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D. J. Fluker

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Danny Lee Jesus "D. J." Fluker (born March 13, 1991) is an American professional football offensive tackle. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was recognized as an All-American.

D. J. Fluker
D.J. Fluker
Fluker with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020
Personal information
Born: (1991-03-13) March 13, 1991 (age 33)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:339 lb (154 kg)
Career information
High school:Foley (Foley, Alabama)
College:Alabama (2009–2012)
Position:Offensive tackle
NFL draft:2013 / round: 1 / pick: 11
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Games played:108
Games started:96
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Born and raised in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana,[1] Fluker and his family left the city in the final hours before Hurricane Katrina roared ashore.[2] They moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, and later Mobile, Alabama, where Fluker attended McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. By eighth grade, he stood 6'3" and weighed 400 pounds, but later lost much of that weight.[3] At McGill-Toolen, Fluker was a dominating defensive lineman.[4] Family issues took Fluker back to Biloxi, for his junior year, where he remained at defensive tackle, after almost giving up on his football career.[5]

Prior to his senior year, Fluker moved back to Alabama—this time to the city of Foley. At Foley High School, head coach Todd Watson convinced Fluker to play on the offensive line to exploit his full potential.[3] Foley finished the season with a 7–3 record, including a 24–17 win over Fluker's old McGill-Toolen team. Fluker earned high school All-American honors from USA Today, Parade, EA Sports, and SuperPrep. He also received an invitation to the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[6][7]

In addition to football, Fluker was also a member of the Foley track & field team, where he threw the shot put, recording a top-throw of 16.27 meters (53 ft 1 in) at the 2009 Mobile Challenge, where he took 4th.[8]

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Fluker was ranked No. 1 among offensive tackle prospects in the nation.[9] Despite growing up an LSU Tigers fan, Fluker committed to Alabama.[10]

College career

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The kid's a freak athlete. He probably outweighs me by 70 pounds and moves just as well.

— Mike Johnson, Fluker's Alabama teammate.[11]

Fluker enrolled in the University of Alabama, where he was a member of coach Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2009 to 2012. Projected to play as true freshman at Alabama, he was a candidate to replace All-American Andre Smith at left tackle, although junior college transfer James Carpenter was considered to have better chances,[11] and eventually got the starting nod. Fluker started the season as third-string right tackle,[12] but eventually redshirted his first year.[13] In 2010, Fluker started nine games at right tackle. He missed three games with an injury midseason.[14]

As a sophomore, Fluker started all 13 games for the Crimson Tide at right tackle on their way to the BCS National Championship victory over the LSU Tigers.[15] As a junior, he started all 14 games at right tackle as Alabama repeated as BCS National Champions, this time against Notre Dame.[16] He was selected Walter Camp and Associated Press second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. He has graded out at 98.6 percent on blocking assignments.[17] Since he had graduated and was in his fourth year, Fluker was granted eligibity by the National Football League to participate in the 2013 Senior Bowl.[18]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Bench press
6 ft 4+5⁄8 in
(1.95 m) 		339 lb
(154 kg) 		36+3⁄4 in
(0.93 m) 		10+1⁄2 in
(0.27 m)		 5.31 s 1.90 s 3.12 s 5.00 s 27.5 in
(0.70 m)		 21 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[19][20]

San Diego Chargers

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Fluker with the San Diego Chargers in 2013

The San Diego Chargers selected Fluker in the first round (11th overall) of the 2013 NFL draft.[21] He was the third of nine Crimson Tide players to be selected that year.[22][23][24] He was the fourth Alabama offensive lineman selected in the first round within five years, after Andre Smith (2009), James Carpenter (2011), and Chance Warmack (2013).[25]

During his rookie year, Fluker started in 15 games and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[26][27] In the 2014 season, he started all sixteen games for the first time in his professional career.[28] For the 2015 season, he moved from right tackle to right guard. In the 2015 season, he started in 12 games and recovered one fumble. He missed some time on the season due to an ankle injury.[29][30] In the 2016 season, he started in all 16 games.[31]

On March 7, 2017, Fluker was released by the Chargers, who had relocated to Los Angeles.[32]

New York Giants

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Fluker with the New York Giants in 2017

On March 11, 2017, Fluker signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New York Giants.[33][34] He played in nine games, starting six at right guard before hurting his toe in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.[35] He was placed on injured reserve on November 27, 2017.[36]

Seattle Seahawks

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On March 20, 2018, Fluker was signed by the Seattle Seahawks.[37] He played in 10 games, starting nine at right guard.[38]

On March 14, 2019, Fluker signed a two-year, $9 million contract extension with the Seahawks.[39] He appeared in and started 14 regular season games and both of the Seahawks' playoff games in the 2019 season.[40] Fluker was released by the Seahawks on April 27, 2020.[41]

Baltimore Ravens

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On May 11, 2020, Fluker was signed by the Baltimore Ravens.[42] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 28, 2020,[43] and activated two days later.[44] He appeared in all 16 regular season games and started eight. He appeared in the Ravens' two playoff games.[45]

Miami Dolphins

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Fluker signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 20, 2021.[46] He was placed on injured reserve on July 29, 2021, after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus.[47] He was released on August 2, 2021.

