.jpg) Kerrigan in 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Washington Commanders | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Title | Assistantlinebackers coach/pass rush specialist | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1988-08-16)August 16, 1988 (age 37) Muncie, Indiana, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||
| High school | Muncie Central | ||||||||||||||||||
| College | Purdue (2007–2010) | ||||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2011: 1st round, 16th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||||
| Positions | Outside linebacker •Defensive end, No. 91 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||
Playing | |||||||||||||||||||
Coaching | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||||
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Patrick Ryan Kerrigan (born August 16, 1988) is an American professionalfootball coach and former player who is the assistantlinebackers and pass rush specialist coach for theWashington Commanders of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for thePurdue Boilermakers, earningunanimous All-American honors as asenior before being selected by theWashington Redskins in the first round of the2011 NFL draft.
Kerrigan played the majority of his 11-season career as anoutside linebacker in the3–4 defense, where he is the all-time NFL leader inconsecutive starts by a left outside linebacker. In the final two seasons of his playing career, he playeddefensive end in a4–3 defensive scheme. He is also Washington's all-time leader in sacks with 95.5, and forced fumbles (26). Kerrigan played the 2021 season with thePhiladelphia Eagles before retiring and rejoining Washington as an assistant coach in 2022.
Kerrigan was born on August 16, 1988, inMuncie, Indiana. He attendedMuncie Central High School, where he playeddefensive end andtight end for the Muncie Bearcatshigh school football team. As a senior, he was an all-state selection after recording 90tackles and 19sacks as a defensive end. As a tight end, he had 40 receptions for 789 yards and sixtouchdowns. A three-star recruit, Kerrigan committed toPurdue over offers fromBall State,Cincinnati,Indiana, andNorthern Illinois.[1]
Kerrigan attendedPurdue University, where he played for thePurdue Boilermakers football team from 2007 to 2010. As a freshman in 2007, Kerrigan appeared in 12 games recording 18 tackles and a sack. As a sophomore in 2008 he started 11 of 12 games and was an honorable mentionAll-Big Ten selection after recording 56 tackles, seven sacks and aninterception. As a junior in 2009 he was a second teamAll-American byRivals.com and a first team All-Big Ten selection. He finished the season with 66 tackles and 12 sacks. Kerrigan was also awarded Purdue's "Pit Bull Award" in 2009, which was given to the player that exemplified and displayed tenacity and tough play.
After forcing two fumbles againstMichigan, Kerrigan became the Big Ten's all-time leader in forced fumbles; his total of 12 forced fumbles set the since-brokenFootball Bowl Subdivision (FBS) career record.[2] Following his 2010 season, he was recognized as aunanimous All-American, honored as theBig Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and won theBill Willis Trophy.[3]
In June 2025, Kerrigan was named one of the 79 nominees for the 2026 class of theCollege Football Hall of Fame.[4]
| 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 ft3+7⁄8 in (1.93 m) | 267 lb (121 kg) | 33+3⁄8 in (0.85 m) | 9+1⁄2 in (0.24 m) | 4.71 s | 1.61 s | 2.72 s | 4.39 s | 7.18 s | 33+1⁄2 in (0.85 m) | 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m) | 31 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine[5] | ||||||||||||
Kerrigan was selected by theWashington Redskins in the first round (16th overall) of the2011 NFL draft.[6] He signed his four-year rookie contract, worthUS$8.72 million, on July 29, 2011.[7][8]
Kerrigan made his professional regular season and first career start in the Redskins'season-opener against theNew York Giants and recorded five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception for a touchdown in their 28–14 victory. Kerrigan intercepted a pass by quarterbackEli Manning, that was originally intended for wide receiverHakeem Nicks, and scored a nine-yard touchdown in the third quarter.[9][10] The following week, he made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and made his first career sack during their 22–21 victory against theArizona Cardinals in Week 2. Kerrigan made his first career sack on quarterbackKevin Kolb for a four-yard loss in the second quarter.[11] Kerrigan's performance over the first four games earned him the defensive rookie of the month honor for September.[12] On November 13, 2011, Kerrigan collected a season-high six combined tackles and had two sacks on quarterbackMatt Moore during a 20–9 loss at theMiami Dolphins.[13] He started in all 16 games in2011 and recorded 63 combined tackles (41 solo), 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown.[14]
On October 7, 2012, Kerrigan recorded five combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 24–17 loss to theAtlanta Falcons in Week 5.[15][16] Kerrigan intercepted a pass by Falcons' quarterbackMatt Ryan and scored a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter. In Week 14 against theBaltimore Ravens, he managed to tackleJoe Flacco and tip his pass toRay Rice enough so linebackerLondon Fletcher could intercept the ball; preventing the Ravens from scoring and allowing the Redskins to tie the score and eventually win the game in overtime.[17] In Week 16, Kerrigan recorded a season-high five combined tackles and two sacks during a 27–20 victory at thePhiladelphia Eagles. He had two sacks on quarterbackNick Foles and stripped the ball during one of them which was recovered by cornerbackRichard Crawford.[18] Kerrigan started all 16 games in2012 and recorded 54 combined tackles (42 solo), 8.5 sacks, eight pass deflections, an interception, and a touchdown.[14]
