Former UCLA defensive back Devin Kirkwood is looking for a place in the NFL; he recently displayed his skills and talents at UCLA Pro Day. Kirkwood is bringing more than his athletic skills to the NFL.
While the Inglewood native made 24 total tackles for the Bruins this past season, he worked to graduate from UCLA with a degree in African American Studies. He is also a member of the 2024 Big Ten Fall Academic Honor Roll and a nine-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member.
“It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders when you don’t got to go back to school,” Kirkwood said about graduating. “I had everybody there. My mom was there and my whole family showed up. It was a very memorable moment.”
During his time at UCLA, his favorite class was a freedom of speech class.
Related Stories
Dominguez Hills Outlasts Anchorage, Advances to Sweet 16
Student Athlete of the Week: Kalani Pearson
“It was helping me understand your worth and if you want something, you have to speak about it and work towards it,” Kirkwood said. “It’s not gonna be given to you.”
In September 2022, Kirkwood started the Devin K Kares Foundation: an organization that mentors and provides resources to youth in Los Angeles County. Through Devin K Kares, Kirkwood hosts free football clinics and an annual Winter Toy Drive.
Kirkwood noted how he could not have created the foundation without the help of his loved ones.
“Having my mom, my auntie, and the great support system that I have and all the people that been watching me grow up playing sports helped a lot,” Kirkwood said. “Help out in the community, that’s the biggest thing because at the end of the day, it’s bigger than football.”
During his time at UCLA, Kirkwood created impactful defensive plays. During the 2023 L.A. Bowl, he made a critical tackle in the early minutes of the third quarter against Boise State. The Bruins ultimately won 35-22.
In 2022, Kirkwood made a season-high of seven hits in a game against the Washington Huskies. As a freshman, he secured an interception to help the Bruins solidify their victory over the Huskies.
Kirkwood is an alum of Serra high school in Gardena. There, he was a four-star athlete.
“I’m always hungry, I’m a team player, a leader. I’m always in a good mood and efficient,” Kirkwood said. “By any means, I will help a team win.”
