Donte Whitner
Donte Demetrius Whitner, known by nicknames such as "Lights Out" and "Hitner," is a former American professional football safety who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 2006 to 2016.[1] Born on July 24, 1985, in Cleveland, Ohio, Whitner stood at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 208 pounds during his playing career, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting defensive back noted for his physical style of play.[1][2] Whitner attended Ohio State University, where he played college football for the Buckeyes from 2003 to 2005, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2005.[3] Selected by the Buffalo Bills as the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, he quickly established himself as a starter, amassing 140 tackles in his rookie season alone.[1][2] Over his NFL career, Whitner appeared in 157 games across four teams: the Buffalo Bills (2006–2010), San Francisco 49ers (2011–2013), Cleveland Browns (2014–2015), and Washington Redskins (2016).[1] His career statistics include 923 total tackles (668 solo), 11 interceptions for 331 return yards and two touchdowns, 53 passes defended, 12 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and three sacks.[1] Whitner reached the pinnacle of his achievements with the 49ers, where he earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2012 to 2014, and contributed to the team's run to Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season, though they lost to the Baltimore Ravens.[1][4] Following his retirement after the 2016 season, Whitner transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a studio analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area covering the 49ers until his departure in July 2025, and since September 2025, co-hosting the podcast The Grit Code with Patrick Willis.[5][6] His tenure in the NFL solidified his legacy as a durable, impactful safety who played a key role in multiple defensive units during an era of competitive AFC and NFC contenders.[1]Early life
Childhood and family
Donte Whitner was born on July 24, 1985, in Cleveland, Ohio.[7] He grew up in the city's Kinsman neighborhood, raised primarily by his mother, Deborah Whitner, amid a challenging family environment where his father struggled with heroin addiction and spent much of Whitner's childhood in and out of prison.[8] Whitner is the older brother of Lindsey Witten, who went on to play college football as a defensive end for the University of Connecticut.[9] At age six, Whitner experienced a life-altering car accident when he chased a loose football into the street and was struck by an oncoming vehicle, shattering both legs in 15 places.[10] Doctors informed his mother that he might never walk again, but through intensive physical therapy and determination, Whitner endured a grueling recovery process spanning nearly two years, relearning to walk with the aid of casts and braces.[11] Despite these early hardships, Whitner found initial exposure to football in Cleveland's local culture, often playing informally in his driveway and drawing inspiration from the sport's prominence in the community, which helped foster his resilience and passion for the game.[12]High school career
Donte Whitner attended Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he developed into a prominent football prospect.[1] As a defensive back for the Tarblooders, Whitner showcased exceptional athleticism and physicality, earning special mention on the Associated Press All-Ohio football team during his senior season in 2002.[13] His hard-hitting style and playmaking ability on defense distinguished him among peers, contributing to Glenville's reputation as a talent factory under coach Ted Ginn Sr.[14] Whitner's high school performance garnered national recognition, including selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he competed against elite prospects.[14] Rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com, he was regarded as the top cornerback in Ohio and the No. 3 cornerback in the nation for the class of 2003.[15] These accolades drew recruitment interest from several top Division I programs, culminating in Whitner's commitment to Ohio State University on February 5, 2003.[16]College career
Ohio State Buckeyes
Donte Whitner enrolled early at Ohio State University during the 2003 winter quarter as a highly touted recruit from Cleveland's Glenville High School. As a true freshman defensive back, he appeared in 13 games without starting, primarily contributing on special teams and in reserve roles, where he recorded 22 tackles (15 solo) and two interceptions for 12 yards total, including a pick against Indiana in a 35-6 Big Ten victory.[17][18] In his sophomore year of 2004, Whitner transitioned to a starting role at safety, starting six of 10 games and emerging as a key contributor to the Buckeyes' defense with 69 tackles (47 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss, and one interception for 24 yards against North Carolina State in a 22-14 non-conference win. He posted a career-high 17 tackles in a crucial Big Ten matchup against Wisconsin, helping secure a 24-13 road victory despite the team's overall 8-3 record. His aggressive play style began drawing attention as a hard-hitting presence in the secondary.[17][18] Whitner's junior season in 2005 marked his most productive year, starting all 12 games and leading the secondary with 73 tackles (55 solo), nine tackles for loss, four sacks—including one against rival Michigan in a 25-21 Big Ten win—and two interceptions for 26 yards, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also forced one fumble during the campaign, contributing to Ohio State's 9-2 regular season and a berth in the Fiesta Bowl, where he added 9 tackles (7 solo), 1 forced fumble, and 3 pass deflections in a 34-20 victory over Notre Dame. Following this standout performance, Whitner decided to forgo his senior year and declared for the 2006 NFL Draft.[17][18][19][20]College achievements
