Dre Kirkpatrick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dre Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015
No. 27, 20, 13
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1989-10-26) October 26, 1989 (age 35) Gadsden, Alabama, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:	Gadsden City (Gadsden, Alabama)
College:	Alabama (2009–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17
Career history
Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2019) Arizona Cardinals (2020) San Francisco 49ers (2021)
Career highlights and awards
2× BCS national champion (2009, 2011) First-team All-American (2011) 2× Second-team All-SEC (2010, 2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 365 Sacks: 3.0 Forced fumbles: 1 Fumble recoveries: 3 Interceptions: 13 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

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

Early Life and High School Football

Dre Kirkpatrick grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. He went to Gadsden City High School. There, he played for the Gadsden City Titans high school football team. He was a great player, known for his skills on the field.

During his last three high school seasons, Dre played in 35 games. He made 193 tackles and caught 17 interceptions. Three of these interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He also broke up 36 passes and scored a touchdown on a punt return, a kick return, and even a receiving touchdown.

After his senior year, he was named the ASWA 6A back of the year. He was also chosen as a first-team all-state defensive back for two years in a row. Experts like Rivals.com and Scout.com rated him as one of the top high school football players in the country.

In February 2009, Dre decided to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He announced his choice live on ESPNU.

Professional Football Career

Before joining the NFL, experts thought Dre Kirkpatrick would be a top pick in the draft. He attended the NFL combine, where players show off their skills. He later participated in Alabama's pro day, performing drills for all 32 NFL teams.

Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2019)

The Cincinnati Bengals picked Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He was the 17th player chosen overall. He was the third cornerback picked that year.

On May 18, 2012, the Bengals signed Dre to a four-year contract. It was worth $8.62 million.

Starting His NFL Journey (2012)

Dre joined a team with many experienced cornerbacks. Unfortunately, he fractured his knee before training camp. This injury kept him from playing for several weeks. He later developed tendinitis, which also delayed his first game.

He finally made his NFL debut on November 4, 2012. He played in five games during his rookie season. He recorded four tackles.

Making a Mark (2013)

In 2013, Dre worked hard to earn a starting spot. On November 17, he got his first career sack. This happened in a game against the Cleveland Browns. On December 1, he made his first career interception. He picked off a pass from San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers.

Kirkpatrick at training camp in 2012

His best game that year was on December 21. He had nine tackles and intercepted two passes from Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco. He returned one of those interceptions for a 21-yard touchdown. This was his first career touchdown!

He finished the season with 30 tackles, five pass deflections, three interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown. The Bengals made it to the playoffs. Dre started his first playoff game on January 5, 2014.

More Big Plays (2014)

In 2014, Dre continued to improve. On December 14, he made his first start of the season. He intercepted a pass from Brian Hoyer of the Cleveland Browns. The next week, he had an amazing game against the Denver Broncos. He intercepted two passes from Peyton Manning. He returned one for a 30-yard touchdown. His second interception in the final minutes helped seal the win for the Bengals.

He ended the season with 23 tackles, seven pass deflections, three interceptions, and another touchdown. The Bengals went to the playoffs again.

Becoming a Starter (2015)

In 2015, the Bengals decided to keep Dre for another year. He earned the job as a starting cornerback. In a game against the St. Louis Rams, he had a season-high ten tackles. He finished the 2015 season with a career-high 70 tackles. He also had a career-high 16 pass deflections.

Consistent Performance (2016)

Dre continued as a starting cornerback in 2016. He intercepted passes from top quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, and Tyrod Taylor. He finished the season with 46 tackles, ten pass deflections, and three interceptions.

Big Contract and Continued Impact (2017)

On March 9, 2017, the Bengals signed Dre to a new five-year contract. It was worth $52.5 million. He remained a starting cornerback.

In Week 11, he intercepted a pass from Denver's Brock Osweiler. He returned it 101 yards, nearly scoring another touchdown. He finished the 2017 season with 55 tackles, 14 pass deflections, an interception, and a sack.

Later Years with Bengals (2018–2019)

In 2018, Dre started 13 games and had 41 tackles. He was placed on injured reserve in December due to a shoulder injury. In 2019, he was placed on injured reserve again in November due to a knee injury. He finished the season with 33 tackles and a sack in six games.

The Bengals released Dre on March 31, 2020, after eight seasons with the team.

Arizona Cardinals (2020)

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

Dre Kirkpatrick signed with the Arizona Cardinals on August 23, 2020. In Week 6, he intercepted a pass from Andy Dalton of the Dallas Cowboys. This was his first interception as a Cardinal.

In Week 10, he intercepted a pass from Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. This play was part of a famous game-winning touchdown known as "Hail Murray." He played in 14 games for the Cardinals, making 56 tackles and three interceptions.

San Francisco 49ers (2021)

On September 14, 2021, Dre signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He played in six games before being released on November 16.

NFL Career Statistics

These tables show Dre Kirkpatrick's statistics during his time in the NFL.

Regular season

Playoffs

Personal Life

Dre Kirkpatrick has four children, two boys and two girls. His son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., also played football at Gadsden City High School. He is now a defensive back at Alabama, just like his father.