Christian Kirksey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Christian Kirksey

Kirksey with the Cleveland Browns in 2018
No. 58
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1992-08-31) August 31, 1992 (age 32) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:	Hazelwood East (St. Louis)
College:	Iowa (2010–2013)
NFL Draft:	2014 / Round: 3 / Pick: 71
Career history
Cleveland Browns (2014–2019) Green Bay Packers (2020) Houston Texans (2021–2022) Buffalo Bills (2023)*
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 726 Sacks: 14.5 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 6 Pass deflections: 30 Interceptions: 6
Player stats at PFR

Christian Paul Kirksey (born August 31, 1992) is an American former professional football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Kirksey played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft. He also played for the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. On April 15, 2024, Kirksey officially retired as a Cleveland Brown.

Early Life and High School Sports

Christian Kirksey grew up in Hazelwood, Missouri. He went to Hazelwood East High School. There, he was a star player on the football team.

Football Achievements

As a senior, he was named first-team all-conference. He made 163 tackles, which means he stopped the player with the ball many times. He also had three sacks, which is when he tackled the opposing team's quarterback. He even caught two interceptions, running one back for a touchdown. His team won the state championship when he was a junior.

Track and Field Talents

Besides football, Kirksey was also good at track & field. He competed in jumping events and relays. He helped his team win the state championship in track as a junior. He showed great athletic skill in both sports.

College Football Career

Kirksey played college football at the University of Iowa for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team from 2010 to 2013.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

In 2010, as a first-year player, he mostly played on special teams. He made six tackles. In 2011, he became a starter and played in all 13 games. He recorded 62 tackles and even got an interception.

Junior and Senior Seasons

By 2012, he was named a team captain. He had a fantastic year with 95 tackles. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns, which is very exciting in football! In his senior year (2013), he was again a team captain. He led the team with 104 tackles. He was recognized as one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference.

Professional Football Journey

Christian Kirksey prepared for the NFL Draft by showing off his skills. He attended the 2014 Senior Bowl and the NFL combine. Scouts were impressed by his athleticism.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns picked Kirksey in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract with them.

Rookie Season (2014)

Kirksey played his first NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made his first career sack in that game. He started eight games in his rookie year. He finished with 81 tackles and two sacks.

Second Season (2015)

In 2015, Kirksey continued to play an important role. He started five games and made 63 tackles. He also had 3.5 sacks.

Kirksey with the Browns in 2015

Breakout Year (2016)

The 2016 season was a big one for Kirksey. He became a full-time starter and played in all 16 games. He led the Browns with an amazing 148 tackles! He also had 2.5 sacks.

Continued Success (2017)

In 2017, Kirksey signed a new, big contract with the Browns. He continued to be a key player, making 136 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He was second on the team in tackles.

Injuries in Later Years (2018-2019)

In 2018, Kirksey got his first career interception against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also had another interception and a fumble recovery. However, he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. In 2019, he was again placed on injured reserve early in the season due to a chest injury. The Browns released him in March 2020.

Playing for the Green Bay Packers (2020)

In March 2020, Kirksey signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. He had a strong start, leading the team in tackles in his first two games. He later had a pectoral injury but returned to play. He recorded two interceptions and two sacks for the Packers.

Time with the Houston Texans (2021-2022)

Kirksey joined the Houston Texans in March 2021. He became their starting middle linebacker. He played in 13 games in 2021 and 17 games in 2022. He continued to be a strong tackler, making 93 tackles in 2021 and 124 tackles in 2022.

Brief Stint with the Buffalo Bills and Retirement (2023)

In August 2023, Kirksey signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad. Shortly after, on September 21, 2023, he announced his retirement from the NFL. On April 15, 2024, he signed a special one-day contract to officially retire as a Cleveland Brown, which is a way for players to end their careers with the team they are most known for.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Images for kids

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  Kirksey with the Browns in 2018

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  Kirksey with the Browns in 2015