Geno Atkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Geno Atkins

Atkins with the Bengals in 2015
No. 97
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1988-03-28) March 28, 1988 (age 37) Pembroke Pines, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	300 lb (136 kg)
Career information
High school:	St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
College:	Georgia (2006–2009)
NFL Draft:	2010 / Round: 4 / Pick: 120
Career history
Cincinnati Bengals (2010)
Career highlights and awards
2× First-team All-Pro (2012, 2015) Second-team All-Pro (2011) 8× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014–2019) NFL 2010s All-Decade Team First-team All-SEC (2007) Second-team All-SEC (2009)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 384 Sacks: 75.5 Safeties: 1 Forced fumbles: 8 Fumble recoveries: 2 Pass deflections: 6 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Geno Atkins is a former American professional football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the NFL. He was known for his strength and speed, which made him one of the best defensive players of his time.

Atkins played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was then chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2010 NFL Draft. During his career, Atkins was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times. He was also named a first-team All-Pro twice.

Early Life and High School Football

Geno Atkins was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on March 28, 1988. He went to St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. He helped his high school football team reach the Class 5A state finals in both 2004 and 2005.

In 2004, as a junior, Atkins made 70 tackles. He also had one interception and four fumble recoveries. In 2005, his senior year, he had 117 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and recovered two. After this great season, he was named the Florida Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year.

Atkins was also a top athlete in track & field. He was good at throwing events like the discus and shot put. In 2006, he tied for first place in the shot put at the state finals.

College Football Journey

Atkins went to the University of Georgia and played for the Georgia Bulldogs football team. He played as a freshman in 2006, making nine tackles.

In 2007, Atkins started getting more playing time. Even as a backup, he was one of the best in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for tackles that caused a loss of yards. He later became a starter and was named First-team All-SEC. This was a big honor for a young player.

Before the 2008 Sugar Bowl, Atkins famously asked for an autograph from Hawaii's quarterback, Colt Brennan. But during the game, Atkins still managed to sack Brennan. In 2008, he helped his team sack Florida's star quarterback, Tim Tebow, six times.

In 2009, Atkins was considered one of the top defensive tackles in college football. He continued to be a strong player for the Bulldogs.

Starting His NFL Career

The Cincinnati Bengals picked Geno Atkins in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. He was the 12th defensive tackle chosen that year.

In July 2010, Atkins signed a four-year contract with the Bengals. He started his first NFL season as a backup defensive tackle. He made his professional debut in the first game of the season.

In Week 2, he got his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished his rookie season with 16 tackles and three sacks.

In 2011, Atkins became a starting defensive tackle for the Bengals. He had a great season, leading the team with 7.5 sacks. This was the most sacks by any defensive tackle in the NFL that year. Because of his excellent play, Atkins was chosen for his first Pro Bowl. The Bengals also made it to the playoffs that year.

Rising to Stardom: Pro Bowl Years

Atkins continued to be a key player for the Bengals in 2012. He had an amazing season with 12.5 sacks, which was one of the highest in the NFL. He also made 54 tackles. He was voted to the 2013 Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors. This meant he was considered one of the best players in the entire league.

In 2013, Atkins signed a big five-year contract extension with the Bengals. However, his season was cut short when he tore his ACL (a knee ligament) in October. He had to have surgery and missed the rest of the season.

Atkins at Bengals training camp in 2014

Atkins worked hard to recover from his injury. He returned in 2014 and played in all 16 games. He recorded three sacks and even scored his first career safety. He was chosen as an alternate for the 2015 Pro Bowl and later played in it.

The 2015 season was another standout year for Atkins. He had a career-high 11 sacks and 42 tackles. He was voted to the 2016 Pro Bowl and was named a player captain. The Bengals had a great season, finishing first in their division.

In 2016, Atkins continued his strong performance. He had nine sacks and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for one game. He was also selected for his fifth Pro Bowl.

In 2017, Atkins made 46 tackles and nine sacks. He was named to his sixth Pro Bowl, showing his consistent high level of play.

Later Career and Achievements

In 2018, Atkins signed another contract extension with the Bengals. He continued to be a dominant force on the defensive line. He finished the season with ten sacks and 45 tackles. He was named to his seventh Pro Bowl.

Atkins alongside Jurrell Casey at the 2020 Pro Bowl

In 2019, Atkins played in all 16 games. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 47 tackles. He was named to his eighth Pro Bowl, which is a huge achievement for any NFL player. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, meaning he was one of the best players of the entire decade.

His 2020 season was cut short due to shoulder surgery. He played in eight games before being placed on injured reserve. The Bengals released him in March 2021, marking the end of his time with the team.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Geno Atkins married his college girlfriend, Kristen Merritt, in 2016.

During his first year at the University of Georgia, Atkins found out he has sickle cell trait. This is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells.

Geno is the son of Gene Atkins, who was also a professional NFL player. His father played as a safety.

See also

In Spanish: Geno Atkins para niños