DeForest Buckner

DeForest Buckner is an active American professional football defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL).

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

DeForest George Buckner was born on March 17, 1994, in Waianae, Hawaii, USA. The massive interior defensive lineman stands 201 cm tall, and carries a playing weight of 134 kg.

He attended the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he showcased exceptional all-around athleticism. Aside from being a dominant force in football, Buckner was also a standout basketball player, utilizing his height and agility to lead his team on the court.

Committing to the University of Oregon, Buckner played for the Ducks from 2012 to 2015. He steadily developed into a devastating collegiate pass rusher, combining his natural leverage with a relentless motor.

He captured the Morris Trophy, and was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, firmly establishing himself as a premium prospect ahead of the professional draft.

Professional Career

Buckner was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round (7th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Over his four seasons in San Francisco, Buckner grew into the unquestioned anchor of the team's defensive front. His production reached an elite tier during the 2018 and 2019 campaigns, securing his first Pro Bowl selection and a Second-team All-Pro nod while helping lead the 49ers to an appearance in Super Bowl LIV.

In March 2020, Buckner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in a blockbuster move and subsequently signed a massive contract extension. He instantly transformed the culture and production of the Colts' defensive line.

In his first year in Indianapolis, he was named a First-team All-Pro, proving his worth as a foundational piece. Over the next several seasons, Buckner remained a model of durability and dominance, earning additional Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2023.

During the 2025 season, Buckner faced significant physical adversity.

A severe herniated disc in his neck limited him to just 10 games, during which he still managed to record 47 tackles and four sacks. Displaying exceptional mental toughness, he underwent a successful neck surgery in early 2026.

Entering the 2026 offseason program, he was medically cleared to resume training and remains highly focused on commanding the Colts' interior defensive line once again in time for training camp.

Career Highlights

• 2018, 2021, 2023 - Pro Bowl
• 2020 - First-team All-Pro
• 2019 - Second-team All-Pro
• 2016 - PFWA All-Rookie Team
• 2015 - Morris Trophy
• 2015 - First-team All-American
• 2015 - Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year
• 2015 - First-team All-Pac-12
• 2014 - Second-team All-Pac-12