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Alabama Defensive Back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Looks to Rebuild Trust After Suspension
Kirkpatrick returns to Alabama for his junior season after missing time last year due to an off-field incident.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Alabama safety Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. returned to the Crimson Tide for his junior season after being suspended for part of last year following an arrest during the team's second bye week. Kirkpatrick, the son of former Alabama and NFL defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick, is now working to rebuild trust with his teammates and the program as he looks to get back on the field.
Why it matters
Kirkpatrick's suspension and return highlights the challenges student-athletes can face when they make poor decisions off the field. Alabama is a premier college football program, and Kirkpatrick's situation shows how even top players must earn back the trust of their coaches and teammates after disciplinary issues.
The details
Kirkpatrick appeared in eight games last season before his suspension, recording nine tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said Kirkpatrick "had consequences for what he did" and is still working to "build the trust up with his teammates" as he looks to return to the field this season.
- Kirkpatrick was suspended during Alabama's second bye week last season.
- Kirkpatrick was photographed back on the practice field with Alabama on Sunday, March 10, 2026, ahead of his junior season.
The players
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
A junior defensive back for the Alabama Crimson Tide who was suspended for part of last season following an off-field incident.
Kalen DeBoer
The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
Dre Kirkpatrick
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.'s father, a former Alabama defensive back who was a first-round NFL draft pick in 2012 and played 10 seasons in the NFL.
What they’re saying
“Yeah, he had consequences for what he did and the things he's gone through. There's still pieces to that that he's taking care of when it comes to those consequences with the team.”
— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide (wtug.com)
“Missed a lot of the season last year to be able to get back to the spot where he is on the football field. He met those requirements and has a great attitude about him. He loves ball. He's got to build the trust up with his teammates out there every day. He'll do the things not just on the field, but off it as well to meet the standard our program expects.”
— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide (wtug.com)
What’s next
Kirkpatrick will continue to work to rebuild trust with his teammates and the Alabama program as he looks to earn back a starting role in the Crimson Tide secondary.
The takeaway
Kirkpatrick's situation highlights the importance of student-athletes upholding the high standards of elite college football programs both on and off the field. His path to redemption and regaining the trust of his coaches and teammates will be closely watched as Alabama looks to contend for another championship.
