Curtis Lofton

Curtis Tremayne Lofton (born June 2, 1986) is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Oklahoma, and earned All-American honors. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Early years
Lofton was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. He attended Kingfisher High School, where he was a standout player for the Kingfisher Yellowjackets high school football team. A three-year letterman and starter, he also played fullback. He led team in tackles with 168 his senior year and 505 over his career, his team won the 3A state championship in 2003 and advanced to semifinals in 2004. He rushed for 12 touchdowns as a senior. Was ranked No. 8 inside LB in the nation (ESPN.com), No. 2 in the Midlands (SuperPrep and Scout.com), No. 9 linebacker in the nation (Scout.com), No. 2 player in Oklahoma (Scout.com), No. 4 inside LB in the nation (Rivals.com) and No. 62 player in the nation (Rivals.com).

Lofton was a Parade first team All-American (2004), The Oklahoman All-State (2004), first team Coaches All-State 2004 and also nominated for the March of Dimes Oklahoma Headliners Banquet as one of the top scholar-athletes in the state of Oklahoma competed on the basketball and track teams. He was an honors student and was coached during his final season by Jeff Myers.

In high school and earlier years, Curtis readily identified himself as either "Black 40" or "Big Dino."

College career
Lofton attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played for coach Bob Stoops' Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2005 to 2007.

2005
He went to Oklahoma to play college football with the Oklahoma Sooners. He was lettered as a true freshman starting in every game and finishing with 103 tackles and 7 tackle for loss.

2006
Lofton totaled five tackles and one tackle for loss in the 2006 Big 12 Championship Game against Nebraska. He closed out the year with four solo tackles and a 14-yard kickoff return against Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl he also recovered a fumble and was ranked second on the team in special teams tackles with 10. He finished the season with 14 games played and recorded 37 tackles (20 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

2007
Lofton earned first-team All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report, Football Writers Association of America, Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News adding second-team accolades from the Associated Press. He totaled 157 tackles, which ranked third in the nation, three interceptions, 10 tackles for loss and one sack while compiling eight games of at least 10 tackles, and added first-team All-Big 12 Conference recognition from the league coaches and was selected as the Associated Press Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His 11.2 tackles per game ranked seventh nationally and second in the conference.

Was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week by his performance against Utah State after recording 12 tackles and one interception which was returned 45 yards for a touchdown and also credited for 16 tackles and one pass defensed at Colorado. In the 2007 Big 12 Championship Game, Lofton picked off a Chase Daniel pass and returned it 26 yards to the Tiger 7-yard line. The Sooner offense cashed in the takeaway with a touchdown to expand OU lead to 28-14. The play tipped the momentum and Oklahoma cruised in with a 38-17 triumph.

Lofton announced on January 14, 2008 that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2008 NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons
Lofton was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Lofton became a starter in his rookie 2008 season and ranked fourth on the team with 94 tackles (67 solo). Since 2010, Curtis Lofton led the team in tackles and had been an integral part of the defense.

New Orleans Saints
Lofton signed with the New Orleans Saints on March 24, 2012 with a 5 year deal, worth up to $3.5 million.