times a week, where young Dre participated by singing in the choir and playing drums. Kirkpatrick's upbringing in Gadsden, a modest industrial city in northeastern , emphasized discipline and family support, with his mother Kim encouraging his interests and dreams despite the structured religious environment. Early on, he was exposed to football through informal pick-up games in local neighborhoods, where he imagined himself as an star, laying the groundwork for his athletic pursuits.

High school career

Dre Kirkpatrick attended in , participating in the football program from 2005 to 2008. A versatile , he competed as both a on defense and a on offense for the Titans. During his junior season in 2007, Kirkpatrick recorded 58 tackles and six interceptions while also blocking four punts, earning selection to the Alabama 6A All-State team. As a senior in 2008, he continued his defensive dominance with six interceptions, securing first-team All-State honors as a defensive back from the Alabama Sports Writers Association and a spot on the Super 12 team. His performances helped Gadsden City advance to the that year, contributing to the team's competitive showings in Class 6A. Kirkpatrick's high school exploits marked him as a premier national prospect, earning five-star status and rankings as the No. 1 and among the top 10 overall players in the class of 2009 by services including and .

College career at Alabama

Kirkpatrick enrolled at the in 2009, playing as a true reserve in the secondary under head coach , appearing in 12 games with 8 tackles during Alabama's BCS National Championship-winning campaign, where the Crimson Tide defeated 37–21 in the title game. In 2010, Kirkpatrick emerged as a starter at , recording 53 tackles and three interceptions while earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors as Alabama finished with an undefeated regular season. His sophomore year solidified his role in a defense that ranked among the nation's elite, allowing just 12.9 points per game. During his junior season in , Kirkpatrick anchored the secondary as a first-team All-American from the , tallying 30 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, contributing to Alabama's repeat BCS with a 21–0 of LSU. Over his three-season college career (2009–2011), he amassed 91 tackles, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 38 games. Kirkpatrick's versatility and physicality in coverage were instrumental in Alabama's back-to-back national titles, establishing him as a cornerstone of one of college football's most dominant defenses. He declared for the following the season but was suspended for the due to an off-field incident.

Professional career

NFL Draft selection

Kirkpatrick entered the 2012 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects, bolstered by his standout college career at that showcased his athleticism and coverage skills. He participated in the in late February 2012 in , where he measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and 185 pounds, and ran the in 4.51 seconds, highlighting his elite speed and physical attributes. Additionally, he attended Alabama's pro day in March 2012, further impressing scouts with his ball skills and agility drills. NFL analysts widely projected Kirkpatrick as a first-round pick, ranking him among the top 20 overall prospects due to his combination of size, speed, and instincts in defending passes. His draft stock was elevated by comparisons to prototypical cornerbacks, emphasizing his potential to excel in man-to-man coverage. The selected him 17th overall in the first round of the held in on April 26–28. Following his selection, Kirkpatrick signed a four-year contract with the Bengals worth $8.6 million, including $7.84 million in guaranteed money, on May 18, 2012. This deal aligned with the 's rookie wage scale implemented after the 2011 agreement, providing the team with cost-controlled talent at a premium position.

Cincinnati Bengals tenure (2012–2019)

