Christian Kirksey

Last updated

Christian Kirksey
Christian Kirksey (cropped).jpg
Kirksey with the Cleveland Browns in 2018
No. 58
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1992-08-31) August 31, 1992 (age 31)
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, Missouri)
College: Iowa (2010–2013)
NFL draft: 2014  / Round: 3 / Pick: 71
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:726
Sacks:14.5
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:6
Pass deflections:30
Interceptions:6
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Christian Paul Kirksey (born August 31, 1992) is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Iowa and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills.

Contents

Early years

Kirksey attended Hazelwood East High School in Hazelwood, Missouri, where he played on the football team and was coached by Mike Jones. He was first-team all-conference as a senior after earning honorable mention recognition as a junior. He recorded 163 tackles as a senior, with nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He helped his team win the state championship in his junior season and returned to playoffs the following year.

In addition to football, Kirksey participated in track & field at Hazelwood East, where he competed in relays and jumping events, helping his team win the state championship as a junior. He placed ninth in the triple jump at the 2009 MSHSAA State T&F Championships, with a leap of 44 ft 1 in. [1] At the 2010 Suburban North Conference Championship, he placed fourth in the long jump (20 ft 12 in) and took bronze in the triple jump (45 ft 6 in). [2]

Kirksey was considered a three-star recruit by the Rivals.com recruiting network. [3]

College career

Kirksey enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team from 2010 to 2013. As a true freshman in 2010, he played in 10 games, primarily on special teams, recording six total tackles. In 2011, he started all 13 games for the Hawkeyes, recording 62 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, three pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. As a junior in 2012, he was named a team captain. He started all 12 games, recording 95 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns (one 68 yards vs. Minnesota and one 18 yards against Indiana), had four recovered fumbles, two pass break-ups and one forced fumble. In 2013, as a senior and team captain, he started all 13 games at outside linebacker, finishing third on team with 104 tackles. He also had five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, two recovered fumbles and two forced fumbles, one interception and one pass break-up. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference following the season.

Professional career

Pre-draft

On December 30, 2013, it was announced that Kirksey had accepted his invitation to appear in the 2014 Senior Bowl. [4] Throughout the week, leading up to the game, Kirksey impressed scouts and team representatives during practice by displaying his athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to finish plays. [5] On January 25, 2014, he participated at the Senior Bowl and recorded six combined tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss during the North's 20–10 loss to the South. He had an impressive performance playing for former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith's North team. [6] He was one of 35 collegiate linebackers to receive an invitation to attend the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. [7] Kirksey attended the NFL combine, but opted to forgo the majority of combine drills and only perform the vertical jump, broad jump, and bench press. His 16 reps tied for 23rd out of the 25 linebackers who participated and he finished 21st out of 30 linebackers in the vertical. Kirksey's best performance at the combine was in the broad jump where he tied for fifth out of 30 players in his position. [8] On March 24, 2014, Kirksey participated at Iowa's pro day, along with C. J. Fiedorowicz, Anthony Hitchens, James Morris, and nine other prospects. Representatives and scouts from 28 NFL teams attended as he performed all of the combine and positional drills and was able to increase his vertical by four inches (36"). Kirksey's unofficial time in the 40-yard dash would've garnered him third among his position group at the combine. [9] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Kirksey was projected to be a fourth or fifth round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the 13th best outside linebacker prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. [10]

External videos
Nuvola apps kaboodle.svg Kirksey's NFL Combine workout
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+34 in
(1.87 m)
233 lb
(106 kg)
32+38 in
(0.82 m)
9+38 in
(0.24 m)
4.58 s1.59 s2.64 s4.42 s7.11 s32 in
(0.81 m)
10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)
16 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Iowa's Pro Day [11]

Cleveland Browns

2014

The Cleveland Browns selected Kirksey in the third round (71st overall) of the 2014 NFL draft. [12] He was the ninth linebacker selected in 2014. [13] On June 5, 2014, the Browns signed Kirksey to a four-year, $3.04 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $662,500. [14]

