Former Iowa LB reportedly planning to sign with AFC practice squad, says he 'prioritized winning'

Former Iowa linebacker Christian Kirksey was one of a few surprise cuts by the Houston Texans this past week involving former Iowa Hawkeyes.

Kirksey was a team captain and starter for the Texans before being cut on Tuesday ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Kirksey said that he plans to sign with the Bills practice squad, saying that he “prioritized winning.”

Former #Texans captain and starting LB Christian Kirksey, a surprise cut on Tuesday, is planning to sign with the #Bills practice squad now that he has landed there, source said. He prioritized winning.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2023

Kirksey was one of Houston’s top tacklers last season. He totaled 124 combined tackles, a personal best dating back to 2017. Kirksey has been in the league since 2014.

He started his career with the Cleveland Browns, playing there for 6 years. He spent 1 season in Green Bay before ending up in Houston in 2022. Now, he appears to be heading to Buffalo.