Dre Kirkpatrick
A first-round cornerback whose physical style and decade of NFL durability anchored defenses for the Cincinnati Bengals and beyond.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American football player·Birthday: October 26·Millennials
Biography
Dre Kirkpatrick emerged from the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide program, molded by Nick Saban's defensive rigor, into a first-round NFL pick. His professional journey was defined by a decade of consistent, hard-nosed play at cornerback, primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals. Kirkpatrick wasn't just a cover man; he was a willing and forceful tackler in run support, a trait that made him a staple in defensive schemes. While he never became a perennial Pro Bowl selection, his longevity and reliability in a high-pressure position spoke volumes about his preparation and toughness. After his tenure in Cincinnati, he provided veteran presence for brief stints in Arizona and San Francisco before closing the book on a solid professional career that began with championship pedigree.
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.
Dre was born in 1989, 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 Dre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Dre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected in the first round (17th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft.
- Played ten seasons in the NFL, appearing in 119 games with 76 starts.
- Recorded 13 career interceptions and 302 total tackles as a professional.
- Won two BCS National Championships (2011, 2012) as a key defender for the University of Alabama.
- Started 15 games for the Bengals in 2016, a career high, helping the team reach the playoffs.
Did You Know?
He was a highly recruited two-sport athlete in high school, also starring in basketball.
Kirkpatrick wore jersey number 27 in the NFL as a tribute to his favorite player, former Cowboys cornerback Rod Woodson.
He founded the Dre Kirkpatrick Foundation, which focuses on supporting single parents and youth.
His son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., is also a highly-touted football prospect.
“I'm a press corner. That's what I do. I get up in your face.”
