Derek Rivers


Derek Rivers is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He played college football at Youngstown State.

Early years

Born in Augusta, Maine, Rivers and his family moved to North Carolina when he was five months old. Rivers later attended Kinston High School in Kinston. After high school, he attended Fork Union Military Academy for a year.

College career

Rivers played at Youngstown State from 2013 to 2016. During his career he had a school record 41 career sacks, including 14 as a senior. He accumulated 56.5 tackles for loss, 47 QB hurries and 119 solo tackles in his college career at Youngstown State. As a Senior, Rivers lead one of the top statistically rated defenses in the FCS to the National Championship where they would lose to James Madison University 24-14. Rivers was a three time 1st Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer as well as a two time FCS All-American. Rivers finished his career #5 All-Time in FCS history in career sacks.

Professional career

Rivers was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round, 83rd overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. During training camp, Rivers suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the season. He was officially placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017.Rivers made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2018 season, against the Detroit Lions. In week 17 he recorded his first career sack when he took down Sam Darnold. Rivers helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LIII, although he was inactive, and the team defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. As a result of his preseason week 2 injury, Rivers was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2019.