During his junior season in 2005, Donte Whitner earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a defensive back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, recognizing his standout performance in the secondary.[18] He also received All-American recognition that year, highlighting his contributions to one of the conference's top defenses.[21] Whitner's impact was particularly evident in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-20 to cap a 10-2 season and secure a share of the Big Ten title. In the game, he recorded nine tackles (seven solo), forced one fumble, and deflected three passes, helping to limit Notre Dame to just 62 rushing yards and contributing to the Buckeyes' defensive pressure that included multiple disguises and blitzes.[20][22] Over the 2005 season, Whitner emerged as a key leader in Ohio State's defense, finishing as the team's third-leading tackler with 73 stops while adding four sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and one forced fumble, which underscored his role in generating turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses.[18] His versatility and physicality at safety positioned him as a consensus top prospect at the position entering the NFL Draft, with analysts ranking him as the No. 1 strong safety and projecting a late first-round selection.[23]Professional career
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills selected Donte Whitner in the first round, eighth overall, of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, where he had established himself as a top defensive back prospect.[24][1] This pick marked the debut of the iconic NFL Draft chime sound on ESPN's broadcast, which first played just before the Bills' announcement.[25] Shortly after the draft, Whitner signed a five-year contract worth $29 million with the Bills, including significant guaranteed money that resolved a brief training camp holdout.[26][27] As a rookie in 2006, Whitner quickly earned a starting role at free safety, appearing in 15 games with 14 starts and recording 106 combined tackles (68 solo), which ranked second on the team, along with one interception and five passes defended.[1][28] His physical style and coverage ability contributed to the Bills' secondary, though the team finished 7-9 that season. Over his five-year tenure from 2006 to 2010, Whitner became a mainstay in Buffalo's defense, playing in 69 games with 66 starts and amassing 453 combined tackles (324 solo), five interceptions, 19 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.[1] One of Whitner's standout moments came in 2009 during a home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he intercepted a pass from Byron Leftwich and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown, helping secure a 33-20 victory and providing an early boost to Buffalo's season.[29][30] That year, despite missing six games due to injury, he still posted 57 tackles and two interceptions. In 2010, Whitner had a career-high 140 combined tackles, leading the Bills in that category while adding another interception and a forced fumble.[1] Following the expiration of his rookie contract after the 2010 season, Whitner entered free agency and signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in August 2011.[31][32]| Year | Games (Starts) | Tackles (Solo/Ast) | INT | PD | FF | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 15 (14) | 106 (68/38) | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.0 |
| 2007 | 15 (15) | 89 (68/21) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.0 |
| 2008 | 13 (13) | 61 (50/11) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| 2009 | 10 (8) | 57 (42/15) | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0.0 |
| 2010 | 16 (16) | 140 (96/44) | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Total | 69 (66) | 453 (324/129) | 5 | 19 | 3 | 1.5 |
San Francisco 49ers
Whitner joined the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent on August 4, 2011, signing a three-year contract worth $11.75 million, including $4 million guaranteed. In his debut season, he quickly established himself as a vocal leader in the secondary, providing physicality and run support that helped anchor the defense during a playoff run to the NFC Championship Game. His hard-hitting style earned him recognition on the USA Today All-Joe Team, highlighting under-the-radar performers who exceeded expectations. Whitner's 62 combined tackles that year exemplified his role in revitalizing the 49ers' backfield. Over the next two seasons, Whitner solidified his status as a cornerstone of the defense, earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2012 and 2013 for his consistent tackling and coverage abilities. In 2012, he recorded 82 combined tackles, second on the team, while forcing two fumbles and securing one interception returned for a touchdown, contributing to the 49ers' march to Super Bowl XLVII. The following year, with 73 tackles and two interceptions, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and continued to lead by example in the secondary alongside Dashon Goldson. The 49ers' defensive resurgence under coordinator Vic Fangio, bolstered by Whitner's intensity, propelled the team to back-to-back deep playoff appearances, including a 24-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the 2012 NFC Championship. In Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens on February 3, 2013, Whitner tallied eight tackles in a hard-fought 34–31 defeat, showcasing his tenacity despite the outcome. Following the 2013 season, Whitner became an unrestricted free agent and departed San Francisco, signing a four-year, $28 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in March 2014.Cleveland Browns
