 Buckner with theSan Francisco 49ers in 2016 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 99 –Indianapolis Colts | |||||||||||||||
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| Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born: | (1994-03-17)March 17, 1994 (age 31) Waianae, Hawaii, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 295 lb (134 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | Punahou School(Honolulu, Hawaii) | ||||||||||||||
| College: | Oregon (2012–2015) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2016: 1st round, 7th pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2024 | |||||||||||||||
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DeForest George Buckner[1] (born March 17, 1994) is an American professionalfootballdefensive tackle for theIndianapolis Colts of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theOregon Ducks, and was selected by theSan Francisco 49ers in the first round of the2016 NFL draft. With the 49ers, Buckner made aPro Bowl and was a second-teamAll-Pro selection in 2019. With the Colts, he was selected to the first-team All Pro in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2023.
Buckner was born to aSamoan mother and anAfrican American father.[2] He attendedPunahou School inHonolulu, Hawaii, where he was rated as a four-star recruit.[3] Buckner also was a teammate ofKaʻimi Fairbairn, currently the kicker of theHouston Texans. In January 2012, Buckner committed to theUniversity of Oregon to playcollege football.[4] Buckner also played basketball in high school. He was the HawaiiGatorade Player of the Year in basketball in 2012.[5]
Buckner played in all 13 games as atrue freshman in 2012, making two starts. He finished his freshman season with 29tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and 1.0sack.[6] As a sophomore in 2013, Buckner started eight of 13 games, recording 39 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.[7] As a junior in 2014, he finished the year with 81 tackles, 13 for a loss, and 4.0 sacks.[8] Buckner was considered a possible first-round pick in theNFL draft but chose to return for his senior season to graduate and improve his draft stock.[9] As a senior in 2015, Buckner improved even further, achieving career highs in tackles with 83,tackles for loss with 17, and sacks with 10.5.[8]
Buckner was voted the 2015Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year by the Pac-12 coaches, joiningHaloti Ngata as the second Oregon Duck to ever win the award.[10] He was awarded theMorris Trophy for best Pac-12 defensive lineman (voted on by opposing players) and was named a first-teamAll-American. Following his senior season, Buckner officially announced he would enter the2016 NFL draft. He was considered one of the top-rankeddefensive ends in the draft.[11]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 291 lb (132 kg) | 34+3⁄8 in (0.87 m) | 11+3⁄4 in (0.30 m) | 5.05 s | 1.77 s | 2.96 s | 4.47 s | 7.51 s | 32 in (0.81 m) | 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m) | 21 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine/Pro Day[12][13] | ||||||||||||
TheSan Francisco 49ers selected Buckner with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.[14][15] He was the second consecutive Oregon defensive end selected in the first round by the 49ers, joiningArik Armstead who was selected 17th overall in 2015. They went on to draftSolomon Thomas who was another Pac-12 defensive end in 2017.
Buckner made his NFL debut in the season-opener against theLos Angeles Rams, recording one tackle in the 28–0 shutout victory.[16] During a Week 6 45–16 road loss to theBuffalo Bills, he recorded nine tackles and his first two NFL sacks on quarterbackTyrod Taylor and recovered afumble forced by former college teammateArik Armstead on Taylor.[17] During Week 14 against theNew York Jets, Buckner recorded a team-high 11 tackles and sackedBryce Petty twice in the 23–17 overtime loss.[18]
Buckner finished his rookie season with 73 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and apass deflection in 15 games and starts. He led all NFLdefensive linemen with 1,108 snaps on the season and ranked second with his 73 tackles. Buckner's six sacks ranked fourth among rookies.[19] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[20]
Buckner and the defense played well against theCarolina Panthers in the season opener, holding quarterbackCam Newton to only 171 yards passing and three yards rushing despite losing 23–3.[21] Three weeks later against theArizona Cardinals, Buckner recorded four tackles and his first sack of the year onCarson Palmer during the 18–15 overtime road loss.[22] During Week 15 against theTennessee Titans, Buckner recorded a season-high nine tackles and half a sack on former college teammateMarcus Mariota in a narrow 25–23 victory.[23]
Buckner finished his second professional season with 61 tackles, five pass deflections, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 16 games and starts.[24]
During the season-opener against theMinnesota Vikings, Buckner recorded seven tackles and sackedKirk Cousins 2.5 times in the 24–16 road loss.[25] In the next game against theDetroit Lions, he recorded five tackles and sackedMatthew Stafford once in a narrow 30–27 win. After the first two games of the season, Buckner eclipsed his 2017 sack total.[26] During a Week 13 43–16 road loss theSeattle Seahawks, Buckner recorded seven tackles and sackedRussell Wilson twice.[27] Two weeks later against the Seahawks, Buckner recorded a season-high 11 tackles and sacked Wilson twice more during the 26–23 overtime victory.[28]
Buckner finished his third season with 67 tackles, three pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and a career high 12 sacks, the most by a 49ers player sinceAldon Smith had 19.5 during the 2012 season.[29] Buckner was named to his firstPro Bowl as a result.[30]
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On April 24, 2019, the 49ers exercised the fifth-year option on Buckner's contract.[31]
