Nikita Whitlock

{{Short description|American football player (born 1991)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}

{{good article}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Nikita Whitlock

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| current_team =

| number = 49

| position = Defensive tackle, running back

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|5|16|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Wylie, Texas, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| high_school = Wylie (TX)

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 10

| weight_lbs = 250

| college = Wake Forest (2009–2013)

| undraftedyear = 2014

| pastteams =

| status =

| cflstatus =

| highlights =

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 6

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 1.0

| cfl = nikita-whitlock/160229/

}}

Nikita Nehemiah Whitlock (born May 16, 1991) is an American former professional football fullback and defensive tackle. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Whitlock has also been a member of the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL), the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Tampa Bay Vipers in the XFL. He played college football at Wake Forest.

Early life

Whitlock attended and played football at Wylie High School. He was named the AP Texas Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.[http://lubbockonline.com/stories/013109/spo_383356770.shtml Wilkinson takes all-state honors]{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225000824/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/013109/spo_383356770.shtml |date=2016-02-25 }} 31 January 2009. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Morris Communications The Dallas Morning News named him the All-Area Defensive Player of the Year. Whitlock's height made it difficult for him to get noticed by college recruiters.

As a freshman, he was {{height|ft=5|in=9}}, {{convert|175|lb|kg}}. He grew to {{height|ft=5|in=10}}, {{convert|240|lb|kg}} by his senior year. His high school coach, Bill Howard, said, "If he was 6-foot-3, he'd be the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country". Mesquite Horn coach Rodney Webb called Whitlock "the best defensive player he had seen at the high school level". Whitlock set the school bench press record at {{convert|405|lb|kg}} as a senior. Dallas Morning News sportswriter Matt Wixon called Whitlock "one of the most dominant high school linemen" he has ever seen.{{cite web|url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/high-school/highschoolheadlines/2013/09/19/where-are-they-now-former-wylie-star-nose-guard-nikita-whitlock-one-of-the-best-texas-high-school-football-players-ever|title=Where are they now: Former Wylie star nose guard Nikita Whitlock, one of the best Texas high school football players ever|author=Matt Wixon|date=19 September 2013|work=Dallas Morning News High School Sports Blog|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328070929/http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/high-school/highschoolheadlines/2013/09/19/where-are-they-now-former-wylie-star-nose-guard-nikita-whitlock-one-of-the-best-texas-high-school-football-players-ever|archive-date=28 March 2016}}

Whitlock had a standout high school career at Wylie High School, earning AP Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008, after playing defensive tackle and linebacker.

He was offered scholarships to play football for SMU and Northwestern State, and also received interest from TCU and Utah State, before committing to Wake Forest.{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/leaderboard/v3/wylie/stories/100208dnspohswylie.1931dd5.html|title=Wylie nose guard doesn't ask much, gives all he's got|author=Matt Baker|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=2 October 2008|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080947/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/leaderboard/v3/wylie/stories/100208dnspohswylie.1931dd5.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}

College career

{{ external media

| float =

| width =

| image1 =[http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/jordan-rodgers-of-the-vanderbilt-commodores-is-tackled-from-news-photo/156906472 Whitlock at Wake Forest tackling a player during a November 2012 game]

}}

Whitlock played college football at Wake Forest from 2009 to 2013. At Wake Forest, Whitlock played nose guard. Whitlock redshirted his freshman year in 2009, practicing as a linebacker.{{cite web|url=http://www.journalnow.com/sports/columnists/scott_hamilton/hamilton-whitlock-embraces-new-challenge/article_24ef483b-40d0-5556-aabd-74db5b40a645.html|title=Whitlock embraces new challenge|author=Scott Hamilton|work=Winston-Salem Journal|date=28 March 2014|access-date=14 September 2015}}

As a redshirt freshman, he was named second-team freshman All-American by College Football News and Rivals.com. Phil Steele named him fourth team All-ACC in 2012, as well as second-team pre-season All-ACC in 2013.Steele, Phil, [http://www.philsteele.com/blogs/2013/MAY13/DBMay30.html Phil Steele Pre-season All-ACC 2013] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194017/http://www.philsteele.com/blogs/2013/MAY13/DBMay30.html |date=2016-03-04 }}. 30 May 2013. Accessed 25 March 2016 He earned second-team All-ACC defensive honors in 2011 and 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nikita_whitlock_436051.html|title=Nikita Whitlock Bio – The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics|work=wakeforestsports.com|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908002513/http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nikita_whitlock_436051.html|archive-date=8 September 2015}} In 2013, he was on the Bednarik Award watchlist.

