Minkah Fitzpatrick

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Minkah Fitzpatrick
refer to caption
Fitzpatrick in 2019
No. 39 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Position:Free safety
Personal information
Born: (1996-11-17) November 17, 1996 (age 25)
Old Bridge, New Jersey
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Peter's Prep
(Jersey City, New Jersey)
College:Alabama
NFL Draft:2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
Career history
  • Miami Dolphins (2018–2019)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–present)
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
NFL
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2019, 2020)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020)
College
High School
  • USA Today High School All-American (2014)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2021
Total tackles:352
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:5
Pass deflections:36
Interceptions:13
Defensive touchdowns:4
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Minkah Annane Fitzpatrick Jr. (born November 17, 1996)[1] is an American football free safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama, and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft before being traded to the Steelers during the 2019 season.

High school career[]

Fitzpatrick attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he played high school football for the Marauders.[2] He was a wide receiver on offense and a defensive back on defense. In 2014, he caught 45 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns, while recording 70 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He also ran track. He placed first at the Hudson County Championships with times of 10.86 seconds and 21.66 seconds in the 100 and 200 meters, respectively.[3]

Recruiting[]

Considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.com, Fitzpatrick was listed as the No. 4 cornerback in the nation in 2015.[4]

Fitzpatrick signed with Alabama at the 2015 National Signing Day,[5] after being verbally committed for almost a year.[6]

College career[]

As a true freshman in 2015, Fitzpatrick started 10 of 14 games, missing one game due to injury. He recorded 45 total tackles, with three for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions (both returned for scores), 11 pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, and one punt return for a touchdown.[7] He was part of the Alabama team that won the National Championship over Clemson.[8] He was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News after Alabama's championship season.[9]

In his sophomore season in 2016, Fitzpatrick returned an interception 100 yards in a 49–30 win over then-16th ranked Arkansas.[2] The interception broke the Alabama Crimson Tide record for longest interception returned for a touchdown. In that same game, he tied the Alabama records for most interceptions in a game (3), and career interceptions returned for a touchdown (4). In the 2016 SEC Championship Game against Florida, Fitzpatrick broke the Alabama all-time record for career interceptions returned for a touchdown (4).[10]

In his junior season in 2017, Fitzpatrick recorded 60 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and seven passes defensed.[11] He won his second National Championship as the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 26–23 in overtime.[12]

College statistics[]

Season Team GP Tackles Interceptions
Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg TD PD
2015 Alabama 14 45 30 15 2.0 2 88 44.0 2 10
2016 Alabama 15 66 42 24 1.5 6 186 31.0 2 7
2017 Alabama 13 60 38 22 1.5 1 0 0.0 0 7
Career 42 171 110 61 5.0 9 274 30.4 4 24

Professional career[]

On January 11, 2018, Fitzpatrick announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.[13] Fitzpatrick attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the short shuttle and three-cone drill. On March 7, 2018, Fitzpatrick participated at Alabama's pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed the short shuttle, three-cone drill, and positional drills.

External video
video icon Minkah Fitzpatrick's NFL Combine Workout
video icon Minkah Fitzpatrick's 40-yard dash

Fitzpatrick attended pre-draft visits with the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers. His versatility allowed him to possibly play safety or cornerback as a professional, but Fitzpatrick expressed his desire to primarily play cornerback to multiple teams.[14] NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. stated Fitzpatrick may experience a slide in the draft due to not having a defined role.[15] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Fitzpatrick was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was expected to be drafted within the top 15 selections. Fitzpatrick was ranked as the top cornerback prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and was ranked as the top safety prospect by Sports Illustrated and NFL analyst Mike Mayock.[16][17]

Pre-draft measurables
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 0+1⁄8 in
(1.83 m) 		204 lb
(93 kg) 		31+1⁄4 in
(0.79 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.46 s 1.52 s 2.58 s 4.13 s 6.73 s 33 in
(0.84 m)		 10 ft 1 in
(3.07 m)		 14 reps
All values from NFL Draft[18][19]

Miami Dolphins[]

The Miami Dolphins selected Fitzpatrick in the first round with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick was the first safety drafted in 2018.[20]

External video
video icon Dolphins draft Fitzpatrick 11th overall
video icon NFL Draft Profile: Minkah Fitzpatrick

On June 1, 2018, the Miami Dolphins signed Fitzpatrick to a fully guaranteed four-year, $16.4 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $10.04 million.[21][22]

2018[]

During training camp, Fitzpatrick competed against T. J. McDonald to be the starting free safety. He learned both safety positions and primarily ran with the second-team.[23] Head coach Adam Gase named Fitzpatrick the primary backup safety to begin the regular season, behind starters McDonald and Reshad Jones.

