Malik McDowell is an American football defensive tackle best known for his collegiate career at Michigan State and his selection in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Malik McDowell was born on June 20, 1996, in Detroit, Michigan, to Greg McDowell and Joya Crowe. He began his high school education at Loyola High School before transferring to Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, where he completed his studies. As a high school athlete, McDowell was recognized as one of the top defensive tackles in the nation. Rivals.com rated him a five-star recruit, and he was ranked among the top 30 players nationally. His exceptional strength, agility, and football IQ earned him wide acclaim. With numerous offers from top college programs, McDowell chose to attend Michigan State University, joining the Michigan State Spartans in 2014.
At Michigan State, McDowell quickly established himself as a key contributor on the defensive line. Known for his physicality and disruptive presence, he played three seasons with the Spartans before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft, McDowell was invited to the NFL Combine, where he participated in all drills except the short shuttle and three-cone drill. Despite not attending Michigan State’s Pro Day, he engaged in private workouts with several NFL teams, including the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins.
In April 2017, McDowell was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 35th overall pick in the second round. Expectations were high, as he was predicted to be a cornerstone of the team's defensive front.
Shortly after being drafted, McDowell suffered a serious injury in an ATV accident, which prevented him from playing during his rookie season. He was eventually released by the Seahawks without having played a regular-season game. Following a lengthy rehabilitation, McDowell attempted to return to the NFL and later signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2021. He played one season with the Browns, recording career-high statistics and demonstrating flashes of the potential that made him a high draft pick.
As of now, Malik McDowell has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships or marital status. He remains private about his personal life. Currently a free agent, McDowell has expressed a desire to refocus on his professional career and aims for a return to the NFL.
In February 2019, McDowell was involved in an altercation with law enforcement at a service station in Lathrup Village, Michigan. Video footage captured by a police dashcam and the store's surveillance system showed an encounter between McDowell and a police officer. According to reports, the confrontation began in the parking lot and escalated inside the store. The officer attempted to detain McDowell, leading to a struggle.
The officer drew a Taser when McDowell failed to comply with commands to lie on his stomach. According to the police report, the Taser initially failed to subdue McDowell due to his heavy coat, prompting the officer to attempt deploying contact stun mode. The incident was widely circulated and added to McDowell’s ongoing legal challenges during that period.
| Birth Date: | 20 Jun, 1996 |
| Age: | 24 yrs |
| Occupations: | American football player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Detroit |
| Education: | Michigan State University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American football player |
