Brief Introduction of Deforest Buckner
DeForest George Buckner is a formidable American football defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Renowned for his imposing stature, athleticism, and relentless motor, Buckner has established himself as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in professional football. He first gained national recognition during his standout collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks before being selected seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, both with the 49ers and the Colts, he has been a consistent disruptive force, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His combination of size, strength, and skill makes him a constant threat to opposing offenses.
Deforest Buckner Overview
| Full Name | DeForest George Buckner |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1994 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Waianae, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Defensive Tackle |
| Husband/Wife | Ashlyn Buckner (formerly Ashlyn Marie Shebelut) |
| Family | George Buckner (Father), Maria Buckner (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $45-50 million |
Early Life and Education of Deforest Buckner
DeForest Buckner was born on March 17, 1994, in Waianae, Hawaii, to an African American father, George, and a Samoan mother, Maria. Growing up in a close-knit family, the importance of familial bonds was instilled in him from a young age. He attended the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. On the football field, he was a highly-touted four-star recruit, attracting attention from top college programs across the country. Buckner was not only a force in football but also a standout basketball player, earning the title of Hawaii’s Gatorade Player of the Year in basketball in 2012. His athletic prowess and academic dedication paved the way for his commitment to the University of Oregon in January 2012. The decision to leave Hawaii for the mainland was a significant adjustment, but the presence of other Hawaiian players, including future NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota, helped ease the transition. Buckner prioritized his education, graduating in just three and a half years with a degree in General Social Science.
Deforest Buckner’s Career
College Career
At the University of Oregon, Buckner made an immediate impact, playing in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012. His role and performance steadily grew each season. As a sophomore, he started in eight of 13 games. By his junior year, he had become a dominant force on the defensive line, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Despite being considered a potential first-round pick after his junior season, Buckner chose to return for his senior year to complete his degree and further hone his skills. The decision paid off handsomely. In his senior season in 2015, he recorded career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. His exceptional play earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, the Morris Trophy for the best defensive lineman in the conference, and first-team All-American honors.
Professional Career
The San Francisco 49ers selected DeForest Buckner with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. This reunited him with his former Oregon teammate, Arik Armstead. In his rookie season, Buckner started 15 games and quickly established himself as a key player on the 49ers’ defense, leading all NFL defensive linemen in snaps played and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Over the next few seasons, his performance continued to improve. In 2018, he had a breakout year, recording a career-high 12 sacks, which led to his first Pro Bowl selection. In 2019, Buckner was a cornerstone of a dominant 49ers defense that helped lead the team to Super Bowl LIV. He earned second-team All-Pro honors that season.
In a major trade on March 18, 2020, the 49ers traded Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round draft pick. The Colts immediately signed him to a lucrative contract extension, signaling their belief in him as a franchise player. Buckner’s impact in Indianapolis was immediate and profound. In his first season with the Colts, he was named a first-team All-Pro, a testament to his continued dominance. He has since been selected to multiple Pro Bowls as a member of the Colts, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite interior defenders. In April 2024, the Colts further demonstrated their commitment to Buckner by signing him to a two-year, $46 million contract extension.
Deforest Buckner Personal Life & Family
DeForest Buckner is a dedicated family man. He is married to Ashlyn Buckner, whom he met in 2015 while they were both students at the University of Oregon. Ashlyn was a cheerleader for the Ducks. The couple tied the knot in July 2018. They have two sons, Dominic George, born in April 2020, and Jordan Sione, born in February 2022. Family is a central part of Buckner’s life, a value deeply rooted in his Hawaiian upbringing. His parents, George and Maria, have been a significant influence on his life and career. A challenging moment for the family came when DeForest was 13, and his father was in a serious motorcycle accident that left him in a wheelchair. This event forced Buckner to mature quickly and take on more responsibility.
Awards and Achievements of Deforest Buckner
- First-team All-Pro (2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2018, 2021, 2023)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- Polynesian Professional Football Player of the Year (2020)
- Ed Block Courage Award (2024)
- Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2015)
- Morris Trophy (2015)
- First-team All-American (2015)
Deforest Buckner Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, DeForest Buckner’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $45-50 million. His primary source of income is his NFL salary and contract bonuses. In April 2024, he signed a two-year, $46 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts, which included an $18 million signing bonus and $53.25 million in guarantees. This contract carries an average annual salary of $23 million. Throughout his career, Buckner has signed several significant contracts, including his initial four-year rookie deal with the 49ers and an $84 million extension with the Colts in 2020. His career earnings from the NFL are substantial and are the main contributor to his high net worth.
Legacy and Influence
DeForest Buckner’s legacy will be that of a dominant and consistently disruptive force on the defensive line. His impact is felt not only in his impressive statistics but also in his leadership and the respect he commands from teammates and opponents alike. With both the 49ers and the Colts, he has been a foundational piece of their defenses. His trade to the Colts was seen as a move to acquire a premier, game-changing talent at a crucial position. Off the field, Buckner is known for his character and community involvement. He has been nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award multiple times, an award that recognizes fair play and integrity. He is also actively involved in charitable work, including hosting youth football camps and supporting initiatives like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and the “Kicking The Stigma” campaign for mental health awareness.
Interesting Facts about Deforest Buckner
- He was an accomplished basketball player in high school, earning the title of Hawaii’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2012.
- Buckner graduated from the University of Oregon in just three and a half years.
- His teammates and coaches have given him the nicknames “DeFo” and “Buck.”
- Growing up in Hawaii, he is a fan of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which reminds him of home.
- He has an interest in art and took art classes in both high school and college.
- His wife, Ashlyn, has learned the intricacies of football and often gives him pointers on his technique.
Controversies
Information not disclosed.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Deforest Buckner
DeForest Buckner continues to perform at an elite level as a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ defense. His journey from a multi-sport standout in Hawaii to an All-Pro defensive tackle in the NFL is a testament to his work ethic, talent, and dedication. As a respected leader in the locker room and a positive force in the community, his influence extends far beyond the gridiron. With several more years of high-level play likely ahead of him, DeForest Buckner’s legacy as one of the premier defensive linemen of his generation is secure. His combination of on-field dominance and off-field character ensures that he will be remembered as a true professional and an inspiration to many.
