D’Andre “Dre” Kirkpatrick is a former NFL cornerback who made a name for himself in the football scene. Now, his son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., is stepping into the spotlight, carrying on his father’s legacy at the University of Alabama.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide football player, Dre Kirkpatrick, has four children, including his son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., whom he shares with his ex-partner, Lexy Hight.
Besides son Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Dre Kirkpatrick and Lexy Hight share a daughter named Navi Charlee Kirkpatrick.
While Dre Jr. is the most well-known due to his football career, not much is known about Dre’s other three children, as he keeps their lives private.
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. was born to Dre Kirkpatrick and Lexy Hight in 2006, in Gadsden, Alabama, when his father was 15 years old and still in high school.
Growing up, Dre Jr. was often by his father’s side, even spending time in the Cincinnati Bengals’ facilities during his dad’s NFL career.
He attended Gadsden City High School in Alabama, the same school his father went to, and quickly demonstrated his talent as a versatile athlete.
Dre Jr. played defensive back and running back and excelled in the return game, scoring touchdowns in multiple ways during high school games.
At Gadsden City High School, he was a star, earning recognition as a 3-star recruit in the 2023 high school class.
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Committed To Alabama In 2023!
In 2023, Dre Jr. made a big decision by committing to play college football at the University of Alabama, where his father had once been a star.
This decision made him coach Nick Saban’s first-ever legacy recruit, meaning he’s the first son of a former Alabama player to join the team under Saban’s coaching. His father, Dre Kirkpatrick, played at Alabama from 2009 to 2011.
Dre Jr., a 3-star safety recruit, chose Alabama over other schools like Auburn, Arkansas, and Missouri. He said, “It’s a good opportunity. They know how to win,” and mentioned the chance to play for Alabama was special because of his father’s history there.
Dre Kirkpatrick became emotional during his son Dre Jr’s commitment ceremony to Alabama, holding up his former jersey number from his time as a Crimson Tide player.
Dre Kirkpatrick overcome with emotion upon seeing his son Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. commit to Alabama while holding up his former jersey number 🥹
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) August 18, 2023
(🎥 via drepic6/IG) pic.twitter.com/FQ9wwVUNQl
In a video shared, Dre Sr. was moved and bawling his eyes out. He describes the moment as “surreal” and expresses pride in his son following in his footsteps.
He highlighted Dre Jr.’s fearlessness, comparing him to former Alabama star Mark Barron. He said, “He’s not afraid of the moment. I call him baby Mark Barron.”
A year later, Dre Jr. enrolled at the University of Alabama in 2024 as a freshman safety. He played in all 13 games during the 2024 season, primarily contributing on special teams.
He recorded three tackles in his debut season, showing promise as a developing defensive back.
Benefited from Alabama’s coaching staff, including new head coach Kalen DeBoer, after Nick Saban’s retirement, Dre Jr. continues to grow as a player.
Above all, his father believes Dre Jr.’s understanding of the game might even surpass his own at that age.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dre Kirkpatrick was a five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the country before committing to Alabama live on ESPNU in 2009.
- He helped Alabama win the BCS National Championships in 2009 and 2011.
