Dane Cruikshank Bio
Dane Ashton Cruikshank is an American professional football safety, born on April 27, 1995, in Chino Hills, California. After playing college football at the University of Arizona, he was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft. With a background in both cornerback and safety positions, Cruikshank has made significant contributions on the field, including scoring a touchdown on a fake punt during his rookie season. His career includes stints with the Titans, Bears, Jets, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Standing at about 6 feet 1 inch and weighing roughly 209 pounds, Cruikshank built his reputation as a versatile defensive back capable of contributing on coverage units and special teams. Across his NFL career, he has appeared for multiple franchises, working primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back.
Early Life and Background
Dane Ashton Cruikshank was born on April 27, 1995, and grew up in Chino Hills, California. He attended Ayala High School, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete and laid the groundwork for a career in football. His time at Ayala helped him earn attention from college programs, and he became regarded as a promising young defensive back in the region.
Following high school, Cruikshank began his college journey at Citrus College, a community college program, where he played during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was named first-team all-state during his time at Citrus, demonstrating his ball skills and ability to impact games on defense. His strong junior college showing set the stage for a move to a major Division I program.
Path to American Football
Cruikshank’s path to the NFL started with his standout play at Citrus College, which earned him an opportunity at the University of Arizona. After redshirting the 2015 season to adjust to the college level, he transitioned into the Wildcats’ defensive rotation. As a redshirt junior in 2016, he played cornerback, tying for the team lead in interceptions with two while finishing fourth in total tackles with 60 and second in pass breakups with seven.
In 2017, Cruikshank switched to safety as a redshirt senior, ranking fifth on the team with 75 total tackles, tying for second in interceptions with three, and ranking third in pass breakups with five. He majored in general studies at Arizona. His blend of size, coverage skills, and tackling ability at the safety position helped him declare for the 2018 NFL Draft, where the Tennessee Titans selected him in the fifth round with the 152nd overall pick.
Dane Cruikshank Career
Early Career (2018)
Cruikshank signed a four-year rookie contract with the Tennessee Titans worth about $2.74 million on May 11, 2018. He opened his rookie year contributing on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. His first NFL touchdown came on September 16, 2018, when he hauled in a 66-yard reception from Kevin Byard on a fake punt against the Houston Texans, helping Tennessee to a 20-17 victory. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the performance.
He finished his rookie season with 11 tackles, 39 return yards, 66 receiving yards, and a touchdown. The 2018 campaign showed his value as a special teams contributor and gave the Titans a young defensive back to develop.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2018-2021)
During his first stint with the Titans, Cruikshank continued to play a significant role on special teams while seeing defensive snaps at safety. On December 1, 2019, he blocked a fourth-quarter field goal attempt by Adam Vinatieri against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, and backup cornerback Tye Smith returned the loose ball 63 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in a 31-17 Titans win. Cruikshank emphasized after the game that the organization takes special teams very seriously and that he tried to make the most of his opportunity.
In 2020, Cruikshank recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger in a Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers before a knee injury cut his season short. He was again limited by injuries in 2021, missing time before returning late in the year.
Chicago Bears Era (2022)
Cruikshank signed with the Chicago Bears on March 31, 2022, joining the secondary and special teams units. His time in Chicago was brief, as he was placed on injured reserve on November 30, 2022. Despite the shortened campaign, he brought veteran special teams experience to a Bears team in transition.
New York Jets Era (2023)
On July 20, 2023, Cruikshank signed with the New York Jets in search of a depth role in the secondary. He was released on August 25, 2023, before the regular season began.
Tennessee Titans Second Stint (2023)
Cruikshank returned to the Tennessee Titans on September 25, 2023, when he signed with the team’s practice squad. He was released on November 7, 2023, closing his second chapter in Tennessee.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024-Present)
Cruikshank signed with the Atlanta Falcons on May 13, 2024, and was released on August 27 before being re-signed to the practice squad. He was released again on October 1 and returned to the practice squad two weeks later, only to be released once more on December 9. Even with the back-and-forth movement between the active roster and practice squad, he continued to provide special teams depth for Atlanta.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cruikshank is valued for his versatility, with experience at both cornerback and safety, allowing him to cover slot receivers, play deep zones, and contribute on special teams units. His knack for blocking kicks and executing trick plays has defined several of his most memorable NFL moments, while his tackling and field awareness have made him a dependable reserve defensive back.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cruikshank’s first NFL touchdown on a fake punt against the Houston Texans in 2018 stands as one of his signature moments. He was also recognized as AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for that performance. His blocked field goal against the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 set up a key touchdown in a Titans victory, and his first career interception came against Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020.
Dane Cruikshank Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Dane Cruikshank has been recognized primarily for his special teams impact rather than headline statistical totals. His most notable individual accolades include AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and first-team all-state recognition at the junior college level.
NFL Highlights
Cruikshank’s first NFL win of note came in his rookie debut of 2018, highlighted by his touchdown on a fake punt against the Houston Texans. He followed that with a memorable 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, when his blocked field goal set up a key touchdown. He has continued to add veteran leadership to the special teams units of each franchise he has joined.
Other Wins and Performances
Before entering the NFL, Cruikshank was named first-team all-state during his time at Citrus College, a recognition that helped him earn a spot at the University of Arizona. At Arizona, he recorded multiple interceptions in consecutive seasons, demonstrating his ball-hawking ability at the college level.
Dane Cruikshank Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Dane Cruikshank’s parents and immediate family is limited. He grew up in Chino Hills, California, and developed his athletic foundation there before pursuing football at the collegiate and professional levels.
Personal Life
Details about Cruikshank’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly confirmed. His social media presence and professional career continue to be the most documented aspects of his public profile.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Dane Cruikshank remains affiliated with the Atlanta Falcons, where he has alternated between the practice squad and the active roster since signing in May 2024. His experience on special teams and as a reserve safety gives Atlanta a dependable depth option as the team prepares for training camp and the preseason.
Cruikshank’s role in 2025 will likely center on special teams contributions and providing experienced depth in the secondary. With multiple practice squad stints under his belt, he has shown the resilience and versatility that NFL teams look for in reserve defensive backs.
As the Falcons shape their 2025 roster, Cruikshank’s mix of size, coverage ability, and special teams playmaking could once again earn him opportunities on game day. His career arc, from a fifth-round draft pick to a respected journeyman special teams contributor, continues to define his professional story.