External video
video icon Fitzpatrick grabs first career INT off Tom Brady

He made his professional regular season debut in the Dolphins’ season-opener against the Tennessee Titans and recorded six combined tackles and broke up a pass in their 27–20 victory.[24] On September 23, 2018, Fitzpatrick earned his first career start after Jones was declared inactive due to a shoulder injury.[25] He recorded ten combined tackles (two solo) during their 28–20 victory against the Oakland Raiders in Week 3. The following week, he collected ten combined tackles (four solo), two pass deflections, and made his first career interception in the Dolphins’ 38–7 loss at the New England Patriots.[24] Fitzpatrick made his first career interception off Tom Brady in the fourth quarter on a pass intended for Phillip Dorsett, and returned it for a 14-yard gain.[26] During a Week 15 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, Fitzpatrick intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass, returning it 50 yards for a touchdown. It was his second interception and first pick-six of his career.[27]

2019[]

In Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, Fitzpatrick made six tackles as the Dolphins lost 59–10.[28] After the game, Fitzpatrick reportedly requested to be traded because he felt like he was playing out of position and he did not like the direction the franchise was going.[29] In Week 2 against the New England Patriots, Fitzpatrick made six tackles and recovered a fumble by running back Sony Michel in the 43–0 loss.[30]

Pittsburgh Steelers[]

Fitzpatrick in a game against the Cleveland Browns
Fitzpatrick at the 2020 Pro Bowl

On September 16, 2019, the Dolphins traded Fitzpatrick along with their 2020 fourth round and 2021 seventh round draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their 2020 first round (Austin Jackson), 2020 fifth round, and 2021 sixth round draft picks.[31] Fitzpatrick made his debut with the Steelers in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. In the game, Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo and forced a fumble off Raheem Mostert in the 24–20 loss. [32] In Week 8 against his former team, the Miami Dolphins, Fitzpatrick intercepted former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick twice in the 27–14 win.[33] In Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass thrown by Brian Hoyer and returned it for a 96-yard touchdown in the 26–24 win.[34] Fitzpatrick's pick six was the third longest interception return for a touchdown in team history, the second longest in the regular season. In Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, Fitzpatrick recovered a strip sack forced by teammate Javon Hargrave on Jared Goff which he returned for a 43-yard touchdown and later intercepted a pass thrown by Goff with under a minute in the game, sealing a 17–12 Steelers win.[35][36] In Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick recorded six tackles and recovered a fumble forced by teammate Devin Bush on Tyler Boyd and returned the ball for 36 yards in the 16–10 win. [37]

2020[]

In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Fitzpatrick recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Baker Mayfield and returned it for a 33-yard touchdown during the 38–7 win.[38] In Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, Fitzpatrick forced a fumble on quarterback Lamar Jackson which was recovered by teammate Robert Spillane and later broke up a pass thrown by Jackson in the endzone with no time left on the clock to secure a 28–24 Steelers' victory.[39] In Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys, Fitzpatrick recovered a fumble forced by teammate Cameron Sutton on CeeDee Lamb, intercepted a pass thrown by Garrett Gilbert and broke up another Hail Mary pass thrown by Gilbert late in the fourth quarter to secure a 24–19 Steelers’ win. [40] In Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick recorded two interceptions off passes thrown by quarterback Jake Luton, propelling the Steelers to a 27–3 victory and their first 10–0 start in franchise history.[41][42]

2021[]

On April 27, 2021, the Steelers picked up the fifth-year option on Fitzpatrick's contract, worth a guaranteed $10.612 million for the 2022 season.[43][44] On November 15, 2021, Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on the Steelers' Reserve-COVID list.[45]

NFL career statistics[]

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sack PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR TD
2018 MIA 16 11 80 51 29 0.0 9 3 164 32.0 50T 1 0 0 0
2019 MIA 2 2 12 8 4 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 0
PIT 14 14 57 36 21 0.0 9 5 130 26.0 96T 1 1 2 1
2020 PIT 16 16 79 60 19 0.0 11 4 70 19.3 37 1 1 1 0
2021 PIT 16 16 124 80 40 0.0 7 2 18 9.0 18 0 1 1 0
Career 64 59 352 239 113 0.0 36 13 289 22.2 96T 3 4 5 1

References[]

