Kirk Merritt

Kirk Merritt's Biography

Kirk Merritt, an American football athlete, was born on January 5, 1997. Throughout his career he has functioned in the dual role of running back and wide receiver with a keen focus and determination. As of 2024, Merritt is associated with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL), a league that symbolizes his enduring passion for the game of football.

Merritt’s childhood was spent in Destrehan, Louisiana – a place that significantly influenced his first steps into the world of football. Destrehan High School was where Merritt fine-tuned his skillset, tallying an impressive accumulated total of 1,058 rushing and receiving yards while scoring 11 touchdowns as a senior. Such commendable achievements led to Merritt being tagged as a four-star recruit. He seized an opportunity to play college football at Oregon, overlooking alternatives that included Alabama, Auburn, and Texas A&M.

The true enhancement of Merritt’s abilities occurred during his time at the University of Oregon. Here, in his freshman year, he featured in 12 games and successfully snagged five passes, clocking in at 61 yards. His athleticism also led to a further three rushes equating to 13 yards. However, the journey at Oregon wasn’t as smooth as he hoped, which led Merritt to terminate his tenure with the Ducks after the completion of his freshman year.

Merritt’s ambition did not dwindle, and he transferred to Texas A&M, keen on furthering his collegiate career. Following the transfer, he stayed out of the field in the 2016 season in compliance with NCAA transfer rules. But a tumultuous phase lurched as he got dismissed from the team in 2017 following charges of indecent exposure in two separate incidents.

Bouncing back from that setback, Merritt reconstructed his career at the East Mississippi Community College. It was here that he rekindled his prowess as an expert receiver by completing 52 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. This promising performance did not go unnoticed for it propelled his transfer to Arkansas State University, marking a new chapter in his final two years of eligibility.

Embracing a new role at Arkansas State, Merritt soon established his dominance on the field. He led the Sun Belt Conference and sprang into fame for his stellar 83 receptions and clocking 1,005 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. This accomplishment clinched him the title of a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference organize, a feat he replicated in the status of redshirt senior, contributing 70 receptions for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns to his accolades.

Off the college fields, Merritt’s performance did not go unnoticed for he was offered a contract by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on April 25, 2020. Despite not being included in the season’s final roster, Merritt was signed to the team’s practice squad in early September. Kerritt got elevated twice in November and December, only to get reverted to the squad post games.

Coping with COVID-19, Merritt was put on the practice squad/COVID-19 list by mid-December 2020, but quickly rejoined the practice squad three days later. Reconfirming his dedication, he was elevated to the active roster ahead of the week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills. With an unwavering spirit, Merritt signed a reserve/future contract with the Dolphins on January 6, 2021.

However, the professional journey wasn’t devoid of trials and tribulations. Merritt was waived and re-signed by the Dolphins and Saints on various occasions through 2021 and 2022. He also found himself on the receiving end of a few tough decisions and was eventually waived by the Saints, only to get re-signed and then eventually cut in September 2023.

Even amid these uncertainties, Merritt found a new home with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL in January 2024. Although an injury prompted his placement on the injured reserve list in April 2024, he was back in action by the end of May. Keen to continue his journey with the Roughnecks, he re-signed with the team in August 2024.

This comprehensive journey is a testament to Merritt’s ability to rise above challenges with grit and determination. His commitment to the sport and unwavering resolve stands as an inspiration for athletes everywhere. Through trials, transfers, and tackles, the legacy of Kirk Merritt continues to proudly echo in the world of American football.