Dre Kirkpatrick began his NFL career with the after being selected in the first round of the . As a , he appeared in 5 games with no starts, primarily contributing on special teams and in reserve defensive roles due to injuries including a knee fracture and , recording 4 combined tackles and no interceptions during the regular season. He made his playoff debut in the AFC Wild Card round against the Houston Texans, where the Bengals fell 19-13, though his snaps were limited. By his second season in 2013, Kirkpatrick began to see increased opportunities, earning starts and finishing the year with three interceptions, including a standout performance with nine tackles and two picks (one a 21-yard pick-six) in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens. He solidified his role as a rotational cornerback, appearing in 14 games with three starts and contributing to the Bengals' third consecutive playoff appearance, though they lost in the Wild Card round to the San Diego Chargers. The following year, 2014, marked a breakthrough as injuries to other cornerbacks elevated him to a full-time starter; Kirkpatrick notched three interceptions, including a pivotal 30-yard pick-six off Peyton Manning in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos that clinched a playoff berth for Cincinnati. Despite a right ankle injury in the Wild Card loss to the Indianapolis Colts, his performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for that Broncos game. Kirkpatrick's development peaked during the 2015-2017 seasons, where he established himself as one of the Bengals' top s opposite Adam Jones, starting 15 of 16 games in 2015 with 70 tackles and zero interceptions while helping anchor a defense that reached the again before a Wild Card exit to the . In 2016, he led Bengals s with three interceptions and six passes defended across 15 starts, despite the team missing the postseason. His strong play led to a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension signed in March 2017, the largest in franchise history for a at the time, reflecting his growth into a reliable starter with 55 tackles and one interception that year. Over his Bengals tenure, Kirkpatrick amassed 302 tackles, 10 interceptions, and three sacks in 99 games (67 starts), including three postseason appearances from 2012 to 2014. Challenges arose in later years, including a injury in the 2015 playoffs and a that sidelined him for the final three games of 2018 after placement on injured reserve. Despite these setbacks, Kirkpatrick remained a key contributor until the Bengals released him on March 31, 2020, to clear cap space ahead of free agency, ending his eight-year stint with the organization where he had become a fan favorite for his physicality and big-play ability.

Arizona Cardinals stint (2020)

Following his release from the , veteran Dre Kirkpatrick signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the on August 23, 2020, providing depth to the secondary amid injuries to key players like Robert Alford. His prior experience with defensive coordinator , who had served as Bengals defensive backs coach in 2015, facilitated a smooth transition and added veteran presence to the unit, with Joseph now in his role as Cardinals DC. Kirkpatrick contributed as a rotational cornerback behind Patrick Peterson, appearing in 14 games with 11 starts during the 2020 season. He recorded 56 combined tackles (53 solo), three interceptions (tied for the team lead), and seven passes defensed, while also participating on special teams. No major injuries sidelined him, though his role expanded due to ongoing secondary challenges, without any singular standout plays dominating headlines. The Cardinals finished the season with an 8-8 record, missing the , in which Kirkpatrick played a supporting role in the defense that ranked 12th in points allowed per game. His expired at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted in March 2021, after which the team did not re-sign him.

San Francisco 49ers stint (2021)

Kirkpatrick joined the on September 14, 2021, signing a one-year worth $425,000 following a tryout during the team's in late July. The move addressed immediate needs in the secondary after injuries sidelined starting Jason Verrett and running back Raheem Mostert, allowing Kirkpatrick to provide depth as a . In his brief tenure, Kirkpatrick appeared in six regular-season games for the 49ers, starting one as an injury replacement, and logged 95 defensive snaps. He tallied seven tackles (six solo) but did not record any interceptions, passes defensed, or forced fumbles. His role remained limited due to the team's established depth at , including players like and , positioning him primarily as a rotational and special teams contributor early in the season. The 49ers rallied to a 10-7 record and earned a wild card playoff berth, but Kirkpatrick was waived on November 16, 2021, midway through the campaign, and did not participate in the postseason loss to the . His stint underscored a late-career effort to revive his role leveraging prior experience, though limited opportunities curtailed greater impact.

