Cody Barton Bio
Cody Likeke Barton is an American professional football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Barton has also played for the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos before joining the Titans in 2025. Over his NFL career, he has established himself as a versatile linebacker known for his reliability in both the running and passing games.
Early Life and Background
Cody Likeke Barton was born on November 13, 1996, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where he developed into a standout football player during his high school years. His athletic bloodlines run deep in the Barton family, creating an environment that fostered his competitive drive from an early age.
Growing up in Utah, Barton was immersed in a household where athletics played a central role. His older brother Jackson Barton also pursued football at the highest level, being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft as an offensive tackle. The brothers even overlapped at the University of Utah, with Jackson redshirting during Cody’s time with the Utes.
Path to the NFL
Barton played college football for the Utah Utes from 2015 to 2018. During his four seasons with the program, he developed into a complete linebacker, learning the intricacies of both run defense and pass coverage at the collegiate level. His time at Utah prepared him for the physical and mental demands of professional football while building the foundation for his NFL career.
His performance with the Utes caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his selection in the 2019 NFL Draft marked the realization of his lifelong dream to play at the highest level of American football.
Cody Barton Career
Seattle Seahawks (2019–2022)
Barton was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round with the 88th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He made his professional debut in Week 3 of the 2019 season. In that same game, he recorded his first career takeaway by recovering a muffed punt from New Orleans Saints returner Deonte Harris. He spent the majority of his rookie season on Seattle’s special teams units and led the team in special teams snaps, showcasing his ability to contribute immediately on multiple units.
He became a starting linebacker in the 2020 season, transitioning from a special teams role to a full-time defensive position. Over his four seasons with the Seahawks from 2019 to 2022, Barton appeared in 60 games with 40 starts. He accumulated significant playing time and developed into a reliable presence in Seattle’s linebacker corps, using his combination of size, speed, and football intelligence to make plays against both the run and pass.
Washington Commanders (2023)
Barton signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on March 16, 2023. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 7 of the 2023 season and was placed on injured reserve on October 28, 2023. He was reactivated by the Commanders on November 22, 2023, returning to the field for the remainder of the season. The injury limited his production that year, but he demonstrated resilience in his recovery and return to action.
Denver Broncos (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Barton signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million with the Denver Broncos. The 2024 season proved to be a breakout year for him individually. In a Week 7 victory over the New Orleans Saints on October 17, 2024, Barton scored his first career touchdown on a 52-yard fumble return. He also recorded eight tackles, a pass deflection, and a strip sack in that performance. His standout game earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, validating his role as an impact player in the Broncos’ defense.
Tennessee Titans (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Barton signed a three-year contract worth $21 million with the Tennessee Titans. The deal marked a significant commitment from the Titans as they looked to strengthen their linebacker corps with an experienced veteran. Barton entered the 2025 season as a key piece of the Titans’ defensive plans, bringing his wealth of experience from four NFL teams to Nashville.
Playing Style and Strengths
Barton is known for his versatility as a linebacker, capable of playing multiple positions within the defensive scheme. His combination of size at 6 feet 2 inches and 237 pounds with solid speed allows him to match up against both running backs and tight ends in coverage. He has demonstrated strong instincts in reading plays, which enables him to flow to the ball quickly and make tackles in the backfield. His experience on special teams early in his career also speaks to his football character and willingness to do whatever the team needs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Barton’s first career touchdown in Week 7 of the 2024 season stands as one of the defining moments of his career. The 52-yard fumble return against the New Orleans Saints not only showcased his playmaking ability but also earned him recognition as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. This milestone demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays when given the opportunity.
Cody Barton Career Statistics
Across six NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans, Barton has established himself as a productive linebacker with consistent tackle numbers and the ability to make plays on the ball. His career totals reflect his durability and reliability as a starter in the NFL.
NFL Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Barton has appeared in 88 games with 68 starts. He has recorded 539 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 25 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He has also scored 2 defensive touchdowns. His most productive season came with the Seattle Seahawks where he developed as a starter, and his 2024 campaign with the Broncos featured his first career touchdown and AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor.
Additional Career Notes
Barton’s consistency throughout his career is evidenced by his ability to remain healthy and on the field. His transition across multiple teams demonstrates his adaptability to different defensive systems and coaching staffs. His leadership qualities and football knowledge have made him a valued veteran in every locker room he has joined.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Seattle Seahawks | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Seattle Seahawks | 73 | 0.5 | 1 |
| 2021 | Seattle Seahawks | 94 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | 86 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Washington Commanders | 51 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Denver Broncos | 73 | 1 | 1 |
Cody Barton Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Cody Barton comes from an extraordinarily athletic family with multiple members competing at the highest levels of their respective sports. His older brother, Jackson Barton, followed a similar football path and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft as an offensive tackle. The two brothers overlapped at the University of Utah, creating a unique family connection within the college football program.
Family Football and Athletic Connections
The Barton football tradition continues with Cody’s younger brother, Lander Barton, who plays linebacker at the University of Utah. Lander is following in his brothers’ footsteps by playing at the collegiate level with aspirations of reaching the NFL. Beyond football, the Barton family has achieved success in volleyball through Cody’s sister, Dani Barton, who is a member of the United States women’s national volleyball team.
2025 Season Performance
Cody Barton entered the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans following the signing of his three-year contract in March. The move represented a significant investment by the Titans in an experienced linebacker who could provide stability and leadership to their defense. As he began his seventh NFL season, Barton brought the perspective of a player who had succeeded at multiple organizations and understood what it takes to perform at a high level consistently.
The 2025 season offered Barton the opportunity to anchor the Titans’ linebacker corps with his experience and versatility. Working within a new defensive system, he needed to adapt quickly while continuing to demonstrate the tackling consistency and playmaking ability that defined his previous seasons. His leadership in the locker room became an important asset as the team built chemistry throughout the season.
Barton’s career trajectory shows a player who has steadily improved with each season while demonstrating the durability required to remain a starter in the NFL. The 2025 campaign represented another chapter in his journey as he looked to add to his career totals and help the Titans’ defense succeed. His combination of experience, physical tools, and football intelligence positioned him as a key contributor throughout the season.