  1. ^ "Minkah Fitzpatrick". 247Sports.
  2. ^ a b Wine, Steven (September 12, 2018). "Former St. Peter's Prep star Minkah Fitzpatrick excited to take on Jets". North Jersey. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  3. ^ Perez, Braulio (August 29, 2015). "Alabama freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick proving New Jersey football fans right". NJ.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  4. ^ "Minkah Fitzpatrick". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  5. ^ Perez, Braulio (February 3, 2015). "Minkah Fitzpatrick announces he's signing with Alabama on Wednesday". NJ.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  6. ^ Perez, Braulio (August 21, 2014). "St. Peter's Prep's Minkah Fitzpatrick committed to Alabama, eyes visits to Florida State and Ohio State". NJ.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  7. ^ "Minkah Fitzpatrick". RollTide.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  8. ^ Wolken, Dan (January 12, 2016). "Alabama holds off Clemson 45–40 for national title". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  9. ^ Zenitz, Matt (December 16, 2015). "3 Alabama players named Sporting News Freshman All-Americans". AL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  10. ^ Sabin, Rainer (October 9, 2016). "Minkah Fitzpatrick saves the day for Alabama's secondary". AL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  11. ^ "Minkah Fitzpatrick 2017 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  12. ^ Butt, Jason (January 28, 2018). "Minkah Fitzpatrick on leading Alabama's defense". Macon.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  13. ^ Scarborough, Alex (January 11, 2018). "Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison join Bama teammates in entering draft". ESPN.com.
  14. ^ "NFL Draft 2018: Minkah Fitzpatrick is destined for greatness". Nj.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  15. ^ "ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. explains why Minkah Fitzpatrick may slide in the NFL Draft". Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  16. ^ "The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, Vol. 2". Si.com. March 7, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  17. ^ "Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0". nfl.com. April 20, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  18. ^ "NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Minkah Fitzpatrick". nfl.com. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  19. ^ "Alabama CB Minkah Fitzpatrick : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  20. ^ Teope, Herbie (April 26, 2018). "Dolphins take Bama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11". NFL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  21. ^ "Dolphins sign No. 11 overall pick Minkah Fitzpatrick". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  22. ^ "Spotrac.com: Minkah Fitzpatrick contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  23. ^ Kelly, Omar (June 5, 2018). "Dolphins rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick drawing favorable reviews". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  24. ^ a b "NFL Player stays: Minkah Fitzpatrick (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  25. ^ Schad, Joe (September 26, 2018). "Miami Dolphins' Reshad Jones injury: What he said about playing against Patriots". palmbeachpost.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  26. ^ Inabinett, Mark (October 1, 2018). "Check out Minkah Fitzpatrick's first NFL interception". AL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  27. ^ Dajani, Jordan (December 16, 2018). "Minkah Fitzpatrick records a pick-six against the Vikings". 247Sports.com. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  28. ^ "Jackson's 5 TD passes help Ravens drub Dolphins 59–10". www.espn.com. September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  29. ^ Patra, Kevin (September 13, 2019). "Fins grant Minkah Fitzpatrick permission to seek trade". www.nfl.com. Associated Press. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  30. ^ "Newcomer Brown scores as Patriots beat Dolphins 43–0". www.espn.com. Associated Press. September 15, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  31. ^ Scott, Jelani (September 17, 2019). "Dolphins S Minkah Fitzpatrick traded to Steelers". NFL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  32. ^ "Sloppy 49ers beat Steelers 24–20 on late Garoppolo TD pass". www.espn.com. Associated Press. September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  33. ^ "Steelers overcome slow start, drop winless Dolphins 27–14". www.espn.com. Associated Press. October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  34. ^ "Vinatieri misses late, Steelers edge Colts 26–24". www.espn.com. Associated Press. November 3, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  35. ^ Saunders, Alan (November 3, 2019). "Minkah Fitzpatrick Has Steelers' Longest Interception Return Since 1933". Steelers Now. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  36. ^ "Steelers defense leads way in 17–12 win over Rams". www.espn.com. Associated Press. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  37. ^ "Duck Time: Hodges leads Steelers over winless Bengals 16–10". www.espn.com. Associated Press. November 24, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
  38. ^ "Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  39. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – November 1st, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  40. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas Cowboys – November 8th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  41. ^ "Steelers vs. Jaguars: 5 observations from Pittsburgh's 27–3 win in Jacksonville". Steelers Wire. November 22, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  42. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  43. ^ "Steelers exercise fifth-year option on Minkah Fitzpatrick". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 27, 2021.
  44. ^ https://www.al.com/sports/2021/04/steelers-pick-up-10612-million-option-on-minkah-fitzpatricks-contract.html
  45. ^ Varley, Teresa (November 15, 2021). "Steelers make roster moves". Steelers.com. Retrieved November 15, 2021.

External links[]

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