Joey Porter is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was born on March 22, 1977, in Kansas City, Kansas, and grew up in Bakersfield, California. Porter played college football at Colorado State University, where he was a standout defensive end.
Porter was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a dominant pass rusher and became a key member of the Steelers' defense. Porter played for the Steelers for eight seasons, from 1999 to 2006, and was a four-time Pro Bowler during his time in Pittsburgh.
In 2007, Porter signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He played for the Dolphins for three seasons, from 2007 to 2009, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2008. Porter then played one season for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010 before returning to the Dolphins for his final season in 2011.
Throughout his career, Porter was known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to get to the quarterback. He finished his career with 98 sacks, which ranks 33rd all-time in NFL history. Porter was also a vocal leader on the field and was known for his trash-talking and confrontational demeanor.
Off the field, Porter was involved in several controversies throughout his career. In 2006, he was fined $10,000 for making obscene gestures towards the crowd during a game. In 2007, he was arrested for assaulting a police officer outside a nightclub in Las Vegas. He was eventually acquitted of the charges.
After retiring from football, Porter worked as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, including the Steelers, Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. In 2019, he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), but the league folded before the end of its inaugural season.
Overall, Joey Porter had a successful career as an NFL linebacker, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the league's top pass rushers. While he was known for his confrontational style both on and off the field, he was also respected for his leadership and his ability to make big plays when it mattered most.
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