Dicaprio Bootle
PositionCornerback
Birth dateSeptember 17, 1997 (age 28)
Birth placeMiami, Florida, U.S.
Height5 ft
Height in10
Weight lbs195
High schoolSouthridge
(Miami, Florida)
CollegeNebraska (2016–2020)
Undraftedyear2021
Pastteams
Highlights
PfrBootDi00
Statseason2023
Statlabel 1Total tackles
Statvalue 125
Statlabel 2Sacks
Statlabel 3Pass deflections
Statvalue 32
Statlabel 4Interceptions
Statlabel 5Forced fumbles
Statlabel 6Fumble recoveries
Statlabel 7Defensive touchdowns

Dicaprio Bootle (born September 17, 1997) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.[1]

Early life and college

Bootle was born on September 17, 1997, in Miami, Florida. He was named after the actor Leonardo DiCaprio after his mother and aunt watched Titanic, deciding to use the unique name as a homage.[2] He attended Killian High School and Southridge High School, both in Miami. He was ranked in the top-60 in the nation at the cornerback position by ESPN.[3] Bootle received numerous scholarship offers, but only visited Nebraska.[3]

Bootle redshirted in his first season and spent the year on Nebraska's scouting team. In his second year, he played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman, compiling 15 tackles.[3] His sophomore year, Dicaprio started in all 12 games, and totaled a career-high 39 tackles.[3] He also had his first forced fumble. His 15 pass breakups in 2018 led all Big Ten Conference teams.[3] He was named third-team All-Big Ten for his sophomore performance.[3]

Bootle started the first 8 games of his junior year at cornerback, and finished the year starting at safety.[4] Bootle recorded 31 tackles and six pass breakups in 2019. In his final season, he started every game again, bringing his streak to 32 consecutive starts, and recorded 25 tackles.[3] His first and only career interception came against Iowa.

Bootle chose to forgo remaining eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL draft.[5]

College statistics

YearSchoolGGSTacklesInterceptions
SoloAstTotSacksSacks-YardsIntPDFFFR
2017Nebraska1211141511-00001
2018Nebraska12122613390001501
2019Nebraska1212171431000601
2020Nebraska8816925001510

Professional career

Kansas City Chiefs

After going unselected in the 2021 NFL draft, Bootle signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs.[6] He was waived on August 31, 2021.[7] He was signed to the practice squad the next day.[8] Prior to Week 4, Bootle was elevated from the practice squad via a standard elevation against the Philadelphia Eagles.[9] Bootle was again elevated from the practice squad in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after the defense lost starters for the game due to COVID-19 protocols. He took advantage of the opportunity by leading the team in tackles (7) for the game.[10] On February 2, 2022, Bootle signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs.[11]

On August 30, 2022, Bootle was waived by the Chiefs.[12] He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 13 and promoted to the active roster on October 15.[13][14] He was waived on October 17 and re-signed to the practice squad.[15] Bootle became a Super Bowl champion when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.[16] He signed a reserve/future contract on February 15, 2023.[17]

On August 29, 2023, Bootle was waived by the Chiefs.[18]

Carolina Panthers

On September 11, 2023, Bootle was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad.[19] He was promoted to the active roster on October 11.[20] Bootle was placed on injured reserve on November 22.[21]

On August 27, 2024, Bootle was waived by the Panthers.[22]

Los Angeles Chargers

On September 11, 2024, Bootle was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad.[23] He was promoted to the active roster on October 21.[24] On November 16, Bootle was waived by the Chargers and signed to the practice squad three days later.[25][26]

Detroit Lions

On July 18, 2025, Bootle signed with the Detroit Lions.[27] He was placed on injured reserve on August 14, and released on August 24.

References

  1. ^ Barmore, Abby (March 25, 2021). "Dicaprio Bootle has 'nothing but faith' in experienced Husker defensive backs". Omaha.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  2. ^ Gantt, Darin (October 13, 2023). "For Dicaprio Bootle, his name puts him on center stage". Panthers.com. Carolina Panthers
  3. ^ "Dicaprio Bootle - 2020 - Football". University of Nebraska
  4. ^ Sorensen, Erin (May 27, 2020). "Expectations are High for Dicaprio Bootle's Senior Season". Hail Varsity - Nebraska Football, Recruiting, News
  5. ^ Callahan, Sean (December 29, 2020). "Senior Nebraska defensive back DiCaprio Bootle announced he won't be back at NU for a sixth season in 2021.". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  6. ^ Grell, Clark (May 2021). "Bootle among three Huskers signing free-agent deals with NFL teams". JournalStar.com
  7. ^ "Chiefs Announce Roster Moves to Meet NFL-Mandated 53 Players". Chiefs.com. August 31, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  8. ^ "Chiefs sign 14 players to practice squad". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. September 2, 2021.
  9. ^ Dixon, John (October 2, 2021). "Chiefs announce roster changes in advance of Eagles game". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  10. ^ Goodman, Charles (December 28, 2021). "Chiefs protect lone practice squad player for Week 17". Arrowhead Pride. USA Today. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  11. ^ Goldman, Charles (February 2, 2022). "Chiefs sign 13 players to reserve/future contracts". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  12. ^ "Chiefs Announce Roster Moves to Meet NFL-Mandated 53 Players". Chiefs.com. August 30, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "We have signed K Matt Ammendola, CB Dicaprio Bootle, & WR Corey Coleman to the Practice Squad. We have placed CB Trent McDuffie on Reserve/Injured. We released S James Wiggins from the practice squad.". No. 1569772846179848193.
  14. ^ Goldman, Charles (October 15, 2022). "Chiefs make several roster moves ahead of Week 6 vs. Bills". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  15. ^ Comeaux, Jonathan (October 20, 2022). "Chiefs Sign DB Dicaprio Bootle To Practice Squad". Yard Barker. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  16. ^ "Super Bowl LVII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  17. ^ Goldman, Charles (February 15, 2023). "Chiefs sign 12 practice squad players on reserve/future contracts". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  18. ^ "Chiefs 2023 Roster Down to NFL-Mandated 53". Chiefs.com. August 29, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  19. ^ Gantt, Darin (September 11, 2023). "Panthers fill out 53-man roster, make practice squad moves". Panthers.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  20. ^ Gantt, Darin (October 10, 2023). "Panthers sign Dicaprio Bootle to the active roster". Panthers.com. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  21. ^ Gantt, Darin (November 22, 2023). "Austin Corbett, Dicaprio Bootle placed on injured reserve". Panthers.com. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  22. ^ Gantt, Darin (August 27, 2024). "Panthers make moves to get to initial 53-man roster". Panthers.com. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  23. ^ Peterson, Michael (2024-09-11). "Chargers sign CB Dicaprio Bootle to practice squad". Bolts From The Blue. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  24. ^ "Chargers Sign Dicaprio Bootle and Shaun Wade; Activate Sam Mustipher and Jalen Reagor". Chargers.com. October 21, 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  25. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Sign Shaquille Quarterman to Active Roster". chargers.com. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  26. ^ Camino, Tony (November 19, 2024). "Chargers Sign CB Dicaprio Bootle". NFL Trade Rumors. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  27. ^ Alper, Josh. "Lions sign DB DiCaprio Bootle, two others". NBC Sports. Retrieved 19 July 2025.