TheWashington Redskins finished first in theNFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 6, 2013, Kerrigan started his first career playoff game and recorded four combined tackles during a 24–14 loss to theSeattle Seahawks in the NFC Wildcard Game. On January 20, 2013, it was announced that Kerrigan was added to the2013 Pro Bowl as a replacement forAldon Smith who was set to appear inSuper Bowl XLVII with theSan Francisco 49ers.[19]
Defensive coordinatorJim Haslett retained Kerrigan, Brian Orakpo, Perry Riley, and London Fletcher as the linebacking corps in 2013.[20]
He started in theWashington Redskins' season-opener against thePhiladelphia Eagles and collected a season-high eight combined tackles and made one sack in their 33–27 loss. The following week, he made five solo tackles and a career-high two sacks on quarterbackAaron Rodgers in the Redskins' 38–20 loss at theGreen Bay Packers in Week 2. In Week 3, Kerrigan tore hislateral meniscus in his left knee, but chose to play through the season.[21] On December 29, 2013, the Washington Redskins fired head coachMike Shanahan after they finished the season with a 4–12 record.[22] Kerrigan started in all 16 games and recorded a career-high 66 combined tackles (47 solo), 8.5 sacks, and three pass deflections.[14]
On January 2, 2014, Kerrigan underwentarthroscopic surgery to repair his torn ligament in his knee.[23] On May 2, 2014, the Washington Redskins exercised the fifth-year option of Kerrigan's rookie contract, which would keep him on roster throughout the 2015 season for $7.03 million.[24] Head coachJay Gruden named Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo the starting outside linebackers to start the regular season, along with inside linebackersKeenan Robinson and Perry Riley.[25]
On September 19, 2014, Kerrigan recorded four solo tackles and had a career-high four sacks on quarterbackChad Henne during the Redskins' 41–10 victory against theJacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.[26] In Week 6, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles and was credited with half a sack in a 30–20 loss at theArizona Cardinals. He started in all 16 games in2014 and recorded 64 combined tackles (51 solo), a career-high 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.[27] He became the Redskins' sixth all-time franchise sack leader with 38 total sacks.[28] On December 31, 2014, the Washington Redskins announced the decision to mutually part ways with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.[29]
Kerrigan was named the 78th best player by his peers on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2015.[30] On May 20, 2015, Kerrigan underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.[31]
On July 29, 2015, the Washington Redskins signed Kerrigan to a five-year, $57.50 million contract extension that includes $23.78 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $16 million.[32][33]
Defensive coordinatorJoe Barry opted to retain the3-4 defense and named Kerrigan andTrent Murphy the starting outside linebackers, along with inside linebackers Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson.[34] In Week 14, he collected a season-high five combined tackles and made a sack during a 24–21 victory at theChicago Bears. Kerrigan started in all 16 games for the fifth consecutive season and recorded 42 combined tackles (33 solo), 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.[14]
TheWashington Redskins finished atop of the NFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 10, 2016, he made two combined tackles and a pass deflection during the Redskins' 35–18 loss to theGreen Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard Game.[35]
Kerrigan entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Head coach Jay Gruden named Kerrigan andPreston Smith the starting outside linebackers to begin the regular season, along with inside linebackersMason Foster andWill Compton.[36] In the Week 5, Kerrigan reached his 50th career sack by sacking quarterback Joe Flacco towards the end of the second quarter of the Redskins' 16–10 victory at theBaltimore Ravens. On October 16, 2016, he made four combined tackles and made a season-high two sacks on quarterbackCarson Wentz during a 27–20 victory against thePhiladelphia Eagles in Week 6.[37] In Week 12, Kerrigan collected a season-high five combined tackles and had one sack during a 31–26 loss at theDallas Cowboys. On December 20, 2016, he was named to the2017 Pro Bowl roster, which was his second Pro Bowl nomination.[38] He started all 16 games in2016 and recorded 33 combined tackles (25 solo), 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections.[14]Pro Football Focus gave Kerrigan an overall grade of 82.2, which ranked 10th among all qualifying 3-4 outside linebackers in 2016.[39]
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On January 5, 2017, the Washington Redskins fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry.[40] Defensive coordinatorGreg Manusky retained Kerrigan and Preston Smith as the starting outside linebackers to begin the regular season in 2017, along with inside linebackers Mason Foster andZach Brown.[41]