Fluker was suspended six weeks by the NFL on September 15, 2021,[48] and reinstated on October 19.[49]

Las Vegas Raiders (first stint)

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On October 20, 2021, Fluker was signed to the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders.[50] He was released on December 2, 2021.[51]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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On December 31, 2021, Fluker was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, but was released three days later.[52]

Las Vegas Raiders (second stint)

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On December 11, 2023, Fluker was signed to the Raiders practice squad.[53] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, but released on April 5.[54]

References

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  1. ^ Gehlken, Michael (August 10, 2013). "The house D.J. Fluker bought". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  2. ^ Bean, Josh (January 31, 2009). "Taken by storm". The Mississippi Press. Archived from the original on August 16, 2009.
  3. ^ a b Staples, Andy (January 28, 2009). "Alabama commit D.J. Fluker prodigious size, skill". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on August 19, 2009.
  4. ^ Zenor, John (June 5, 2015). "D.J. Fluker's goes from homeless to NFL lineman". Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  5. ^ Bean, Josh (February 1, 2009). "Alabama commitment D.J. Fluker of Foley nearly gave up his promising football career after moving back to Biloxi". Press-Register. Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  6. ^ "Foley offensive tackle D.J. Fluker a big guy with big talent, tops Birmingham News Super Seniors list". AL.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  7. ^ "247Sports selecting U.S. Army Bowl". 247Sports. May 7, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  8. ^ "2009 Results – Mobile Challenge 2009-04-04 AL". DyeStat.com TFX. April 4, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  9. ^ "2009 Offensive Tackles". Rivals.com. January 15, 2009.
  10. ^ "Alabama 2010 Football Commits". 247Sports. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  11. ^ a b Schmidt, Andrew (July 23, 2009). "Saban says offensive front 'critical area to develop'". Gadsden Times. Archived from the original on August 1, 2009.
  12. ^ "No freshmen listed on Tide two-deep". Mobile Press-Register. September 1, 2009. Archived from the original on September 3, 2009.
  13. ^ Kausler Jr., Don (April 26, 2013). "D.J. Fluker makes it three consecutive Alabama players taken in the first round; No. 11 overall to the San Diego Chargers". AL.com. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  14. ^ Gould, Izzy (October 24, 2010). "Notebook: Hill leaves ECU, Menzie injured, Fluker dresses and other stuff". AL.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  15. ^ "BCS national championship: Alabama handles LSU 21–0 to claim title". Washington Post. January 10, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  16. ^ "No. 2 Alabama 42, No. 1 Notre Dame 14". FOX Sports. January 8, 2013. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  17. ^ "D. J. Fluker". rolltide.com. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  18. ^ "First non-seniors to compete in Senior Bowl". CBS Sports. January 19, 2013. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  19. ^ "D.J. Fluker Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  20. ^ "2013 NFL Draft Scout D.J. Fluker College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  21. ^ "2013 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  22. ^ "Alabama has 35 players on NFL Rosters to begin 2013 season". rolltide.com. September 3, 2013. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  23. ^ Gehlken, Michael (April 25, 2013). "Chargers draft Alabama's D.J. Fluker". San Diego Union – Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  24. ^ "2013 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  25. ^ "Alabama Players/Alumni". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  26. ^ "2013 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  27. ^ "2013 San Diego Chargers Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  28. ^ "2014 San Diego Chargers Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  29. ^ Gehlken, Michael (September 13, 2015). "Chargers' D.J. Fluker carted off with ankle injury". San Diego Union – Tribune. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  30. ^ "2015 San Diego Chargers Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  31. ^ "2016 San Diego Chargers Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  32. ^ Henne, Ricky (March 7, 2017). "Chargers Release Trio of Vets Including CB Brandon Flowers". Los Angeles Chargers. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  33. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (March 11, 2017). "New York Giants add D.J. Fluker on one-year deal". NFL.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Eisen, Michael (March 12, 2017). "New York Giants sign Free Agent OL D.J. Fluker". Giants.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  35. ^ "2017 New York Giants Starters, Roster, & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  36. ^ Eisen, Michael (November 27, 2017). "Giants place OL Fluker, CB Deayon, LB Grant, and LB Skinner on IR". Giants.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Condotta, Bob (March 20, 2018). "Seahawks bolster offensive line by signing free agent D.J. Fluker". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  38. ^ "D.J. Fluker 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  39. ^ Condotta, Bob (March 14, 2019). "Seahawks sign D.J. Fluker to 2-year, $9 million deal to solidify offensive line". SeattleTimes.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  40. ^ "D.J. Fluker 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  41. ^ Boyle, John (April 27, 2020). "Seahawks Release Guard D.J. Fluker". Seahawks.com. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  42. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 11, 2020). "Ravens Officially Sign Veteran Guard D.J. Fluker". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  43. ^ Brown, Clifton (November 28, 2020). "Six Ravens Added to Reserve/COVID-19 List". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  44. ^ Brown, Clifton; Mink, Ryan (November 30, 2020). "Four More Ravens Added to Reserve/COVID-19 List, Four Return". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  45. ^ "D.J. Fluker 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  46. ^ "Miami Dolphins Sign OL D.J. Fluker". MiamiDolphins.com. April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  47. ^ Williams, Charean (July 29, 2021). "Dolphins placing D.J. Fluker on IR after meniscus surgery". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  48. ^ "D.J. Fluker: Dealt six-week suspension". CBSSports.com. September 15, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  49. ^ Inabinett, Mark (October 19, 2021). "NFL lifts suspensions of Ryan Anderson, D.J. Fluker". AL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  50. ^ Damien, Levi (October 20, 2021). "Raiders add veteran OL DJ Fluker to practice squad". Raiders Wire. USA Today. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  51. ^ Inabinett, Mark (December 2, 2021). "Las Vegas Raiders release former Alabama player". AL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  52. ^ "Roster Moves: The Jaguars activate 7 from the COVID-19 list and sign 1 to the practice squad". Jaguars.com. December 31, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  53. ^ Mosher, Marcus (December 11, 2023). "Raiders sign D.J. Fluker after successful workout". Raiders Wire. USA Today. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  54. ^ "Raiders announce 15 Reserve/Future signings". Raiders.com. January 8, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
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