August 18, 1990 — Dontari Poe Is Born in Memphis

Quick Facts

• Date: August 18, 1990
• Location: Memphis, Tennessee
• Key figure: Dontari Poe
• Memphis roots: Wooddale High School (Memphis); University of Memphis Tigers football (2009–2011)
• NFL Draft: 11th overall (Round 1) by the Kansas City Chiefs on April 26, 2012
• Honors: Pro Bowl selections in 2013 and 2014

Main Story

On August 18, 1990, the Bluff City welcomed Dontari Poe, who would become one of the most recognizable football figures to emerge from Memphis in the modern era. A product of Wooddale High School, Poe excelled locally before signing with the University of Memphis, reflecting a pipeline that continues to define Memphis history in sports: neighborhood fields to Liberty Bowl Saturdays to the professional stage.

At the University of Memphis, Poe anchored the Tigers’ defensive front from 2009 to 2011, appearing in 35 games with 30 starts. His strength and athleticism made him a top prospect, and on April 26, 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Poe with the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft. The selection marked a major moment for the Tigers program and for Memphis fans who followed his journey from the city’s high school ranks to the national spotlight.

Poe quickly validated that faith at the professional level, earning back‑to‑back Pro Bowl nods in 2013 and 2014. His success kept Memphis in the conversation on Sundays, a reminder that elite talent can be nurtured right here in the 901.

Legacy

Poe’s birthday is a touchpoint for celebrating Memphis’ role in shaping athletes who carry the city’s grit and hospitality onto bigger stages. His trajectory—from Wooddale to the Tigers to first‑round pick and Pro Bowler—underscores the importance of local coaching, school programs, and community support. For readers strolling Beale Street or cheering at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Poe’s story is part of the broader narrative of how Memphis molds champions and exports the city’s identity well beyond the river.

Sources

• University of Memphis Athletics: Dontari Poe bio
• University of Memphis Athletics: Poe selected 11th overall (Apr. 26, 2012)
• Pro‑Football‑Reference: Dontari Poe
• NFL.com: Chiefs select Dontari Poe 11th overall (Apr. 26, 2012)
• NFL Research: Poe overview (Pro Bowls 2013, 2014)

https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football/roster/dontari-poe/2261, https://gotigersgo.com/news/2012/4/26/Dontari_Poe_Selected_11th_By_The_Kansas_City_Chiefs_In_the_2012_NFL_Draft, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoexDo00.htm, https://www.nfl.com/news/kansas-city-chiefs-go-with-dontari-poe-at-no-11-in-nfl-draft-09000d5d828a38ac, https://www.nfl.com/news/what-was-dontari-poe-s-impact-on-the-chiefs-0ap3000000793472