Cody Barton Bio
Cody Likeke Barton is an American professional football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 237 pounds, he plays the linebacker position and has built his career on special teams play, defensive reads, and a reputation for hard-hitting tackles. After playing college football for the Utah Utes, Barton was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. He has also spent time with the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos before joining Tennessee.
Early Life and Background
Cody Likeke Barton was born on November 13, 1996, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in the Salt Lake City area and attended Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where he developed into a standout football prospect. His athletic foundation at Brighton helped him earn attention from college programs and set the stage for a successful collegiate career.
Barton comes from a highly athletic family, and that environment shaped his path in football. His siblings also pursued college and professional sports, giving the household a strong sports culture. After completing his high school career, Barton chose to stay in state and play for the University of Utah, joining a program with a growing reputation for producing NFL talent.
Path to American Football
Barton joined the Utah Utes football program and played college football from 2015 through 2018. During his time with the Utes, he developed into a reliable linebacker, contributing on defense and on special teams. His consistent play and football IQ helped him rise up draft boards heading into his final college season.
His work at Utah paid off when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round, 88th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. That selection marked his official entry into professional football and confirmed his status as one of the top linebacker prospects from his draft class. Barton then transitioned from a college role with the Utes to a full-time professional role in the NFL.
Cody Barton Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Barton made his professional debut in Week 3 of the 2019 season with the Seattle Seahawks. In that same game against the New Orleans Saints, he recorded his first professional takeaway by recovering a muffed punt from returner Deonte Harris. He spent the majority of his rookie season contributing on Seattle’s special teams units and actually led the team in special teams snaps that year.
By the 2020 season, Barton had grown into a larger defensive role and became a starting linebacker for the Seahawks. That promotion showed the team’s confidence in his development and gave him valuable experience reading NFL offenses. His early years in Seattle established him as a dependable, hard-working defender.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2019–2022)
After spending his rookie season on special teams, Barton steadily earned more defensive snaps with the Seahawks. His understanding of the linebacker position and his tackling ability made him a regular contributor in Seattle’s defensive rotations. He became a starter by his second season, which is a quick rise for a third-round pick.
Barton remained with the Seahawks through the 2022 season, giving him four years of development in one of the league’s most respected defensive organizations. That long stint helped him grow into a veteran linebacker ready for larger roles elsewhere.
Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos Era (2023–2024)
On March 16, 2023, Barton signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, beginning a new chapter in his career. His season was interrupted when he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 7, leading to a placement on injured reserve on October 28, 2023. He returned to the active roster on November 22, 2023, after the Commanders reactivated him, and finished out his one-year deal.
On March 18, 2024, Barton signed a one-year, 3.5 million dollar contract with the Denver Broncos. One of the defining moments of his career came in a Week 7 victory over the New Orleans Saints on October 17, 2024, when he scored his first career touchdown on a 52-yard fumble return. In that same game, he added eight tackles, a pass deflection, and a strip sack, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Barton signed a three-year, 21 million dollar contract with the Tennessee Titans, locking in his long-term future. The move to Tennessee gave him a fresh opportunity and a clear role with a young team rebuilding its defense. His experience as a starter and a special teams ace made him a valuable addition to the Titans’ linebacker group.
Notable Events and Milestones
Barton’s first career touchdown, scored on a 52-yard fumble return against the New Orleans Saints in 2024, stands out as one of the most memorable plays of his career. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in that game. He has also built a steady track record of takeaways, tackles, and special teams contributions since his rookie year.
Cody Barton Career Wins
As a linebacker, Cody Barton’s win totals are tied closely to his teams’ seasons rather than individual victories. Through his first six NFL seasons, he has been part of multiple winning efforts and has helped his defenses finish games with key stops. His most notable individual performance came during the Broncos’ Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
Team Highlights
Barton earned a Week 7 victory with the Denver Broncos in 2024, a game in which he also scored his first career touchdown. With the Seattle Seahawks, he contributed to several winning seasons between 2019 and 2022. His presence on special teams and defense has consistently supported winning football for his teams.
Other Performances
Barton has produced key defensive plays across multiple stops, including takeaways, fumble recoveries, and pass breakups. His first professional takeaway, a muffed punt recovery against the New Orleans Saints in 2019, set the tone for his career as a playmaker on special teams.
Cody Barton Family
Family Background and Sports Lineage
Barton’s older brother, Jackson Barton, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL draft as an offensive tackle. Jackson and Cody played in the same class at Utah after Jackson redshirted. His younger brother, Lander Barton, is also a linebacker and currently plays college football for Utah. His sister, Dani Barton, is a member of the United States women’s national volleyball team.
Personal Life
Cody Barton is a private person off the field, and his family remains the most public part of his personal life. The Barton family is one of the most athletic families connected to the University of Utah, with three siblings having played or currently playing college or professional sports.
2025 Season Performance
Barton entered the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans after signing a three-year contract in March 2025. He joined a defense looking for veteran leadership at the linebacker position, and his special teams background made him an immediate asset. Through the early part of the season, he has continued to handle a regular defensive role while contributing in team units.
His career totals of 539 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 25 pass deflections, 8 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns give the Titans a proven, all-around linebacker. Those numbers reflect a player who can defend the run, cover in the passing game, and create turnovers.
Looking ahead, Barton is expected to remain a key part of Tennessee’s defensive rotation and a core piece of the team’s long-term plan. His contract runs through the 2027 season, giving the Titans stability at the linebacker position. With his experience and production, Barton is positioned to keep playing a central role in Tennessee’s defensive efforts in 2025 and beyond.