Throughout training camp, Kirksey competed against Craig Robertson for the job as the starting right inside linebacker. [15] Head coach Mike Pettine named him the backup right inside linebacker to Robertson to begin the regular season. [16]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Browns' season-opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded one solo tackle and made his first career sack on Ben Roethlisberger during their 30–27 loss. The following week, he earned the first start of his career against the New Orleans Saints, after starting right outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo was unable to play due to a shoulder injury. [17] He went on to finish the game with four combined tackles as the Browns won 26–24. On October 19, 2014, Kirksey recorded a season-high nine combined tackles as the Browns lost 24–6 at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kirksey started over Robertson during a Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans and tied his season-high of nine combined tackles in Cleveland's 23–7 loss. [18] He started from Weeks 12–15 after Karlos Dansby suffered a knee injury during the loss to Houston. He finished his rookie season with 81 combined tackles (47 solo), two sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in eight starts, 16 games, and 343 defensive snaps. [19]

2015

Kirksey with the Browns in 2015 Christian Kirksey Cleveland Browns New Uniform Unveiling (17153806041).jpg
Kirksey with the Browns in 2015

Kirksey continued to compete for the starting inside linebacker role against Robertson throughout training camp. [20] He started the regular season as the backup inside linebacker behind Robertson.

On October 4, 2015, Kirksey earned his first start of the season after Robertson suffered an ankle injury. He went on to collect five combined tackles and sacked San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, in Cleveland's 30–27 loss at San Diego. He started the next four games at inside linebacker (Weeks 4–7) in place of Robertson. [21] In Week 6, he recorded a season-high nine combined tackles as the Browns lost 26–23 to the Denver Broncos. On November 15, 2015, Kirksey collected a combined four tackles and sacked Steelers' quarterback Roethlisberger during a 30–9 loss at the Steelers. [22] He finished the 2015 season with 63 combined tackles (40 solo), 3.5 sacks, and a pass deflection in 16 games and five starts. [23]

2016

Kirksey was slated to be the starting inside linebacker after Robertson departed during free agency to the Saints. [24] New head coach Hue Jackson named Kirksey the starting right inside linebacker, alongside Demario Davis, to start the 2016 season.

He started the Browns' season-opener at the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded six combined tackles and sacked Carson Wentz during 29–10 loss. On October 9, 2016, Kirksey collected a season-high 16 combined tackles in the Browns' 33–13 loss to the New England Patriots. During a Week 10 contest at the Baltimore Ravens, he made 13 combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Ravens routed the Browns 28–7. In Week 17, Kirksey recorded 12 combined tackles and sacked Roethlisberger, for his third time in his career, during a 27–24 loss at the Steelers. Kirksey had an impressive season in 2016 and led the Browns with 148 combined tackles (96 solo), 2.5 sacks, and three pass deflections in 16 games and 16 starts. [25]

2017

On May 30, 2017, the Browns signed Kirksey to a four-year, $38 million contract extension that includes $20 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $6 million. [14] [26]

Former Browns' defensive coordinator Ray Horton was fired after the 2016 season and replaced by Gregg Williams who switched the base defense from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense. Kirksey was moved from starting inside linebacker to starting weakside linebacker. [27]

During a Week 2 matchup at the Ravens, Kirksey made nine combined tackles and sacked Joe Flacco as the Browns lost 24–10. On October 22, 2017, he recorded a career-high 17 combined tackles during a 12–9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. On November 19, 2017, Kirksey collected 14 combined tackles and sacked Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles in a 19–7 loss. [28] He finished the season with 136 combined tackles (86 solo), five pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks in 16 games and 16 starts. His 138 tackles finished second in the team, behind Joe Schobert's 144. [19] Pro Football Focus gave Kirksey an overall grade of 59.6, ranking 52nd among all qualified linebackers in 2017. [29]

