https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland...Kirksey-puts-drum-talent-on-display-118328405
HBO's 'Hard Knocks' is about two weeks away from rolling into Berea, Ohio looking for storylines. One of their favorite objectives is finding some talents away from the football field. One of those talents that they may find belongs to Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Kirksey took up drumming as a child. His love of the instrument began in church and continued at home on any surface that would suffice. In an episode of 'Building the Browns,' the team takes fans behind the curtains for a closer look at what makes the linebacker such a versatile talent.
The Iowa product was taken in the third round, pick No. 71 overall, of the 2014 NFL Draft. In a draft that included two first round picks, cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel, the best values came in the second and third rounds - offensive guard Joel Bitonio and Kirksey. His career began as an inside linebacker next to Karlos Dansby and Craig Robertson. A year ago, he was moved to outside linebacker.
The Missouri native has averaged 143 tackles and three sacks over the past two seasons. He has not missed a single game during his four year career and is being counted on to do the same as a starter this season next to inside linebacker Joe Schobert and outside linebacker Jamie Collins. In 2017, Kirksey finished No. 4 in tackles and Schobert finished No. 2 in tackles. In 2016, he was the No. 3 leading tackler. Despite the distinction of being a top four tackler over the past two seasons, he has yet to make a Pro Bowl appearance.
Kirksey has accumulated 430 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The 25 year old signed a four year deal worth $38 million in May of 2017. He will earn $6.2 million in the upcoming season and the figure increases each of the next three seasons.
HBO's 'Hard Knocks' is about two weeks away from rolling into Berea, Ohio looking for storylines. One of their favorite objectives is finding some talents away from the football field. One of those talents that they may find belongs to Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Kirksey took up drumming as a child. His love of the instrument began in church and continued at home on any surface that would suffice. In an episode of 'Building the Browns,' the team takes fans behind the curtains for a closer look at what makes the linebacker such a versatile talent.
The Iowa product was taken in the third round, pick No. 71 overall, of the 2014 NFL Draft. In a draft that included two first round picks, cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel, the best values came in the second and third rounds - offensive guard Joel Bitonio and Kirksey. His career began as an inside linebacker next to Karlos Dansby and Craig Robertson. A year ago, he was moved to outside linebacker.
The Missouri native has averaged 143 tackles and three sacks over the past two seasons. He has not missed a single game during his four year career and is being counted on to do the same as a starter this season next to inside linebacker Joe Schobert and outside linebacker Jamie Collins. In 2017, Kirksey finished No. 4 in tackles and Schobert finished No. 2 in tackles. In 2016, he was the No. 3 leading tackler. Despite the distinction of being a top four tackler over the past two seasons, he has yet to make a Pro Bowl appearance.
Kirksey has accumulated 430 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The 25 year old signed a four year deal worth $38 million in May of 2017. He will earn $6.2 million in the upcoming season and the figure increases each of the next three seasons.