=College statistics=

from Wakeforrestsports.com

class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin:0;"
width=30|{{center| Year}}

!{{center| Team}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|TT|Total tackles}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|Solo|Solo tackles}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|Ast|Assisted tackles}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|TFL|Tackles for a loss}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|Sack|Quarterback sacks}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|PDef|Passes deflected}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|INT|Interceptions}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|FF|Forced fumbles}}}}

!width=20|{{center| {{tooltip|FR|Fumbles recovered}}}}

align=center

|2010

Wake Forest44202410½33020
align=center

|2011

Wake Forest642638141010
align=center

|2012

Wake Forest51272430000
align=center

|2013

Wake Forest8156251893010
align=center

|Career

Totals2401291114818½7040

Professional career

{{nfl predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 10

| weight = 251

| dash = 4.82

| ten split = 1.69

| twenty split = 2.81

| shuttle = 4.34

| cone drill = 6.91

| vertical = 33

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 0

| bench = 43

| note = All values from his Pro Day{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=97416&draftyear=2014&genpos=FB|title=Nikita Whitlock – Wake Forest, FB : 2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001090327/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=97416&draftyear=2014&genpos=FB|archive-date=1 October 2015}}

}}

=Cincinnati Bengals=

{{external media

| float = right

| width = 300px

| image1 =[http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/nikita-whitlock-of-the-cincinnati-bengals-catches-a-pass-news-photo/454215518 Nikita Whitlock catches a pass during warmups before a 2014 pre-season game with the Bengals]

}}

On May 12, 2014, Whitlock was signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals.{{cite web|url=http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051214aac.html|title=Whitlock, Jackson and Thompson Sign Free Agent Deals|author=Currie McFayden|date=12 May 2014|work=wakeforestsports.com|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919190630/http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051214aac.html|archive-date=19 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/7/25/9016139/gny-iants-90-man-roster-nikita-whitlock-full-back-nose-tackle-wake-forest-bengals-cowboys|title=Giants 90-man roster breakdown: FB Nikita Whitlock has made interesting switch|author=Ed Valentine|date=25 July 2015|work=Big Blue View|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828061419/http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/7/25/9016139/gny-iants-90-man-roster-nikita-whitlock-full-back-nose-tackle-wake-forest-bengals-cowboys|archive-date=28 August 2015}} Upon signing with the Bengals, Whitlock was moved from defensive tackle to fullback. At 5'10", {{convert|250|lb|kg}}, Whitlock was considered too small to play defensive tackle at the NFL level.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/8/28/9220769/nikita-whitlock-ny-giants-converted-nose-tackle-getting-noticed-jonathan-casillas-henry-hynoski|title=Converted nose tackle Nikita Whitlock making himself noticed with Giants|author=Ed Valentine|work=Big Blue View|publisher=SB Nation|date=28 August 2015|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914053559/http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/8/28/9220769/nikita-whitlock-ny-giants-converted-nose-tackle-getting-noticed-jonathan-casillas-henry-hynoski|archive-date=14 September 2015}}

He was released by the Bengals on August 30, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/contracts/2014/8/30/6087147/bengals-release-nikita-whitlock-and-orson-charles|title=Bengals release Nikita Whitlock and Orson Charles|author=Josh Kirkendall|date=30 August 2014|work=Cincy Jungle|access-date=14 September 2015|publisher=SB Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908023138/http://www.cincyjungle.com/contracts/2014/8/30/6087147/bengals-release-nikita-whitlock-and-orson-charles|archive-date=8 September 2015}}

