Who is Cody Barton? Cody Likeke Barton, born on November 13, 1996, is a professional football linebacker in the NFL. Known for his dedication and hard work, Barton has made significant strides since his high school days at Brighton High School in Utah. He played college football at the University of Utah, following in his family's athletic footsteps. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, Barton has since played for the Washington Commanders and recently signed with the Denver Broncos. His journey from a high school standout to a professional athlete is inspiring, marked by leadership, perseverance, and a deep love for the game.
Key Takeaways:
- Cody Barton's journey from high school to the NFL showcases his family's athletic legacy and his standout college football career at the University of Utah. His dedication and leadership have been pivotal in his professional journey.
- Barton's transition to the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, his consistent performance, and his recent signings with the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos highlight his resilience and passion for the sport.
Early Life and Family Background
Cody Barton’s journey to the NFL is deeply rooted in his family’s athletic legacy and his early life experiences.
- Birth and Family Background: Cody Likeke Barton was born on November 13, 1996, to Paul Barton and Mikki Kane-Barton. His parents were two-sport student-athletes at the University of Utah.
- High School Career: Barton attended Brighton High School in Utah, where he earned all-state honors as a defensive back. He recorded 72 tackles and three interceptions during his senior year.
- College Commitment: Despite multiple Division I offers, Barton chose to follow his family’s legacy by committing to the University of Utah.
College Football Career
Barton’s time at the University of Utah was marked by significant achievements and growth as a player.
- College Football Career: At Utah, Barton played in 50 games over four seasons, starting 23 games. His senior season saw him lead the team with 116 tackles.
- College Statistics: In 2015, Barton played in 12 games on special teams with seven tackles.
- 2016 Season: Played in 11 games with five starts at rover, recording 66 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
- 2017 Season: Played in all 13 games with four starts, accumulating 45 tackles and tying for the Pac-12 lead with three fumble recoveries.
- 2018 Season: Started all 14 games at middle linebacker, leading Utah with 116 tackles and earning an Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 nod.
Transition to the NFL
Barton’s transition from college to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2019 NFL Draft and his early contributions to the Seattle Seahawks.
- Professional Draft: On April 25, 2019, Cody Barton was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (88th overall).
- Professional Debut: Barton made his professional debut in Week 3 of the 2019 season against the New Orleans Saints, recovering a muffed punt from Deonte Harris.
- Seattle Seahawks Career: During his time with the Seahawks, Barton primarily played on special teams, leading the team in special teams snaps and becoming a starting linebacker in 2020.
Career Statistics and Highlights
Barton’s NFL career has been marked by consistent performance and key milestones.
- 2019 Season: Played in 15 games, recording 34 tackles and one fumble recovery.
- 2020 Season: Started 14 games, accumulating 73 tackles and one sack.
- 2021 Season: Played in 17 games, recording 64 tackles and one interception.
- 2022 Season: Started 16 games, accumulating 73 tackles and one sack.
Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos
Barton’s career took new turns with his signings with the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos.
- Washington Commanders Signing: On March 16, 2023, Barton signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.
- High Ankle Sprain: Suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 7 and was placed on injured reserve on October 28, 2023.
- Reactivation: The Commanders reactivated Barton on November 22, 2023.
- Denver Broncos Signing: On March 18, 2024, Barton signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond football, Barton has a rich personal life and diverse interests.
- Personal Life: Barton’s family is deeply involved in sports. His older brother, Jackson, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL draft.
- Favorite Animal: Barton has a deep affection for horses and often spends time at his ranch riding horses during the offseason.
- Offseason Routine: During the offseason, Barton’s typical day involves training, studying tape, and riding horses at his ranch.
- Memorable Play: One of Barton’s most memorable plays was an interception against UCLA during his senior year at Utah.
Mental Approach and Career Goals
Barton’s mental approach to football and his career goals reflect his dedication and passion for the sport.
- Mental Approach: Barton focuses on the positives and learns from the negatives to stay motivated.
- Career Goals: When he retires, Barton wants to be remembered as a great friend and teammate who left everything on the field.
- Relationships in Football: Barton emphasizes the importance of building relationships with teammates and coaches.
