Luther Kirk

Luther Kirk (born November 7, 1996) is an American football free safety who is a free agent. He played college football at Illinois State and was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Luther Kirk
Personal information
Born: (1996-11-07) November 7, 1996
Garland, Texas
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Garland (TX)
College:Illinois State
Position:Free safety
Undrafted:2020
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • All-MVFC (2018)
Career NFL statistics as of 2022
Games played:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Kirk was born on November 7, 1996, in Garland, Texas. He attended Garland High School, and played quarterback and safety for their football team.

As a senior, he completed 87-of-165 passing attempts, throwing for 1,160 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also posting 93 carries for 798 rushing yards and five touchdowns.[1]

College career

Kirk accepted a football scholarship from Illinois State University. As a freshman in 2015, he appeared in 10 games as a backup safety, making a total of 18 tackles and 4 passes defensed.

As a sophomore in 2016, he played in all 12 games, finishing the year with 15 defensive tackles and leading the team with 9 special teams tackles.

Kirk stayed in school, but left the football team in 2017, returning for Spring 2018 workouts. He was named team captain that year, and started all 11 games at the safety position. His five interceptions tied for first in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). He also placed second on the team with 61 tackles, and was named first-team all-conference at the end of the year.

As a senior in 2019, he started all 15 games at strong safety, leading the team with 89 tackles, while also making 6 passes defensed, 3 sacks and one forced fumble. He was named an AFCA FCS Coaches' and HERO Sports FCS All-America first-team selection and earned STATS FCS All-America second-team honors.[1]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Kirk was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2020 NFL Draft on April 26.[2] He was waived at the final roster cuts on September 5, but re-signed to the practice squad a day later.[3] He was released from the practice squad on September 15.[4]

Minnesota Vikings

On September 28, Kirk was signed by the Minnesota Vikings to their practice squad.[5] He was promoted to the active roster prior to their game against the Green Bay Packers, and reverted afterwards.[6] Kirk was waived/injured after the final roster cuts in August 2021.[7]

Atlanta Falcons

On October 25, 2021, Kirk was signed by the Atlanta Falcons to the practice squad.[8] He was elevated to the active roster for their game against the Buffalo Bills, and made his NFL debut in the 15–29 loss.[9][10]

On May 16, 2022, Kirk was waived by the Falcons.[11]

Cleveland Browns

On May 17, 2022, Kirk was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns.[12] He was waived on August 22, 2022.[13]

References
  1. "Luther Kirk - Football". Illinois State University Athletics.
  2. Leslie, Mike (April 27, 2020). "Garland product Luther Kirk lives out his dream, signs with Cowboys". WFAA.
  3. Helman, David (September 5, 2020). "Two LBs Among Notable Cowboys Roster Cuts". Dallas Cowboys.
  4. "Luther Kirk Transactions & Injuries". Sports Forecaster.
  5. "Vikings Sign 'Hidden Gem' Defensive Back, Drop Sophomore CB". Heavy. 2020.
  6. Gates, Christopher (August 31, 2021). "NFL Roster Cuts: Minnesota Vikings waive Luther Kirk". Daily Norsemen.
  7. White, Jack (September 5, 2021). "Vikings reach injury settlement with S Luther Kirk". USA Today.
  8. Falcon Report Staff (October 25, 2021). "Falcons Roster Moves: Kaleb McGary Activated, Ex Vikings CB Signed". Sports Illustrated.
  9. McElhaney, Tori (January 1, 2022). "Falcons activate trio of players off reserve/COVID-19 list, still bring in reinforcements". Atlanta Falcons.
  10. "Luther Kirk Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  11. "Falcons announce three signings, including veteran WR Geronimo Allison". The Falcoholic. SB Nation. May 16, 2022.
  12. "Browns claim S Luther Kirk and CB Reggie Robinson II". clevelandbrowns.com. Cleveland Browns. May 17, 2022.
  13. "Browns reduce roster to 80 players". ClevelandBrowns.com. August 22, 2022.
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