He started in theWashington Redskins' season-opener against thePhiladelphia Eagles and recorded three combined tackles, half a sack, a pass deflection, and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 30–17 loss. Kerrigan intercepted a pass by quarterbackCarson Wentz, that was initially intended for running backDarren Sproles, and returned it for a 24-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[42] In Week 7, he collected a season-high six combined tackles and was credited with half a sack as the Redskins lost at the Philadelphia Eagles 34–24. On December 19, 2017, Kerrigan was named to his third Pro Bowl.[43] On December 31, 2017, Kerrigan made two solo tackles and a season-high tying two sacks during an 18–10 loss at theNew York Giants. He started in all 16 games and recorded 46 combined tackles (34 solo), 13 sacks, a pass deflection, an interception, and a touchdown.[14]Pro Football Focus gave Kerrigan an overall grade of 84.2, which ranked 13th among all qualifying edge rushers in 2017.[44]
In2018, Kerrigan stripped the ball from quarterbackDak Prescott in the end zone, which was recovered byPreston Smith and scoring a defensive touchdown that helped seal the Week 7 win against theDallas Cowboys.[45] Kerrigan recorded two sacks in the Week 15 win over theJacksonville Jaguars putting him at second overall on the Washington Redskins all-time sacks list at 82.5 sacks, surpassing former defensive endCharles Mann.[46] By the end of season, Kerrigan extended that record to 84.5 sacks.[47]
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In Week 2 against theDallas Cowboys, Kerrigan recorded his first sack of the season onDak Prescott as the Redskins lost 31–21.[48] In Week 11 against theNew York Jets, Kerrigan sackedSam Darnold twice and forced a fumble during the 34–17 loss.[49] In Week 12 against theDetroit Lions, Kerrigan recorded half a sack onJeff Driskel before exiting the game with a concussion. Without Kerrigan, the Redskins won 19–16.[50] Kerrigan missed the following game against theCarolina Panthers due to the concussion he suffered. This was the first game that Kerrigan did not play in during his entire career.[51] Though he returned the following week to play against theGreen Bay Packers, he left the game in third quarter with a calf injury.[52] Kerrigan was place oninjured reserve on December 13, 2019.[53][54]
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Kerrigan switched todefensive end after Washington defensive coordinatorJack Del Rio implemented a4–3 defense.[55] In the season opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kerrigan surpassedDexter Manley as Washington's all-time leader in sacks after a two sack performance.[56] He also recovered a fumble and was named NFC defensive player of the week following the game, the first of his career.[57] He finished the year with 5.5 sacks, giving him 95.5 in his career with Washington.
Kerrigan signed a one-year contract with thePhiladelphia Eagles on May 17, 2021.[58] He had a limited role with the team, playing as a reserve before starting the final two games of the season. He was placed on the COVID list in December and was activated a week later.[59][60] In the team's Wild Card game against the Buccaneers, he recorded two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.[61]
Kerrigan announced his retirement as a player on July 29, 2022, signing a one-day contract with Washington to retire with the franchise.[62] He rejoined Washington as a coaching intern during training camp before being officially named their assistant defensive line coach on September 5, 2022.[63] Shortly before the announcement, Kerrigan was also inducted into Washington's Greatest Players list.[64] On February 12, 2024, Kerrigan was promoted to the assistant linebackers coach and pass rush specialist under new head coachDan Quinn.[65][66]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | ||
| 2011 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 64 | 42 | 22 | 7.5 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 9T | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2012 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 54 | 42 | 12 | 8.5 | 8 | 1 | 28 | 28 | 28T | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 66 | 47 | 19 | 8.5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 0 |
| 2014 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 64 | 51 | 13 | 13.5 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 1 |
| 2015 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 42 | 33 | 9 | 9.5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 33 | 26 | 7 | 11 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 46 | 34 | 12 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 24 | 24T | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | WAS | 16 | 16 | 43 | 30 | 13 | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 1 |
| 2019 | WAS | 12 | 12 | 25 | 16 | 9 | 5.5 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | WAS | 16 | 1 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | PHI | 16 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 172 | 143 | 457 | 333 | 124 | 95.5 | 25 | 3 | 61 | 20.3 | 28 | 3 | 26 | 4 | |
Kerrigan's father, Brendan, played football atBall State. His brother, Kyle, was a member of theDePauw University swim team.[67] Kerrigan has two sisters, Kristina and Kaitlin, who played collegiate volleyball for theUniversity of Indianapolis andGrace College, respectively.[68][69] Kerrigan has a severe loss of hearing in his left ear, which was caused by an ear infection he suffered at the age of eight.[70][71] Kerrigan and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters, Lincoln Georgie and Hayes Frankie.[72]
Kerrigan created a charitable foundation in 2013 to serve children in his community.[73] He has appeared in several local car dealership commercials.[74][75] Kerrigan appeared asNASA technician Garber inSharknado 3: Oh Hell No![76] He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2023.[77]
