Christian Kirksey
HOUSTON TEXANS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Linebacker | University of Iowa | 9 |
Excellence on the Field:
Since joining the Houston Texans in 2021, LB Christian Kirksey has made 18 starts for the club, registering 137 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries. During the 2020 season, Christian posted a career-high in passes defensed with eight and fumble recoveries with two. This season, Kirksey tallied an interception off QB Russell Wilson in Week 2, bringing his career total to six. The nine-year veteran ranks second on the team in total tackles (44) and in the team's Week 5 win at Jacksonville, Kirksey added eight tackles, which was tied for a team-high.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year:
During this 2022 Season, Christian has demonstrated a commitment to community efforts this year while showing up for those who needed him most. "I think that we have a job not just playing football, but to be role models and to be a helping hand," Christian said as he sat with a group of players from the Uvalde High School football team at their team dinner in September. Just a few months prior, the world watched as tragedy struck the small, tight knit Texas town when 19 students and two teachers were tragically killed at Robb Elementary School. Football brings people together in hard times and good times, and Christian provided invaluable support to the community as he jumped at the opportunity to surprise the Uvalde High School Coyotes in Uvalde ahead of their home opener. He spent time with the high school players at their team dinner before delivering the news that the Texans were providing new uniforms for their season and wearing "Uvalde Strong" helmet decals at their home opener against the Colts. It wasn't the surprises that stuck out from Christian's visit, though. He made meaningful connections with the young men, especially senior linebacker Justyn Rendon. Rendon, whose younger brother survived the elementary school shooting, is wearing #21 this season in memory of the lives lost in May. The team captain was chosen by his fellow seniors and coaches to don the number because he embodies the humble, hard-working spirit of the community. He was already following in Christian's footsteps on and off the field before the two even met. Their friendship has continued since the Texans' visit and will continue in the future.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past:
Throughout his career, Christian has served as a leader and role model. Last year, the Texans announced a partnership with Texas Southern University that will create opportunities for student athletes on the field and in the classroom. He was on-hand for the announcement, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to the collegiate athletes. He also spent time during the 2021 Season awarding a local coach with Coach of the Week honors, speaking to students about the right way to do to things both on and off the field.
Positive Character & a Lifestyle of Giving Back:
Christian Kirksey's teammates view him as a leader in the locker room and on the field. While he may not always have the loudest voice in the room, he is someone whose character and actions others want to emulate on a day-to-day basis. As a dedicated fiancé and father of two, Christian is the epitome of a man who leads by example first and makes a profound impact on those around him. The Houston Texans are proud to select Christian Kirksey as their 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.