2018

On October 7, 2018, Kirksey recorded a season-high 12 tackles against the Baltimore Ravens. [30] On October 14, Kirksey intercepted Los Angeles Chargers' Philip Rivers, his first-career interception. [31] The very next week he would pick off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback Jameis Winston and recover a Cameron Brate fumble on October 21, 2018, marking his second-career interception and third-career fumble recovery. [32] On November 7, he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. [33]

2019

On September 21, 2019, Kirksey was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury. [34]

On March 10, 2020, Kirksey was released by the Browns after six seasons. [35]

Green Bay Packers

On March 17, 2020, Kirksey signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. [36]

Kirksey made his debut with the Packers in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. During the game, Kirksey led the team with 12 tackles (6 solo) in the 43–34 win. This victory was Kirksey's first Week 1 win in his career. [37] In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, Kirksey recorded another 12 tackles during the 42–21 win. [38] He was placed on injured reserve on October 3, 2020, with a pectoral injury. [39] He was activated on November 14, 2020. [40] In Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirksey led the team with 11 tackles and recorded his first interception as a Packer off a pass thrown by Philip Rivers during the 34–31 overtime loss. [41] In Week 16 against the Titans on Sunday Night Football , Kirksey sacked and intercepted Ryan Tannehill once each, also recording a solo tackle for loss and a pass deflection during the 40–14 win. [42]

On February 19, 2021, Kirksey was released by the Packers. [43]

Houston Texans

Kirksey signed with the Houston Texans on March 24, 2021. [44] He was named the Texans starting middle linebacker in 2021. He started the first eight games before being placed on injured reserve on November 6, 2021. [45] He was activated on December 4. [46]

On March 11, 2022, Kirksey signed a two-year contract extension with the Texans. [47] On August 28, 2023, Kirksey was released. [48]

Buffalo Bills

On August 30, 2023, Kirksey was signed to the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills. [49] On September 21, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

On April 15, 2024, Kirksey announced that he would sign a one–day contract to retire a Cleveland Brown. [50]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2014 CLE 1687844342.02000.00010
2015 CLE 1656340233.51000.00011
2016 CLE 161614593522.53000.00000
2017 CLE 161613381523.55000.00021
2018 CLE 773925140.052178.513001
2019 CLE 2211650.00000.00000
2020 GB 11117342312.042189.010000
2021 HOU 13129355380.08111.01002
2022 HOU 171712482423.052189.018001
Total1149477848129116.5337547.718046
Source: NFL.com

Postseason

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2020 GB 216420.00000.00000
Total216420.00000.00000
Source: football-reference.com

Kirksey is featured in Madden NFL 15 ; however, when used in the gamemode "Madden Ultimate Team" and he is on the Tennessee Titans; due to a glitch, his in-game avatar appears as 1 ft 2 in in height, which makes him the first "Foottall" player in Madden history. [51] Kirksey later appeared in a trailer EA Sports created for the game that features the glitch. [52]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karlos Dansby</span> American football player (born 1981)

Karlos Montez Dansby is an American former football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn Tigers and received All-American recognition. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft, and has also played for the Miami Dolphins, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derrick Johnson</span> American football player (born 1982)

Derrick O'Hara Johnson is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned consensus All-American honors twice. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 15th overall selection in first round the 2005 NFL draft. In his 13 seasons with the Chiefs, he made four Pro Bowls. He also played 6 games for the Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tramon Williams</span> American football player (born 1983)

Tramon Vernell Williams Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Williams spent much of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, playing with them from 2006 to 2014, and again in the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons. He was also a member of the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence Timmons</span> American football player (born 1986)

Lawrence Olajuwon Timmons is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. He won Super Bowl XLIII with the Steelers the following year, and played in Super Bowl XLV two years later. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wesley Woodyard</span> American football player (born 1986)