Retirement and post-NFL activities

After concluding his career following the 2021 season with the , where he appeared in six games, Dre Kirkpatrick effectively retired at age 32 after 10 professional seasons. In the years following his playing days, Kirkpatrick pursued entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly in . He shared insights into his transition to this field during a 2023 appearance on the 3CRE Investment Show , highlighting the challenges and rewards of investments as a post-football endeavor. Kirkpatrick expanded his business interests by opening Memories Lounge, a downtown Cincinnati nightclub, restaurant, and lounge emphasizing Southern cuisine inspired by his Alabama roots. The venue, which he owns and founded, celebrated its grand opening on October 3, 2025, and has hosted events blending music, dining, and community gatherings. Kirkpatrick has remained actively involved in his family's football legacy, mentoring his son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a defensive back for the University of Alabama. In August 2023, he publicly expressed profound emotion upon watching his son commit to the Crimson Tide, the same program where Kirkpatrick earned All-American honors, describing it as a historic "legacy recruit" moment under coach Nick Saban. As of November 2025, Kirkpatrick has shown no interest in returning to professional football, focusing instead on his and commitments.

Career statistics and achievements

Regular season performance

Dre Kirkpatrick appeared in 119 regular-season games over 10 seasons, starting 79 of them, and accumulated 365 total tackles (313 solo, 52 assisted), 13 interceptions, 3 sacks, 1 forced , and 3 fumble recoveries. His interceptions included two defensive touchdowns, highlighting his ball-hawking as a . These figures reflect a career spent primarily in man and zone coverage schemes, where he contributed to pass defense while occasionally blitzing from the slot.
YearTeamGGSComb TcklSoloAstSkIntFF
2012CIN504400.000
2013CIN143302371.030
2014CIN162232030.030
2015CIN1615706370.000
2016CIN15144635110.030
2017CIN1414554781.011
2018CIN1313413560.000
2019CIN66332761.000
2020ARI1411565330.030
2021SF617610.000
Career-11979365313523.0131
Kirkpatrick recorded three interceptions in both 2013 and 2014 with the , including one pick-six each year that underscored his playmaking prowess. In 2013, he broke out with three interceptions despite limited starts, demonstrating rapid development from a first-round draft pick. Following his 2019 knee injury, Kirkpatrick's snap counts declined sharply, averaging under 40 defensive snaps per game in 2020 and 2021 combined, compared to over 70 in his peak years with . Overall, Kirkpatrick established himself as a reliable boundary corner before the physical toll of the position contributed to a late-career fade.

Postseason performance

Dre Kirkpatrick appeared in three postseason games during his career, all with the as part of their consecutive AFC playoff runs from 2013 to 2015. In these appearances, he contributed on defense with a focus on covering wide receivers and supporting run support, though the Bengals were eliminated in the Wild Card round each year and never advanced to a . Kirkpatrick's postseason statistics reflect his role as a rotational early in his career, with limited snaps compared to his regular-season workload. He recorded 9 combined tackles and 1 pass defended across the three games, with no interceptions or defensive touchdowns. His tackles came primarily in the 2013 and 2014 playoffs, where he saw increased action following injuries to other secondary players.
StatisticTotal
Games Played3
Combined Tackles9
Solo Tackles7
Assisted Tackles2
Passes Defended1
Interceptions0
Defensive TDs0
The Bengals' postseason efforts during this period highlighted Kirkpatrick's development, as he transitioned from a reserve role in —where he did not appear in the Wild Card loss to the Texans—to a starter by 2014, though the team fell short of deeper playoff success.