=Dallas Cowboys=

After being released by the Bengals, the Dallas Cowboys signed Whitlock to their practice squad on September 1, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cowboys-sign-nikita-whitlock-practice-144828384.html|title=Cowboys sign Nikita Whitlock to practice squad and waive Ahmad Dixon|date=1 September 2014|work=Yahoo! Sports|author=Jason Marcum|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912161327/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cowboys-sign-nikita-whitlock-practice-144828384.html|archive-date=12 September 2015}} He was then released on September 9.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-sign-wr-to-practice-squad-release-fb-whitlock-357306|title=Cowboys Sign WR To Practice Squad, Release FB Whitlock|date=9 September 2014|publisher=Dallas Cowboys|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925110354/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2014/09/09/cowboys-sign-wr-practice-squad-release-fb-whitlock|archive-date=25 September 2015}} The Cowboys re-signed Whitlock to the practice squad on September 16.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/notes-lawrence-not-focused-on-target-date-fb-re-signed-357601|title=Notes: Lawrence Not Focused On Target Date; FB Re-Signed|date=16 September 2014|publisher=Dallas Cowboys|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925110406/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2014/09/16/notes-lawrence-not-focused-target-date-fb-re-signed|archive-date=25 September 2015}} He was then released again on November 3.{{cite tweet|number=529397036026953728|user=dallascowboys|title=The team has released FB Nikita Whitlock from the practice squad and signed DE Lavar Edwards to the practice squad. |access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123404/https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/529397036026953728|date=3 November 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/romo-first-class-priority-as-cowboys-go-to-london-110314|title=Romo first-class priority as Cowboys go to London|author=Schuyler Dixon|work=FOX Sports|date=3 November 2014|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404040847/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/romo-first-class-priority-as-cowboys-go-to-london-110314|archive-date=4 April 2018}}

A week later, Whitlock worked out for the Baltimore Ravens but was not signed.{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-sign-tight-end-konrad-reuland-to-practice-squad-20141112-story.html|title=Ravens sign tight end Konrad Reuland to practice squad|author=Aaron Wilson|date=12 November 2014|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004192128/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-sign-tight-end-konrad-reuland-to-practice-squad-20141112-story.html|archive-date=4 October 2015}} While a free agent, Whitlock was suspended by the NFL for four games on November 21; for violating the policy on performance-enhancing substances.{{cite web|url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/veteransofcincinnati/2014/11/22/7267131/former-bengals-and-cowboys-fb-nikita-whitlock-suspended-for-four-games|title=Former Bengals and Cowboys FB Nikita Whitlock suspended for four games|author=Josh Kirkendall|date=22 November 2014|work=Cincy Jungle|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908024245/http://www.cincyjungle.com/veteransofcincinnati/2014/11/22/7267131/former-bengals-and-cowboys-fb-nikita-whitlock-suspended-for-four-games|archive-date=8 September 2015}}

=New York Giants=

On December 17, 2014, Whitlock was signed to the New York Giants practice squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2014/12/giants_roster_moves_tight_end_jerome_cunningham_added_to_active_roster_rb_to_practice_squad.html|title=Giants roster moves: Tight end Jerome Cunningham added to active roster, RB to practice squad|author=Jordan Raanan|date=17 December 2014|work=NJ.com|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012815/http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/12/giants_roster_moves_tight_end_jerome_cunningham_added_to_active_roster_rb_to_practice_squad.html|archive-date=24 September 2015}} He worked as both a fullback and a linebacker during practice.[http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-insider-fantasy-not-part-odell-reality-article-1.2050654 Fantasy not part of NY Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr.'s reality] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822040705/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-insider-fantasy-not-part-odell-reality-article-1.2050654 |date=2015-08-22 }} Samuel, Ebenezer. New York Daily News, 18 December 2014. Accessed 25 March 2016 On December 29, 2014, Whitlock signed a futures contract with the Giants.{{cite web|url=https://www.bigblueview.com/2014/12/29/7465715/new-york-giants-sign-11-players-to-reserve-futures-contracts|title=New York Giants sign 11 players to reserve/futures contracts|author=Ed Valentine|date=29 December 2014|work=Big Blue View|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101172708/http://www.bigblueview.com/2014/12/29/7465715/new-york-giants-sign-11-players-to-reserve-futures-contracts|archive-date=1 January 2015}}