Wesley Woodyard Jr. is a former American football linebacker. He played college football for the University of Kentucky and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2008. Woodyard has also played for the Tennessee Titans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malcolm Smith (American football)</span> American football player (born 1989)

Malcolm Xavier Smith is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLVIII after the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Perry (linebacker)</span> American football player (born 1990)

Nicholas Joel Perry is an American former football linebacker who played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at USC. Perry was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Acho</span> American football player (born 1988)

Samuel Onyedikachi Acho is an American sports analyst and former professional football player who is a football analyst on ESPN. He played as a linebacker for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL), and was vice president of the NFL Players Association. He is the author of Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes, which was published in late 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Hicks</span> American football player (born 1992)

Jordan Hicks is an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he won a Super Bowl ring in 2018, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Minnesota Vikings. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lavonte David</span> American football player (born 1990)

Lavonte Lamar David is an American football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Nebraska, and was selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. Since entering the NFL, David has been named to three All-Pro teams, one Pro Bowl appearance and won Super Bowl LV during the 2020 season, in a 31–9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. J. Wright</span> American football player (born 1989)

Kenneth Bernard Wright Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently the assistant linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Irvin</span> American football player (born 1987)

Bruce Pernell Irvin Jr. is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round with the 15th overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. Irvin won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos, and also played in Super Bowl XLIX where he became the first player ever to be ejected from a Super Bowl. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitney Mercilus</span> American football player (born 1990)

Whitney Mercilus is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons, primarily with the Houston Texans. He played college football at Illinois, where he received unanimous All-American honors, and was selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. Mercilus spent the entirety of his first nine seasons with Houston, earning a second-team All-Pro selection in 2016. After being released by the Texans early into the 2021 season, he last played for the Green Bay Packers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harrison Smith</span> American football player (born 1989)

Harrison Smith, nicknamed "Harry the Hitman", is an American football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft with the 29th overall pick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demario Davis</span> American football player (born 1989)

Demario Davis is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He played college football at Arkansas State. Davis has also played for the Cleveland Browns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Robertson (American football)</span> American football player (born 1988)

Craig Robertson is a former American football linebacker. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Robertson played college football at North Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie Collins (American football)</span> American football player (born 1989)

Jamie Lee Collins Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. As a member of the Patriots for seven non-consecutive seasons, Collins earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015 when he led the league in forced fumbles. Collins also won a Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLIX. Outside of his New England tenure, he played three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and two with the Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neville Hewitt (American football)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Neville Hewitt is an American football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Marshall, where he was a safety and linebacker. Hewitt signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Schobert</span> American football player (born 1993)

Joseph Robert Schobert is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Schobert played college football at Wisconsin where he won the Jack Lambert Trophy in 2015 as the nation's best linebacker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krys Barnes</span> American football player (born 1998)

Krystopher Nathaniel Barnes is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UCLA, and originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

