
12/07/2025
The Washington Huskies football program boasts a rich history. Having participated in numerous high-profile games, hundreds of players have donned their uniforms for the Rose Bowl. What sets Dean and Jaxson Kirkland apart, however, is their distinction as the only father-son duo to have started in a Rose Bowl game for Washington.
Dean Kirkland was a three-year starter at Washington, earning first-team all-conference and All-American honors in 1990. As co-captain of the 1990 Huskies team, he contributed to their 10-2 record and Rose Bowl victory. Dean's NFL career included winning an AFC Championship with the 1991 Buffalo Bills.
His son, Jaxson, also had a remarkable career as a Husky. Jaxson was a three-time first-team all-conference selection from 2020 to 2022 and was named freshman All-American in 2018.
As a freshman, he started on the 2018 Huskies team that played in the Rose Bowl. Like his father, Jaxson was also a captain, leading the 2022 team to an 11-2 record and a national ranking of 8th. He is currently a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Similar to the Brueners, this father-son duo has left an indelible mark on Washington's football legacy, making their individual achievements historic.