Accolades and playing style

In the NFL, Kirkpatrick did not receive any Pro Bowl selections over his 10-year career, though he established himself as a reliable starter for multiple teams. He earned the Bengals' "Good Guy" award in 2016 for his cooperation with media. Kirkpatrick was known for his physical press coverage style, leveraging his 6-foot-2 frame to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt routes early. His elite speed, evidenced by a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, allowed him to recover quickly on deep balls and match strides with top wideouts. Ball-hawking instincts defined his play, as he demonstrated sharp route recognition and opportunistic hands, often compared to shutdown corners for his aggressive, attitude-filled approach. As a solid mid-tier starter, Kirkpatrick recorded two defensive touchdowns via interception returns during his career, including a 21-yard pick-six against the in 2013 and a game-sealing 30-yard return against the in 2014. He also mentored younger defensive backs in , such as and , sharing insights from his first-round draft pedigree to aid their development.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Dre Kirkpatrick was born to Charles Kirkpatrick, a senior pastor at United Christian New Beginning Ministry in , and Kim Kirkpatrick, who has been described as his biggest supporter throughout his athletic career. He has maintained close ties to his family and the Gadsden community, where he grew up and often returns for events. Kirkpatrick has one sibling, a sister named Chantae, though he rarely discusses her publicly. Kirkpatrick has never been married and was reported as single as of 2023, with limited public details about his romantic relationships. In 2018, he was dating Lexy Hight, who accompanied him to family-oriented events alongside his son. Kirkpatrick is the father of one child, his son Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., born in 2005, who followed in his footsteps as a at and later committed to the in 2023. As a father, Kirkpatrick has played an active supportive role in his son's athletic development, attending games, offering guidance on , and serving as a mentor who emphasizes discipline and focus drawn from his own experiences. In a , Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. described his father as "a great mentor, Dad, everything in one," highlighting the personal influence on his decision to play for . Kirkpatrick has bonded with his son over football since early childhood, bringing him to Bengals stadiums during his professional career. In November 2025, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. faced an indefinite suspension from the Alabama team following an on charges including reckless endangerment, attempting to elude police, and speeding.