References

  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. Christian Kirksey – Yahoo Sports
  4. "Players who have accepted invites for 2014 Senior Bowl". National Football League. December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  5. Mike Wobschall (January 21, 2014). "North Team Gets Physical in Day 2 Senior Bowl Practice". vikings.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  6. Andrew Kulha (January 26, 2014). "Christian Kirksey impressed at Senior Bowl". Iowa.247sports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  7. "Draft prospects invited to 2014 NFL Scouting Combine". National Football League. February 12, 2014. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  8. Kevin Nogle (February 28, 2014). "NFL Combine 2014: Results – Linebackers". thephinsider.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  9. "Hawkeye tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz draws attention at NFL pro day". desmoinesregister.com. March 25, 2014. Retrieved December 11, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. "Christian Kirksey, DS #13 OLB, Iowa". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  11. "NFL Draft Profile: Christian Kirksey". National Football League. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  12. Cleveland Browns Pick ILB Christian Kirksey at No. 71 Overall
  13. "2014 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Spotrac.com: Christian Kirksey contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  15. Jared Mueller. "Rookie Expectations: Christian Kirksey". dawgpounddaily.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  16. "Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns' depth chart: 10/01/2014". ourlads.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  17. Caitlym Holroyd (September 14, 2014). "Saints vs. Browns: Jordan Cameron headlines inactives". thescore.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  18. "NFL Player stats: Christian Kirksey (2014)". National Football League. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  19. 1 2 "NFL Player stats: Christian Kirksey (career)". National Football League. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  20. Jared Mueller (July 16, 2014). "Starting ILB: Robertson or Kirksey?". Scout.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  21. Fred Greetham (October 9, 2015). "Gipson, Robertson Out for Sunday". Scout.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  22. "NFL Game Center: Week 10-2015: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers". National Football League. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  23. "NFL Player stats: Christian Kirksey (2015)". National Football League. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  24. Johnathan Goehring (August 23, 2016). "Cleveland Browns: Will Tank Carder make the team?". dawgpounddaily.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  25. "NFL Player stats: Christian Kirksey (2016)". National Football League. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  26. Sessler, Marc (May 30, 2017). "Browns sign Christian Kirksey to four-year extension". National Football League.
  27. Josh Edwards (May 22, 2017). "Report: Browns moving Christian Kirksey to OLB". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.[ dead link ]
  28. "NFL Player stats: Christian Kirksey (2017)". National Football League. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  29. "Pro Football Focus: Christian Kirksey". profootballfocus.com. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  30. Maks, Patrick (October 7, 2018). "By the Numbers: Baker Mayfield clears the 300-mark in Browns win". Clevelandbrowns.com.
  31. "Browns' Christian Kirksey: Grabs first interception Sunday". CBSSports.com. October 14, 2018.
  32. Risdon, Jeff (October 21, 2018). "Christian Kirksey, Jarvis Landry earn Browns player of the game vs. Buccaneers". Browns Wire.
  33. McManamon, Pat (November 7, 2018). "Browns LB Kirksey, CB Gaines placed on IR". ESPN.
  34. "Browns place LB Christian Kirksey on injured reserve, elevate LB Willie Harvey to active roster". ClevelandBrowns.com. September 21, 2019.
  35. "Browns release veteran LB Christian Kirksey". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 10, 2020.
  36. "Packers sign LB Christian Kirksey and T Rick Wagner". Packers.com. March 17, 2020.
  37. "Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – September 13th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  38. "Jones' big day helps Packers beat Lions 42–21 in home opener". ESPN. Associated Press. September 20, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  39. "Packers place LB Christian Kirksey and WR Allen Lazard on injured reserve". Packers.com. October 3, 2020.
  40. "Packers activate LB Christian Kirksey from injured reserve". Packers.com. November 14, 2020.
  41. "Green Bay Packers at Indianapolis Colts – November 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  42. "Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers – December 27th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  43. "Packers release Christian Kirksey, Rick Wagner". Packers.com. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  44. "Houston Texans Transactions (3-24-2021)". HoustonTexans.com. March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  45. "Houston Texans Transactions (11-6-2021)". HoustonTexans.com. November 6, 2021.
  46. "Houston Texans Transactions (12-4-2021)". HoustonTexans.com. December 4, 2021.
  47. Simmons, Myles (March 11, 2022). "Texans signing Christian Kirksey to two-year extension". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  48. "Christian Kirksey: Released by Houston". CBSSports.com. August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  49. Dimmitt, Zach. "Bills Sign Texans Ex Christian Kirksey to Practice Squad". Bills Central FN. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  50. "WR Rashard Higgins and LB Christian Kirksey to retire as Cleveland Browns". ClevelandBrowns.com. April 16, 2024.
  51. Foss, Mike (September 1, 2014). "The Titans have an adorably tiny player in Madden '15". For The Win. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  52. EA Trailer