Jaxson Kirkland Bio
Jaxson Kirkland is an American professional football guard for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies. Born in Portland, Oregon, he attended Jesuit High School in Beaverton and was recognized as a high-level recruit, ultimately choosing to play college football in Washington. His impressive performance at Washington earned him multiple All-Pac-12 honors before he entered the NFL undrafted in 2023. Kirkland has since signed with the Bengals and continues to impact the professional league.
Early Life and Background
Jaxson Kirkland was born on July 30, 1998, in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Camas, Washington, where he attended Jesuit High School. During his high school career, he was rated as a three-star recruit and initially committed to play college football at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) during the summer before his senior year. However, he decommitted from UCLA at the end of his senior football season and ultimately signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Washington over an offer from the University of Oregon.
Path to American Football
Kirkland redshirted his true freshman season at the University of Washington. He was named the Huskies’ starting right guard going into his redshirt freshman season and started all 14 of the Huskies’ games. In his redshirt sophomore season, he started the first 11 games before sustaining an injury. Moving from right guard to left tackle going into the 2020 season, Kirkland was named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference. He considered entering the 2021 NFL Draft but opted to return to Washington for a fifth season. Kirkland entered his fifth season as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft, repeating as a first-team All-Pac-12 selection after starting ten games despite missing two games due to an ankle injury. He declared for the 2022 NFL Draft at the end of the season but opted out after it was discovered that his ankle injury was more severe than previously thought.
Jaxson Kirkland Career
Early Career (2023)
Jaxson Kirkland was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. He faced roster challenges, being waived by the Bengals as part of final roster cuts on August 29, but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Bengals signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024. Kirkland made the Bengals’ initial roster in 2024 as a backup offensive lineman but suffered a biceps injury in Week 5, leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 8, 2024.
Breakthrough (2024)
Kirkland’s breakthrough moment came in 2024 when he made the Bengals’ initial roster as a backup offensive lineman. This opportunity marked a significant step in his professional career, showcasing his resilience and determination to succeed in the NFL. Despite facing injury setbacks, Kirkland’s journey reflects his commitment to the sport and his potential for future contributions to the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jaxson Kirkland’s signature achievements include being a three-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection during his college career. His transition to the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals highlights his perseverance and dedication to the game.
Jaxson Kirkland Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jaxson Kirkland has received notable recognition for his performance, including multiple All-Pac-12 honors during his time at the University of Washington.
Jaxson Kirkland Awards Won
Jaxson Kirkland has been awarded the title of first-team All-Pac-12 three times, recognizing his exceptional performance on the field during the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| First-team All-Pac-12 | 3 | 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Jaxson Kirkland Family
Information regarding Jaxson Kirkland’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Jaxson Kirkland’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