High School and College Achievements
Barton’s achievements in high school and college laid the foundation for his professional career.
- High School Achievements: In addition to his all-state honors, Barton had 27 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns in his senior year.
- College Achievements: At Utah, Barton was a standout player known for his tackling skills and leadership.
NFL Combine and Draft Analysis
Barton’s performance at the NFL Combine and his draft analysis highlight his potential as a professional player.
- NFL Combine Stats: Barton’s combine stats include a 40-yard dash time of 4.64 seconds and 30 reps on the bench press.
- Draft Analysis: The Seahawks drafted Barton in the third round (88th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft to bolster their linebacker corps.
Career Milestones and Leadership
Barton’s career milestones and leadership roles have been significant in his professional journey.
- First Takeaway: Recovered a muffed punt from Deonte Harris in Week 3 of the 2019 season.
- First Start: Became a starting linebacker in the 2020 season.
- First Interception: Secured his first interception against Washington in 2021.
- Leadership Role: Barton has demonstrated leadership skills throughout his career, taking on more responsibility and leading by example.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Barton’s legacy in football and his future aspirations reflect his dedication to the sport and his family’s athletic heritage.
- Family Legacy: The Barton family is renowned for their athletic prowess, inspiring Cody to pursue his dreams in football.
- Future Aspirations: Barton hopes to be remembered as a great teammate and friend who left everything on the field.
- Relationships in the NFL: Barton emphasizes the importance of building relationships with teammates and coaches.
Favorite Song and Personal Philosophy
Barton’s favorite song and personal philosophy offer insight into his mindset and approach to life.
- Favorite Song: Barton would choose a song that speaks about taking advantage of opportunities and living in the moment.
- Personal Philosophy: Barton believes that football requires both physical and mental toughness, focusing on the positives and learning from the negatives.
Offseason Activities and Interests
Barton’s offseason activities and interests provide a glimpse into his life outside of football.
- Offseason Activities: Barton engages in various activities to maintain his physical and mental fitness, including training and spending time at his ranch.
- Favorite Animal: Barton has a deep affection for horses and often spends time riding them during the offseason.
Memorable Plays and Mental Approach
Barton’s memorable plays and mental approach to football highlight his dedication and passion for the sport.
- Memorable Play: One of Barton’s most memorable plays was an interception against UCLA during his senior year at Utah.
- Mental Approach: Barton focuses on the positives and learns from the negatives to stay motivated.
Career Goals and Relationships in Football
Barton’s career goals and relationships in football reflect his dedication to the sport and his teammates.
- Career Goals: When he retires, Barton wants to be remembered as a great friend and teammate who left everything on the field.
- Relationships in Football: Barton emphasizes the importance of building relationships with teammates and coaches.
High School and College Achievements
Barton’s achievements in high school and college laid the foundation for his professional career.
- High School Achievements: In addition to his all-state honors, Barton had 27 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns in his senior year.
- College Achievements: At Utah, Barton was a standout player known for his tackling skills and leadership.
NFL Combine and Draft Analysis
Barton’s performance at the NFL Combine and his draft analysis highlight his potential as a professional player.
- NFL Combine Stats: Barton’s combine stats include a 40-yard dash time of 4.64 seconds and 30 reps on the bench press.
- Draft Analysis: The Seahawks drafted Barton in the third round (88th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft to bolster their linebacker corps.
Career Milestones and Leadership
Barton’s career milestones and leadership roles have been significant in his professional journey.
- First Takeaway: Recovered a muffed punt from Deonte Harris in Week 3 of the 2019 season.
Cody Barton's Legacy
Cody Barton’s journey from high school standout to NFL linebacker is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His impressive stats at the University of Utah, combined with his professional achievements with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, highlight his talent and perseverance. Barton's family legacy in sports, his leadership on and off the field, and his commitment to continuous improvement make him a standout athlete. Whether recovering from injuries or making game-changing plays, Barton consistently proves his resilience and determination. His love for horses and his offseason routines show a well-rounded individual who values both physical and mental fitness. As he continues his career with the Denver Broncos, Barton's story inspires fans and aspiring athletes alike. His legacy in football is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to his team and sport.
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