During the 2015 offseason, Whitlock battled incumbent Henry Hynoski for the Giants' fullback spot.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2015/09/10/former-wylie-star-nikita-whitlock-told-he-was-too-small-to-play-major-college-football-is-now-a-member-of-the-new-york-giants/|title=Former Wylie star Nikita Whitlock, told he was too small to play major college football, is now a member of the New York Giants|author=Matt Wixon|date=10 September 2015|work=dallasnews.com|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912222750/http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/high-schools/headlines/20150910-former-wylie-star-nikita-whitlock-told-he-was-too-small-to-play-major-college-football-is-now-a-member-of-the-new-york-giants.ece|archive-date=12 September 2015}} Whitlock's positional versatility, as well as being younger and less expensive than Hynoski, allowed him to win the job.{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2015/09/giants_fullback_nikita_whitlock_ready_to_just_try.html|title=Giants' fullback Nikita Whitlock ready to 'just try to crush everybody I can'|author=James Kratch|date=7 September 2015|work=NJ.com|access-date=14 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909224509/http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015/09/giants_fullback_nikita_whitlock_ready_to_just_try.html|archive-date=9 September 2015}} In the final preseason game, Whitlock took snaps at both fullback and defensive tackle. He performed dual duty again during the Giants game against the Washington Redskins on September 24, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2572189-breaking-down-the-play-of-nikita-whitlock-new-york-giants-2-way-threat|title=Breaking Down the Play of Nikita Whitlock, New York Giants' 2-Way Threat|author=Traina, Patricia|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=26 September 2015|date=26 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927061016/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2572189-breaking-down-the-play-of-nikita-whitlock-new-york-giants-2-way-threat|archive-date=27 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2015/09/giants_nikita_whitlock_on_playing_defensive_tackle.html|title=Giants' Nikita Whitlock on playing defensive tackle: 'That's my dream'|work=NJ.com|author=Kratch, James|date=25 September 2015|access-date=26 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927233726/http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015/09/giants_nikita_whitlock_on_playing_defensive_tackle.html|archive-date=27 September 2015}} On December 23, 2015, Whitlock suffered a knee injury in the week 15 game against the Carolina Panthers, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.{{cite web |url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Two-way-player-Nikita-Whitlock-to-IR-Brandon-Meriweather-signed/4d26fef2-23b3-4008-8120-011dd19ec5b0 |title=Two-way player Nikita Whitlock to IR; Brandon Meriweather signed |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=23 December 2015 |website=Giants.com |access-date=26 December 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226005653/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Two-way-player-Nikita-Whitlock-to-IR-Brandon-Meriweather-signed/4d26fef2-23b3-4008-8120-011dd19ec5b0 |archive-date=26 December 2015 }} He finished the season playing 132 offensive plays, 61 defensive plays, and 276 special teams plays.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/12/22/10655234/giants-fb-nikita-whitlock-headed-to-ir-with-knee-injury-per-report|title=Giants' FB Nikita Whitlock headed to IR with knee injury, per report|author=Ed Valentine|date=23 December 2015|work=Big Blue View|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=18 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224140524/http://www.bigblueview.com/2015/12/22/10655234/giants-fb-nikita-whitlock-headed-to-ir-with-knee-injury-per-report|archive-date=24 December 2015}}

On August 30, 2016, Whitlock was waived/injured by the Giants and placed on injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Giants announce first round of roster cuts|url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-announce-first-round-of-roster-cuts/ba500404-bd0c-4b38-8df3-904858c6d669|last=Eisen|first=Michael|website=Giants.com|date=August 30, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823071720/https://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-announce-first-round-of-roster-cuts/ba500404-bd0c-4b38-8df3-904858c6d669|archive-date=August 23, 2017}} On September 15, 2016, he was suspended for 10 games for violation of the NFL's PED policy.{{cite web|title=Nikita Whitlock suspended 10 games for violating NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy|date=15 September 2016|url=http://giantswire.usatoday.com/2016/09/15/new-york-giants-nikita-whitlock-suspended-10-games-performance-enhancing-drugs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917224843/http://giantswire.usatoday.com/2016/09/15/new-york-giants-nikita-whitlock-suspended-10-games-performance-enhancing-drugs/|archive-date=2016-09-17}}

After spending the entire 2016 season on injured reserve, Whitlock was not offered a contract by the Giants, making him a free agent.{{cite web|title=Giants make calls on some free agents, including re-signing tight end Will Tye|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/50859/will-tye-re-signs-giants-make-decisions-on-all-erfas|author=Raanan, Jordan|website=ESPN.com|date=February 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215185105/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/50859/will-tye-re-signs-giants-make-decisions-on-all-erfas|archive-date=February 15, 2017}}

