Minkah Fitzpatrick: From College Standout to NFL Star

Minkah Annane Fitzpatrick Jr., born on November 17, 1996, is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL was paved with success in high school and college, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation.

Early Years and High School Career

Fitzpatrick attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he starred as a two-way player for the Marauders. On offense, he played wide receiver, and on defense, he played defensive back. In 2014, he showcased his versatility by catching 45 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also recording 70 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He also participated in track.

Considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.com, Fitzpatrick was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his class. His outstanding high school performance earned him selection to the 2015 Parade All-America team and invitations to the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game and Nike's 2014 "The Opening," before enrolling at Alabama.

College Career at Alabama Crimson Tide

Fitzpatrick committed to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Here's a breakdown of his college career:

2015: Freshman Season

As a true freshman in 2015, Fitzpatrick quickly made an impact, starting 10 of 14 games. He played at the "star" position (nickel corner) in the Crimson Tide defense. He excelled in that role until Alabama needed him to fill in at safety for injured Eddie Jackson (a fourth-round pick by the Bears in 2017).

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2016: Sophomore Season

In his sophomore season in 2016, Fitzpatrick continued to excel. He made a remarkable play, returning an interception 100 yards in a 49-30 victory over then-16th ranked Arkansas. This interception broke the Alabama Crimson Tide record for the longest interception return for a touchdown. In the same game, he tied the Alabama records for most interceptions in a game (3) and career interceptions returned for a touchdown (4).

2017: Junior Season

Fitzpatrick's junior year was marked by consistent performance and recognition. He was named a unanimous All-American.

College Statistics and Accolades

Throughout his college career, Fitzpatrick demonstrated exceptional versatility and skill. He was known for his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, making him a valuable asset to the Crimson Tide defense.

NFL Draft and Early Career

On January 11, 2018, Fitzpatrick declared his intention to enter the 2018 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

Pre-Draft Process

Fitzpatrick attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, participating in most drills but skipping the short shuttle and three-cone drill. He had pre-draft visits with several teams, including the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers. While his versatility allowed him to potentially play safety or cornerback, Fitzpatrick expressed his preference to play cornerback.

Read also: Harvard Grad's NFL Career

Despite his talent, NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. suggested that Fitzpatrick might experience a slide in the draft due to not having a clearly defined role. Nevertheless, most experts projected him as a first-round pick.

Miami Dolphins (2018-2019)

The Miami Dolphins selected Fitzpatrick with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team. During training camp, Fitzpatrick competed against T. J. McDonald for the starting free safety position.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-Present)

On September 13, 2019, it was reported Fitzpatrick was granted permission to have his agent seek a trade after it was requested.On September 17, 2019, the Miami Dolphins traded Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their 2020 first-round pick.

NFL Career

2019 Season

Fitzpatrick made his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 22, 2019, recording five combined tackles (four solo), a pass deflection, and forced a fumble.In Week 8, he had two interceptions thrown by former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick, setting a career-high in a 27-14 victory against the Miami Dolphins. On November 8, 2019, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a 96-yard touchdown in a 26-24 win against the Indianapolis Colts. The following week, Fitzpatrick scored a touchdown after he had a 43-yard return after he recovered a fumble.

2020 Season

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler retained Fitzpatrick as the starting free safety to begin the 2020 NFL season, alongside strong safety Terrell Edmunds. On October 18, 2020, Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass attempt and returned it for a 38-yard touchdown as the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 38-7 win. In Week 8 against the Ravens, Fitzpatrick forced a fumble on quarterback Lamar Jackson 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. On November 22, 2020, Fitzpatrick set a season-high two interceptions from passes by Jake Luton in a 27-3 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. He finished the 2020 NFL season with 79 combined tackles (60 solo), four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble. He was ranked 52nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished stop the AFC North with a 12-4 record, qualifying for a playoff berth.

2021 Season

On November 15, Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on the Steelers' Reserve-COVID list. On December 5, 2021, he had an interception on a throw by Lamar Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews during a 19-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 15, Fitzpatrick racked up a career-high 14 combined tackles (12 solo) as the Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans 19-13.

2022 Season

On June 15, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Fitzpatrick to a four-year, $73.61 million contract that includes $36.00 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $17.50 million. With an annual salary of $18.4 million, he became the highest paid safety in the NFL at the time, later being surpassed by Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers. On September 11, 2022, Fitzpatrick began the season with his best performance of the year, collecting a season-high 14 combined tackles (10 solo), made a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass on Joe Burrow's first pass attempt of the game, returning it 31-yards for a touchdown. He also blocked a game-winning extra point off of kicker Evan McPherson, as the Steelers won at the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in overtime. His performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week. In Week 4, he had an interception on a pass attempt by Zach Wilson in a 20-24 victory over the New York Jets. On November 12, 2022, Fitzpatrick complained of stomach pain and after consulting a doctor he was diagnosed with appendicitis and immediately underwent surgery.

2023 Season

Head coach Mike Tomlin named Fitzpatrick and Keanu Neal the starting safeties to begin the regular season. In Week 4, he tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 6-30 loss at the Houston Texans. On December 16, 2023, Fitzpatrick injured his left knee in the second quarter of a 13-30 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and was inactive for the last three games of the season (Weeks 16-18). He finished with 64 combined tackles (43 solo) and three pass deflections in ten games and ten starts. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished third in the AFC North with a 10-7 record to earn a Wildcard berth.

2024 Season

Head coach Mike Tomlin remained with Fitzpatrick as the starting free safety, but paired him with DeShon Elliott who was acquired in free agency. In Week 5, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and had one pass deflection as the Steelers lost 17-20 to the Dallas Cowboys. On December 21, 2024, he intercepted a pass attempt by Lamar Jackson to wide receiver Rashod Bateman in a 17-34 loss at the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the 2024 NFL season with a total of 96 combined tackles (64 solo), four pass deflections, one interception, and a forced fumble while starting all 17 games. Fitzpatrick was voted to the 2025 Pro Bowl, along with T. J.

Personal Life

Fitzpatrick was born to Melissa and Minkah Fitzpatrick Sr. in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Growing up, Fitzpatrick faced financial struggles, particularly in 2011 when Hurricane Irene severely damaged his family's home. His father, who had been laid off from his job as a truck mechanic, took on multiple jobs to support the family, while Minkah helped rebuild their home. These early hardships instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, faith, and perseverance.

Fitzpatrick, who was raised in a Christian household, has often spoken about the importance of his faith, citing Bible verses such as Micah 7:8, which he has said helped guide him through difficult times.

Fitzpatrick has four siblings: Justice, Promise, Destiny, and Devine. His younger brother, Justice Fitzpatrick, is a high school football player and a top recruit for the class of 2026.

Fitzpatrick has been in a long-term relationship with Maya Stokes, a fashion model represented by Docherty Talent Agency in Pittsburgh. The couple maintains a private life, with Maya keeping a minimal online presence. On October 7, 2024, Fitzpatrick and Stokes welcomed their first child, a son named Uzai Fitzpatrick, at the Allegheny Health Network’s labor and delivery unit at Wexford Hospital. The delivery was overseen by Dr. Ronald Cypher, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preferred gynecologist.

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