On March 11, 2014, Whitner signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, including $15.5 million guaranteed, as an unrestricted free agent and a replacement for departing safety T.J. Ward.[33][34] In his first season with Cleveland, Whitner started all 16 games, led the team with 106 tackles (69 solo), and recorded one interception for 54 yards, performances that earned him his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection following two nods with the San Francisco 49ers.[1][35][36] Over the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Whitner established himself as a veteran leader in the Browns' secondary, starting all 30 games he appeared in and amassing 187 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception while playing 93% of defensive snaps in 2015.[38] Whitner's production declined in 2015, when he started 14 games and tallied 81 tackles (58 solo) and 1.5 sacks but zero interceptions, amid struggles with missed tackles and a Browns secondary hampered by widespread injuries.[40] The Browns released Whitner on April 2, 2016, a move that cleared $3.95 million in cap space while absorbing a $4.5 million dead cap hit.[26][41][38]Washington Redskins
After being released by the Cleveland Browns in April 2016, Donte Whitner signed a one-year, $985,000 contract with the Washington Redskins on October 5, 2016, to bolster the team's secondary amid injuries.[38][26][42] Whitner quickly integrated into the defense, becoming the starting strong safety and appearing in 11 games, nine of which he started. In that span, he contributed 66 total tackles (49 solo), one forced fumble, and provided reliable coverage against the run and pass, leveraging his veteran instincts to stabilize a unit that faced depth challenges. His physical presence helped the Redskins maintain competitiveness in the NFC East, as they finished the regular season with an 8-7-1 record.[43][44] On December 28, 2016, Whitner suffered a quadriceps strain during the Redskins' win over the Chicago Bears and was subsequently placed on injured reserve, ending his participation for the year. This injury effectively concluded his 11-year NFL career, as he did not return to play in subsequent seasons.[44][1]Career statistics and honors
Regular Season Statistics
Donte Whitner appeared in 157 regular season games over 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2006–2010), San Francisco 49ers (2011–2013), Cleveland Browns (2014–2015), and Washington Redskins (2016), recording 923 combined tackles, 11 interceptions for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns, 53 passes defended, 3.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries.[1]| Year | Team | Games (GS) | Combined Tackles | Solo | Ast | Sacks | Int | Int Yds | Int TD | PD | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | BUF | 15 (14) | 106 | 68 | 38 | 0.0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | BUF | 15 (15) | 89 | 68 | 21 | 0.0 | 1 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | BUF | 13 (13) | 61 | 50 | 11 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | BUF | 10 (8) | 57 | 42 | 15 | 0.0 | 2 | 104 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | BUF | 16 (16) | 140 | 96 | 44 | 0.5 | 1 | 37 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 | SFO | 15 (15) | 62 | 49 | 13 | 0.0 | 2 | 48 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 3 |
| 2012 | SFO | 16 (16) | 82 | 61 | 21 | 0.0 | 1 | 42 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013 | SFO | 16 (16) | 73 | 58 | 15 | 0.0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| 2014 | CLE | 16 (16) | 106 | 69 | 37 | 0.0 | 1 | 54 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 | CLE | 14 (14) | 81 | 58 | 23 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | WAS | 11 (9) | 66 | 49 | 17 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | - | 157 (152) | 923 | 668 | 255 | 3.0 | 11 | 331 | 2 | 53 | 12 | 6 |
Postseason Statistics
Whitner played in 8 postseason games with the San Francisco 49ers (2011–2013), accumulating 31 combined tackles, 1 interception for 18 yards, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 6 fumble recoveries.[1]| Year | Team | Games (GS) | Combined Tackles | Solo | Ast | Sacks | Int | Int Yds | Int TD | PD | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | SFO | 2 (2) | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | SFO | 3 (3) | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | SFO | 3 (3) | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0.0 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 8 (8) | 31 | 23 | 8 | 0.0 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |