Donte Whitner facts for kids
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Whitner with the Cleveland Browns in 2014
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | July 24, 1985 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 208 lb (94 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Glenville (Cleveland) | ||||||||||||
| College: | Ohio State (2003–2005) | ||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Donte Demetrius Whitner Sr. (born July 24, 1985) is a former American professional football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Donte played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was chosen by the Buffalo Bills as the eighth overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft. Whitner also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins. He was known for his strong tackles and being a key player on defense.
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Donte Whitner's Early Life
Donte Whitner was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the older brother of Lindsey Witten, who also played college football. Donte went to Glenville High School in Cleveland. After his senior year, he was invited to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game.
When Donte was six years old, something scary happened. He was hit by a car while chasing a football. He had many broken bones in his legs and doctors thought he might not walk again. But Donte worked hard and recovered. He spent three months in a full body cast. After that, he was able to walk and play sports again!
College Football Career
Donte Whitner played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2003 to 2005. He played as a defensive back and safety. His junior year was his best. He earned special honors and helped his team beat Notre Dame in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. In 2005, Whitner made 73 tackles and caught 2 interceptions.
Professional Football Career
Donte Whitner had a long and successful career in the NFL. He was known for his powerful hits and strong defensive plays.
Playing for the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills picked Donte Whitner in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He was the eighth player chosen overall. Whitner was the second safety picked that year.
Donte missed the start of training camp because of contract talks. On August 7, 2006, the Buffalo Bills signed him to a five-year contract.
In his very first NFL game, he caught his first interception against famous quarterback Tom Brady. In 2009, Whitner scored his first career touchdown. This happened when he ran back an interception 76 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2010, he had his most tackles in one game, making 18 tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Time with the San Francisco 49ers
On August 4, 2011, Whitner joined the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a three-year deal with the team. After his first year with the 49ers, he was named to the USA Today All Joe Team.
During the 2011 playoffs, Whitner became known for his strong hits. One famous hit was against New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas. This hit caused Thomas to fumble the ball, and the 49ers recovered it. Thomas had to leave the game after that play.
At the end of the 2012 season, Whitner and the 49ers played in Super Bowl XLVII. Donte made eight tackles in the game. However, the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 34–31.
In 2013, Donte Whitner considered changing his last name. He wanted to change it from "Whitner" to "Hitner," dropping the "W." He said this was because of a fine he received for a hit during a game. He later decided to keep his name as Whitner.
Joining the Cleveland Browns
Donte Whitner signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns on March 11, 2014. He played for his hometown team for two seasons. On April 2, 2016, the Browns released him from the team.
Playing for the Washington Redskins
On October 5, 2016, Whitner signed with the Washington Redskins. After playing two games, he became the main strong safety for the team. His season ended on December 28 when he was placed on injured reserve due to a leg injury.
Donte Whitner's Career Highlights
Donte Whitner had a great career in the NFL. Here are some of his achievements:
- He was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times (2012, 2013, 2014). The Pro Bowl is an all-star game for the best players in the NFL.
- He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2006, which means he was one of the best new players in the league.
- He was a First-team All-Big Ten player in college in 2005.
Over his career, Donte Whitner made 922 total tackles, which is a lot! He also had 11 interceptions and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. He was a tough and important player for every team he played on.
