Bud Dupree Bio
Alvin “Bud” Dupree Jr. is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 12, 1993, he rose from a small-town upbringing in Georgia to become a first-round NFL draft pick and a respected edge rusher. Over the course of his career, Dupree has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons before joining the Chargers.
Known for his explosive burst, length, and power off the edge, Dupree has built a reputation as a disruptive pass rusher and run defender. His combination of size and athleticism has allowed him to remain a productive starter throughout multiple contracts in the league.
Early Life and Background
Alvin “Bud” Dupree Jr. was born on February 12, 1993, in Macon, Georgia, and was raised in the nearby community of Toomsboro, Georgia. He is the son of Alvin Dupree Sr. and Sophia Stephens. Growing up in a tight-knit family, Dupree was given the nickname “Bud” by his godmother, who recalled that his mother had a dream before his birth of people calling him Bud and of him playing football.
Dupree attended Wilkinson County High School in Irwinton, Georgia, where he was a three-year starter at defensive end and a four-year starter at tight end. As a senior, he posted over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on offense while adding 62 tackles and 10 sacks on defense. He was voted first-team all-state by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Rivals.com rated him as a three-star recruit. He also played basketball, was on the honor roll, and participated in the Future Business Leaders of America.
Path to the NFL
Dupree signed with the University of Kentucky, where he played both linebacker and defensive end during his four seasons with the Wildcats. As a true freshman in 2011, he appeared in 12 games with three starts and recorded 21 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. After his sophomore year in 2012, when he posted 91 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, he moved from linebacker to defensive lineman for his final two college seasons.
As a junior in 2013, Dupree earned Second-team All-SEC recognition after ranking second on the team with 61 tackles and leading the Wildcats with 9.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. In his senior season of 2014, he was voted a team captain, started all 12 games, and was named First-team All-SEC. He finished that year with 74 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, and he recorded his first career interception, returning it for a game-winning touchdown in a 45-38 win over South Carolina. He graduated from Kentucky on May 9, 2015, with a degree in community and leadership development.
Bud Dupree Career
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2015-2020)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Dupree in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2015 NFL Draft, making him the first University of Kentucky player taken in the first round since Dewayne Robertson in 2003. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $9.22 million and began his first season as a backup behind veteran Arthur Moats. Dupree made an immediate impact in his debut against the New England Patriots, sacking Tom Brady, and finished his rookie campaign with 26 combined tackles and four sacks across all 16 regular-season games.
Dupree was named the starting left outside linebacker entering the 2016 season but missed time with a groin injury before returning to record a career-high five solo tackles and 2.5 sacks against Buffalo. He was paired across from T. J. Watt beginning in 2017, and in 2019 he produced a career-best season with 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 68 combined tackles. Pittsburgh placed the franchise tag on him in March 2020, but a torn ACL suffered in Week 12 against Baltimore ended his season and eventually closed his Steelers tenure.
Tennessee Titans Era (2021-2022)
On March 19, 2021, Dupree signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. He opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list before being activated in early August. An abdominal injury in Week 10 landed him on injured reserve in November, but he returned to action in mid-December. In 2022, he recorded four sacks, 18 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries before being released by the Titans on March 16, 2023.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023)
Dupree signed with the Atlanta Falcons on April 14, 2023. He started all 16 games and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks, providing veteran leadership on Atlanta’s defensive front. After one season in Atlanta, he entered free agency once again.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024-Present)
On May 11, 2024, Dupree signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. He joined a defense looking to add experienced edge-rushing depth alongside younger pass rushers. On June 4, 2025, he signed a one-year, $6 million contract extension to remain with the franchise through the 2026 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dupree is widely regarded as a power-and-length rusher who wins with explosive get-off and strong hands at the point of attack. His large frame and upper-body strength make him difficult to move in the run game, while his burst off the snap allows him to threaten the edge against offensive tackles. Coaches have consistently praised his work ethic, conditioning, and ability to contribute on special teams as well as base defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Dupree’s career include his first-round selection by Pittsburgh in 2015, his career-high 11.5-sack season in 2019, his interception return for a touchdown off Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2018, and earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2019. His franchise-tag season was cut short by an ACL tear against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 of 2020, and he later signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2021.
Bud Dupree Career Wins
While linebackers and edge rushers are not credited with traditional “wins” in the racing sense, Dupree has accumulated team and personal victories across his NFL stops, including playoff appearances with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His career year statistically came in 2019 with the Steelers, when he set personal bests in sacks, forced fumbles, and tackles.
Team and Career Highlights
Dupree earned his first multi-sack game against the San Francisco 49ers in his rookie season and posted a career-high five solo tackles with 2.5 sacks against the Buffalo Bills in 2016. His most decorated season statistically was 2019, highlighted by his AFC Defensive Player of the Week award following a two-sack performance against Indianapolis.
Bud Dupree Family
Family Background and Lineage
Dupree was raised by his father, Alvin Dupree Sr., and his mother, Sophia Stephens. His godmother played a meaningful role in his upbringing and is credited with giving him the lifelong nickname “Bud” before he was born. He grew up in Toomsboro, Georgia, and credits his family with instilling the discipline that carried him from Wilkinson County High School to the NFL.
Personal Life
Dupree is known off the field as an avid dog lover. He has been active in community initiatives throughout his NFL career and has spoken publicly about the influence of his family and hometown on his professional path.
2025 Season Performance
Dupree returned to the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025 season after signing a one-year contract extension in June 2025. He is expected to serve as a veteran edge presence in a rotation that also features younger pass rushers. His role centers on setting the edge against the run while providing situational pass-rush production on third downs.
Heading into the year, Dupree’s experience and durability are viewed as valuable assets for a Chargers defense looking to build consistency up front. His partnership with the defensive coaching staff will be closely watched as the team evaluates younger options alongside him.
Looking ahead, Dupree remains under contract with the Chargers through the 2026 season and will look to extend his career with steady contributions on defense and special teams.