Bud Dupree
A physically gifted linebacker whose explosive first step and relentless pursuit made him a disruptive force on the NFL defensive line.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American football player·Birthday: February 12·Millennials
Biography
Bud Dupree's path to the NFL was forged by raw athleticism. At the University of Kentucky, he transformed from a high school running back into a defensive terror, showcasing a rare blend of size, speed, and power that made scouts take notice. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft, banking on his potential as an edge rusher. In Pittsburgh, he developed into a key component of a formidable defense, forming a potent sack partnership with T.J. Watt. His game was built on a explosive burst off the line that often left offensive tackles scrambling. After establishing himself with the Steelers, Dupree took his talents to the Tennessee Titans and later the Atlanta Falcons, proving to be a durable and respected veteran presence whose physical tools demanded offensive game-planning attention every Sunday.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Bud was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bud Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Bud's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 season.
- Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.
- Played a starting role on a Steelers defense that consistently ranked among the league's best in the late 2010s.
- Started over 100 games across his career with the Steelers, Titans, and Falcons.
Did You Know?
He was a standout running back and wide receiver in high school in Georgia before switching to defense in college.
Dupree ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds at the NFL Combine, an exceptional time for a player weighing 269 pounds.
He majored in community and leadership development at the University of Kentucky.
His full first name is Alvin, but he has always gone by Bud.
“I just try to be the best version of myself on the field.”
