Minkah Fitzpatrick

Early life

Fitzpatrick attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he played high school football for the Marauders. He was a wide receiver on offense and a defensive back on defense. In 2014, he caught 45 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns, while recording 70 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He also ran track. He placed first at the Hudson County Championships with times of 10.86 seconds and 21.66 seconds in the 100 and 200 meters, respectively.

Considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.com, Fitzpatrick was listed as the No. 4 cornerback in the nation in 2015.

Fitzpatrick signed with Alabama at the 2015 National Signing Day, after being verbally committed for almost a year.

College career

As a true freshman in 2015, Fitzpatrick started 10 of 14 games, missing one game due to injury. He recorded 45 total tackles, with three for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions (both returned for scores), 11 pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, and one punt return for a touchdown. He was part of the Alabama team that won the national championship over Clemson. He was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News after Alabama's championship season.

In his sophomore season in 2016, Fitzpatrick returned an interception 100 yards in a 49–30 win over then-16th ranked Arkansas. The interception broke the Alabama Crimson Tide record for longest interception returned for a touchdown. In that same game, he tied the Alabama records for most interceptions in a game (3), and career interceptions returned for a touchdown (4). In the 2016 SEC Championship Game against Florida, Fitzpatrick broke the Alabama all-time record for career interceptions returned for a touchdown (4). He was named as a consensus All-American for 2016.

In his junior season in 2017, Fitzpatrick recorded 60 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and seven passes defensed. He won his second national championship as the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 26–23 in overtime. He won the Chuck Bednarik Award and Jim Thorpe Award. He earned consensus All-American honors for the second consecutive season.

Personal life

Fitzpatrick was born to Melissa and Minkah Fitzpatrick Sr. in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Growing up, Fitzpatrick faced financial struggles, particularly in 2011 when Hurricane Irene severely damaged his family's home. His father, who had been laid off from his job as a truck mechanic, took on multiple jobs to support the family, while Minkah helped rebuild their home. These early hardships instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, faith, and perseverance. Fitzpatrick, who was raised in a Christian household, has often spoken about the importance of his faith, citing Bible verses such as Micah 7:8, which he has said helped guide him through difficult times. He has remained deeply committed to his family and faith during his career, often crediting them as the foundation of his success both on and off the field.

Fitzpatrick has four siblings: Justice, Promise, Destiny, and Devine. His younger brother, Justice Fitzpatrick, is a high school football player and a top recruit for the class of 2026. In December 2025, Justice signed to play college football at The University of Georgia.

Fitzpatrick has been in a long-term relationship with Maya Stokes, a fashion model represented by Docherty Talent Agency in Pittsburgh. The couple maintains a private life, with Maya keeping a minimal online presence. On October 7, 2024, Fitzpatrick and Stokes welcomed their first child, a son named Uzai Fitzpatrick, at the Allegheny Health Network's labor and delivery unit at Wexford Hospital. The delivery was overseen by Dr. Ronald Cypher, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preferred gynecologist. Uzai was born weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces.