Christian Kirksey Signs Deal With Green Bay Packers

Christian Kirksey Signs With Green Bay Packers

Linebacker Christian Kirksey has spent his entire six-year career with the Cleveland Browns. After being a part-time starter his first two seasons, Kirksey exploded onto the scene in 2016 and carried his starting role into 2017. Injuries have marred the last two seasons as he’s only played in nine games the past two seasons. Kirksey was released by the Browns in early 2020 after refusing to renegotiate his contract.

In 2016 Christian Kirksey was fantastic. Starting all 16 games, he was all over the field, compiling 148 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His 2017 saw a slight downtick, as Kirksey struggled in pass coverage but still managed 138 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2018, Kirksey was injured in week 9 and went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. A torn pectoral muscle ended his 2019 season after two games.

Kirksey entered the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa. He was taken in the third round as the 71st overall by the Cleveland Browns. At Iowa, Kirksey was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Hawkeyes. The Hazelwood, Missouri native put together a stellar career with 315 combined tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. His senior year was capped with honorable mention All Big Ten accolades.

For his career, Christian Kirksey has played in 73 games with 54 starts for the Browns. In those contests he has put up 484 combined tackles with 30 being tackles for loss. Over his career he has four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Kirksey has also tallied 11.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and two interceptions in his six seasons in the NFL. Kirksey is respected as a leader in the locker room and was a team captain in Cleveland and in college.