Philanthropy and interests

Kirkpatrick established the 21 Kids Foundation in 2013 to support disadvantaged youth in , emphasizing education, sports, and . The organization hosts annual youth football camps at , where Kirkpatrick attended, offering skill-building sessions and motivational talks for local children. It also runs back-to-school shopping sprees, providing clothing and supplies to underprivileged students, and partners with educational programs like the Educational Opportunity Center for childcare and transportation aid. In 2019, the foundation donated $4,500 toward locker room renovations at his , demonstrating ongoing commitment to local infrastructure. His family frequently joins in foundation events, such as sprees and camps, to amplify community outreach efforts. Beyond , Kirkpatrick is a enthusiast who organizes celebrity tournaments to benefit the 21 Kids Foundation, including events in 2014 and 2024 at Twin Bridges Golf Club in Gadsden. As a former standout for the , he maintains strong ties to the program as an avid supporter. Kirkpatrick also participates in community speaking engagements at schools, sharing insights from his career to inspire youth on topics like personal growth and resilience.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KirkDr00.htm
  2. https://www.al.com/sports/2021/09/dre-kirkpatrick-returns-for-a-10th-nfl-season.html
  3. https://www.bengals.com/news/dre-kirkpatrick-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-14651588
  4. https://www.nfl.com/players/dre-kirkpatrick/
  5. https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/how-many-kids-dre-kirkpatrick-have-taking-closer-look-family-tree-former-alabama-cornerback
  6. https://www.mynewsgh.com/dre-kirkpatrick-parents-meet-charles-kirkpatrick-and-kim-kirkpatrick/
  7. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2015/08/15/cincinnati-bengals-dre-kirkpatrick-next-sound-hear-might-guy-exploding/30898459/
  8. https://birminghamchristian.com/dre-kirkpatrick-gives-back-to-alabama-children-in-need/
  9. https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/sports/college/2012/04/26/former-titan-nfl-draft-prospect-kirkpatrick-proves-dreams-can-come-true/32134000007/
  10. https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2008/07/10/kirkpatrick-has-split-personality/29474336007/
  11. https://www.maxpreps.com/news/V_8_96sniUiy15r_u6eSbg/2008-maxpreps-football-all-american-team.htm
  12. https://www.ahsfhs.org/teams2/allstate.asp?Team=Gadsden%20City
  13. https://www.ahsfhs.org/Teams2/gamesbyyear.asp?year=2008&Team=Gadsden%20City
  14. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/55034/dre-kirkpatrick
  15. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dre-kirkpatrick-1.html
  16. https://www.nfl.com/news/dre-kirkpatrick-signs-with-cincinnati-bengals-09000d5d8292ebec
  17. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2319011-dre-kirkpatrick-injury-updates-on-bengals-stars-ankle-and-return
  18. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/dre-kirkpatrick-9827/
  19. https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-release-dre-kirkpatrick
  20. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2572033-dre-kirkpatrick-injury-updates-on-bengals-cbs-quad-and-return
  21. https://overthecap.com/player/dre-kirkpatrick/179
  22. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29725324/arizona-cardinals-bolster-cb-spot-signing-veteran-dre-kirkpatrick
  23. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/dre-kirkpatrick-player
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2020.htm
  25. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/free-agent-primer-2021-cornerback
  26. https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-dre-kirkpatrick-place-raheem-mostert-and-jason-verrett-on-ir
  27. https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/29/san-francisco-49ers-working-out-dre-kirkpatrick/
  28. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/14940/dre-kirkpatrick
  29. https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/dre-kirkpatrick/7023
  30. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/49ers-waive-dre-kirkpatrick
  31. https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/152590-49ers-waive-dre-kirkpatrick/
  32. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/9827
  33. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-3cre-investment-show-9-former-nfl-standout-dre/id1637475898?i=1000604397392
  34. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPShsaUgFkp/
  35. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2023/08/dre-kirkpatrick-sr-on-his-recruitment-his-sons-recruitment-what-makes-nick-saban-great.html
  36. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/14940/dre-kirkpatrick
  37. https://www.nfl.com/players/dre-kirkpatrick/stats/career
  38. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/dre-kirkpatrick-career-postseason-stats
  39. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KirkDr00/gamelog/post/
  40. https://www.wcpo.com/sports/football/bengals/bengals-writers-name-aj-green-mvp-dre-kirkpatrick-good-guy
  41. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/kirkpatrick-is-a-physical-corner-full-of-attitude
  42. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dre-kirkpatrick/32004b49-5262-1103-9d6b-27a076cce8df
  43. https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4690679/draft-preview-series-alabama-cb-dre-kirkpatrick
  44. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2013/12/former_alabama_dbs_dre_kirkpat.html
  45. https://www.al.com/sports/2014/12/dre_kirkpatrick_intercepts_pey.html
  46. https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/bengals-release-veteran-defensive-back/6yyoieOzg3Y9eWcBrHdAiM/
  47. https://www.bengals.com/news/mother-of-all-debuts-8714440
  48. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/dre-kirkpatrick.html
  49. https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/fact-check-does-dre-kirkpatrick-wife-exploring-ex-alabama-cb-s-relationship-timeline
  50. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/7/31/17581880/teeing-off-dre-kirkpatrick-bengals-cornerback-family-football-driving-range-golf-cincinnati
  51. https://hamariweb.com/profiles/dre-kirkpatrick-jr_20782
  52. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38217181/dre-kirkpatrick-jr-son-ex-alabama-db-commits-crimson-tide
  53. https://www.facebook.com/ua.ctsn/videos/hes-a-great-mentor-dad-everything-in-one-dre-kirkpatrick-jr-on-the-influence-of-/480578418333301/
  54. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46834885/alabama-suspends-db-dre-kirkpatrick-jr-indefinitely
  55. https://ww2.gadsdenstate.edu/annualreport2022/21kids.html
  56. https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/sports/2015/05/23/kirkpatrick-dennard-get-chance-for-bigger-role-with-bengals/32096592007/
  57. https://gadsdenmessenger.com/dre-kirkpatricks-foundation-hosts-shopping-spree/
  58. https://www.bengals.com/news/kirkpatrick-gives-back-to-his-high-school
  59. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2014/04/04/dre-kirkpatrick-s-celebrity-golf-tourney/774708007/
  60. https://us.trip.com/events/827296-2024-04-etowah-county-collection/
  61. https://247sports.com/article/former-alabama-cb-dre-kirkpatrick-takes-kids-on-shopping-spree--119704588/
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