Pro-American football defensive tackle, Dontari Poe has been in the limelight for quite some time, thanks to his resilience and outstanding defensive skills. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs of Memphis College for the 11th overall NFL draft selection in 2012. Dontari has played for other NFL teams including Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
In addition to being a two-time Pro Bowler, Dontari Poe was named to the All-Pro Second Team. ESPN’s Bruce Feldman listed him as one of the 10 strongest men in college football. Learn more about his biography, career, and other facts below.
Bio of Dontari Poe (Age)
Dontari Poe was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 18, 1990, to black American parents – Robert Poe Sr. and his wife Sandra Poe. He is the youngest of three brothers with his two older brothers, Pierre Poe and Robert Poe Jr. He grew up in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Wooddale High School. While practicing with the Wooddale Marching Band, his football coach noticed him and later invited him to join the school football team.
Playing as a defensive tackle, Dontari had eight sacks and 63 tackles in his freshman year; earning an all-state defensive lineman honorable mention. In addition to his school, Poe played in Auburn, Mississippi and Colorado. He also competed in track and field events. He was the Class 3-A title holder in the shot put during his junior year. He also retained the title in his senior year. Based on his athletic ability, he was rated two stars by Scout.com and Rivals.com
Dontari enrolled at the University of Memphis where he played college football for the Memphis Tigers. He had 27 tackles in his freshman year in 2009 and the following year. he became his team’s starting defensive lineman. Poe finished the 2010 season with 41 tackles and received an All-Conference USA honorable mention.
In 2011, Poe was named one of the 10 strongest men in college football by ESPN’s Bruce Feldman. He played 12 games for the Tigers finishing the season with 33 tackles. He was named to the USA All-Conference team and also received an honorable mention All-America from Pro Football Weekly. At the end of his junior season, Poe announced he would forgo his senior season in order to join the 2012 NFL Draft.
NFL career and statistics
Joining the NFL’s Combination Draft in 2012, Poe who was a potential second-rounder made a remarkable impression, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds despite his weight. He went from 3rd place in the defensive tackle ranking to 1st place. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the 11th overall and second defensive tackle after Fletcher Cox in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Poe signed a four-year contract worth $11 million with the Chiefs. During his rookie season, he competed for the starting jersey with Jerrell Powe and Anthony Toribio. After spending three preseason games on the bench, Poe got the starting jersey after Toribor’s injury. Distinguishing himself, he became a permanent starter for the remainder of his rookie year.
He played for the Chiefs for four seasons and after his contract expired in 2016, he joined the Atlanta Falcon on a one-year deal worth $8 million. During the 2017 season, Poe recorded 39 combined fights, including 23 solos and 2.5 sacks in 16 games for the Falcons. In 2018, Poe joined the Carolina Panthers on a three-year contract worth $27 million.
Height, weight and body measurements
Dontari Poe has a strong lower body which helps him stabilize his stance whenever he is in action. He is considered a big threat on the pitch after managing to hold down two blockers at once, creating more chances for his team. As a hard-working defender, Poe uses his size, strength, and athletic ability every time he’s on the field.
That said, he has a tall height of 6 feet 4 inches and a weight of 346 pounds. He has an arm length of 32 inches and a hand of 9 5/8 inches. Her eyes are brown and her hair is black.
Other interesting facts about Dontari Poe
1. Dontari Poe was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
2. He played high school football at Wooddale High School in Memphis.
3. He was the Class 3A shot put title holder in both his junior and senior year.
4. He finished his college career with the Memphis Tigers.
5. Poe was the eleventh overall and second defensive tackle to be selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.
6. He played for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers in the NFL.