=Hamilton Tiger-Cats=

On August 10, 2017, Whitlock was signed to the practice roster of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{cite web | url=http://ticats.ca/tiger-cats-add-defensive-tackle-whitlock-to-practice-roster/ | title=TIGER-CATS ADD DEFENSIVE TACKLE WHITLOCK TO PRACTICE ROSTER | publisher=ticats.ca | date=August 10, 2017 | access-date=August 22, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203143955/http://ticats.ca/tiger-cats-add-defensive-tackle-whitlock-to-practice-roster/ | archive-date=February 3, 2019 }} He was promoted to the active roster on August 16, 2017.{{cite web | url=https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/ | title=CFL TRANSACTIONS | publisher=cfl.ca | access-date=August 22, 2017 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822230222/https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/ | archive-date=August 22, 2017 }} In his first season with the Tiger-Cats Whitlock played in 11 games, making 15 tackles, 9 special teams tackles, and 3 sacks. During his second season in the CFL, Whitlock would begin to also play on offense and became a two-way player like he had in the NFL. {{cite web|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/johnny-manziel-puts-up-numbers-in-limited-action-in-cfl-debut|title=Johnny Manziel puts up numbers in limited action in CFL debut|date=2 June 2018|publisher=}} Whitlock signed a two-year contract extension in February 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/02/01/ticats-extend-contracts-whitlock-vaughn/|title=Ticats extend contracts of Whitlock, Vaughn|date=1 February 2019|publisher=}} Despite signing the contract extension, Whitlock was later released during the 2019 offseason.{{Cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2019/05/06/why-the-ticats-released-justin-capicciotti-and-alex-green/|title=Why the Ticats released Justin Capicciotti and Alex Green | 3DownNation}}

=Tampa Bay Vipers=

In October 2019, Whitlock was among the open-round selections by the Tampa Bay Vipers in the 2020 XFL Draft.{{cite web|last=Talbot|first=Damond|url=https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2019/10/xfl-draft-8/|title=XFL Draft Phase 5: The Final Rounds of the Draft, Find out who was selected|publisher=NFL Draft Diamonds|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 23, 2019}} In the five games played prior to cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitlock had 19 tackles and a pass knockdown,{{Cite web|url=https://stats.xfl.com/Player/10637|title=XFL Live Stats|access-date=2020-06-10|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610231734/https://stats.xfl.com/Player/10637|url-status=dead}} earning him recognition as one of the top defensive tackles in the XFL by Pro Football Focus.{{cite tweet|number=1247912697045438465|user=XFL2023|title=The grades are in. ⁣⁣Take a look at the highest-graded players of the season according to @PFF. |date=8 April 2020}} He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.{{cite news |author=Condotta, Bob |title=XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/xfl-suspends-operations-terminates-all-employees/ |website=SeattleTimes.com |date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2020}}

Personal life

Whitlock is the son of Raymond and Genny Whitlock. Whitlock was originally going to be named Sergio Nehemiah Whitlock, but his grandmother did not like the name. His father, who worked for Yellow Pages, opened up a phone book to a random page and put his finger down to select his name, ending up with Nikita.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/the-naming-of-nikita-whitlock-was-a-real-page-turner-1.10815841|title=The naming of Nikita Whitlock was a real page-turner|author=Tom Rock|date=7 September 2015|work=Newsday|access-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910020852/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/the-naming-of-nikita-whitlock-was-a-real-page-turner-1.10815841|archive-date=10 September 2015}} Whitlock graduated from Wake Forest with a Health and Exercise Science major.

On December 6, 2016, Whitlock's Moonachie, New Jersey home was subject to vandalism with racially charged graffiti. The perpetrator broke into his home, graffiti-ed several racial slurs and swastikas on his walls, and stole jewelry and electronics.CBS News, December 8, 2016, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vandals-scrawl-hate-graffiti-at-home-of-new-york-giants-player-nikita-whitlock/ Vandals scrawl hate graffiti at home of New York Giants player] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220085039/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/vandals-scrawl-hate-graffiti-at-home-of-new-york-giants-player-nikita-whitlock/ |date=2016-12-20 }}

Whitlock is an ambassador for Up2Us Sports, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved youth by providing them with coaches trained in positive youth development.{{cite web|url=http://up2usblog.org/2016/02/05/up2us-sports-announces-nikita-whitlock-of-the-new-york-giants-as-ambassador/|title=Nikita Whitlock of the New York Giants Joins Up2Us Sports as Ambassador|work=Up2Us Sports|date=February 2, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415104045/http://up2usblog.org/2016/02/05/up2us-sports-announces-nikita-whitlock-of-the-new-york-giants-as-ambassador/|archive-date=April 15, 2017}}

References

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