During Week 2 against theCincinnati Bengals, Buckner recorded a tackle and his first sack of the season onAndy Dalton in the 41–17 road victory.[32] In the next game against thePittsburgh Steelers, Buckner recorded a season-high 10 tackles, sackedMason Rudolph once, and recovered a fumble forced by teammateArik Armstead onJames Conner late in the fourth quarter to help seal a 24–20 victory.[33] After a Week 4 bye, the 49ers hosted theCleveland Browns onMonday Night Football. In that game, Buckner recorded five tackles and a strip sack onBaker Mayfield which was recovered by teammateNick Bosa as the 49ers won by a score of 31–3.[34] During a Week 9 28–25 road victory over the Cardinals, Buckner recorded four tackles and a sack.[35] In the next game against the Seahawks onMonday Night Football, he recorded five tackles and recovered a fumble forced by teammateK'Waun Williams on running backRashaad Penny. Later in the game, Buckner recovered a fumble lost by offensive tackleGermain Ifedi and returned it for a 12-yard touchdown during the 27–24 overtime loss.[36] Three weeks later against theBaltimore Ravens, Buckner sackedLamar Jackson once during the 20–17 road loss. With this sack, Buckner recorded at least one sack in every game against theAmerican Football Conference (AFC) North during the season.[37]
Buckner finished the 2019 season with 61 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, two pass deflections, and a touchdown in 16 games and starts.[38] On January 3, 2020, he was named as a Second-teamAll-Pro.[39]
Buckner made his playoff debut in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Vikings. In that game, he recorded two tackles and sackedKirk Cousins once in the 27–10 win.[40] During the NFC Championship Game against theGreen Bay Packers, Buckner recorded four tackles and recovered a fumble lost byAaron Rodgers in the 37–20 victory.[41] DuringSuper Bowl LIV against theKansas City Chiefs, Buckner recorded six tackles and sackedPatrick Mahomes 1.5 times in the 31–20 loss.[42] He was ranked 56th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2020.[43]
On March 18, 2020, the 49ers traded Buckner to theIndianapolis Colts in exchange for their first round pick in the2020 NFL draft.[44] He then signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension, making him the second-highest paid defensive tackle.[45]
During a Week 2 28–11 over the Vikings, Buckner recorded his first sack of the season onKirk Cousins in the end zone for a safety.[46] During Week 11 against the Packers, Buckner recovered a fumble forced by teammateJulian Blackmon on wide receiverMarquez Valdes-Scantling early in overtime to help the Colts win the game 34–31.[47] Buckner was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus on November 25, 2020.[48][49] and activated on December 4.[50] During Week 15 against theHouston Texans he had a career-high three sacks onDeshaun Watson, including a strip sack that was recovered by the Colts, during the 27–20 road victory, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[51][52]Buckner was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for his performance in December.[53]
Buckner finished his first season with the Colts with 58 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 15 games and 14 starts.[54] On January 8, 2021, Buckner was named a first-team All-Pro for the 2020 season.[55] He was ranked 27th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[56]
During the season-opener against the Seahawks, Buckner recorded six tackles and sackedRussell Wilson once in the 28–16 loss.[57] During a Week 6 31–3 victory over the Texans, he recorded five tackles and a sack.[58] In the next game against the 49ers, Buckner recorded six tackles and a sack in the 30–18 road victory.[59] The following week against the Titans, Buckner recorded two tackles and a sack in the 34–31 overtime loss.[60] During a Week 12 38–31 loss to theTampa Bay Buccaneers, Buckner recorded three tackles and a sack.[61] Three weeks later against theNew England Patriots, he recorded four tackles and a sack in the 27–17 victory.[62] On December 22, 2021, Buckner was named to his second Pro Bowl.[63]
Buckner finished the 2021 season with 68 tackles, seven sacks, and three pass deflections in 17 games and 16 starts.[64] He was ranked 66th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[65]
Buckner played in all 17 games for the Colts in 2022, starting 16, and tallying 74 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.[66] Following the season, Buckner revealed that he played the entire year with aUCL tear in his left elbow.[67] He was ranked 71st by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2023.[68]
In Week 1 against the Jaguars, Buckner had a 26-yard fumble return for a touchdown.[69] Buckner once again played in all 17 games, recording a career-high 81 tackles (fifth on the team) and finished third on the team with eight sacks.[70][71] He earned his third Pro Bowl nomination.[72]
On April 15, 2024, the Colts signed Buckner to a two-year, $46 million contract extension through the 2026 season.[73] In the 2024 season, he finished with 6.5 sacks, 61 tackles, and one pass defended.[74]
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | ||
| 2016 | SF | 15 | 15 | 73 | 43 | 30 | 6.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | SF | 16 | 16 | 61 | 45 | 16 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2018 | SF | 16 | 16 | 67 | 44 | 23 | 12.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 | SF | 16 | 16 | 62 | 34 | 28 | 7.5 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2020 | IND | 15 | 14 | 58 | 37 | 21 | 9.5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 | IND | 17 | 16 | 68 | 40 | 28 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | IND | 17 | 16 | 74 | 44 | 30 | 8.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | IND | 17 | 16 | 81 | 45 | 36 | 8.0 | 2 | 1 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 | IND | 12 | 11 | 61 | 24 | 37 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Career | 141 | 136 | 605 | 356 | 249 | 67.5 | 9 | 10 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | ||
| 2019 | SF | 3 | 3 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 2.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | IND | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 4 | 4 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 2.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Buckner is married to Ashlyn Buckner. They have two children together.[75]
