Khalid Kareem Bio
Khalid Ali Kareem is an American professional football linebacker currently in the National Football League (NFL). He has played for several franchises since entering the league, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, he plays primarily as an outside linebacker and has contributed on both defense and special teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Khalid Ali Kareem was born on April 28, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in the Detroit metropolitan area and attended Harrison High School in nearby Farmington, Michigan. During his high school years, Kareem developed into a promising defensive prospect, earning attention from college recruiters for his combination of size and athleticism.
Coming out of high school, Kareem committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football. His decision to join the Fighting Irish program reflected both his academic interests and his desire to compete at a high level of college football. The move from Detroit to South Bend marked the beginning of a formative chapter in his football development.
Path to American Football
Kareem’s progression toward the NFL began in earnest at Notre Dame, where he played from 2016 to 2019. Over four seasons with the Fighting Irish, he built a reputation as a steady edge defender, recording 108 tackles and 13 sacks during his collegiate career. His production as a pass rusher helped establish him as an NFL prospect heading into his senior year.
Following the 2019 season, Kareem declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. His combination of size, college experience, and pass-rushing production made him an attractive mid-round target. He was ultimately selected with the 147th overall pick in the fifth round, beginning his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Khalid Kareem Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Khalid Ali Kareem’s NFL career began with the Cincinnati Bengals after being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was initially placed on the active/non-football injury list in late July 2020 before being activated in August. His most notable early moment came in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team, when he recorded his first career sack on quarterback Alex Smith during a 20–9 loss. That single sack remains the only one of his professional career.
Kareem’s first two seasons in Cincinnati were interrupted by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve in September 2021 and was activated later that October. The following year, he was again placed on injured reserve in September 2022 with a hamstring injury, activated in October, and then waived and re-signed to the practice squad a day later.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2020–2022)
Kareem spent the first three seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted in 2020. His tenure in Cincinnati was marked by repeated injury setbacks and practice squad movement, which limited his opportunities to contribute on defense. Despite these challenges, he remained with the organization and continued to develop his professional game.
Indianapolis Colts Stint (2022)
On November 22, 2022, Kareem was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off the Bengals’ practice squad. He appeared in four games for Indianapolis, recording one tackle during his brief tenure. The Colts waived him on August 29, 2023, ending his time with the franchise.
Chicago Bears Tenure (2023)
Kareem was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears on August 30, 2023. He was placed on injured reserve in late September, activated in late October, released two days later, and then re-signed to the practice squad. On January 16, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago, though he was released during the following August as part of roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons Period (2024–2025)
Kareem signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad on August 30, 2024. He appeared in two games for the Falcons, recording four combined tackles while contributing on defense and special teams. He signed a reserve/future contract with Atlanta on January 6, 2025, and spent the early part of the season moving between the practice squad and the active roster.
During the 2025 season, Kareem was released and re-signed multiple times as the Falcons navigated their roster. He was promoted back to the active roster on January 1, 2026, before being released again on January 13, 2026, and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. His tenure in Atlanta reflected his role as a reliable depth piece and special teams contributor.
New York Giants Era (2026–Present)
On May 14, 2026, Khalid Ali Kareem signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. He currently wears number 54 for the team and remains on the active roster as a linebacker. His move to New York represents the latest chapter in a journeyman professional career that has seen him suit up for five NFL franchises.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a linebacker, Kareem has historically been valued for his size, length, and versatility along the defensive front. His college resume at Notre Dame demonstrated an ability to pressure the quarterback, with 13 sacks over four seasons. At the professional level, he has carved out a role primarily as a depth defender and special teams contributor, providing rotational support on the edge.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kareem’s most memorable professional moment came in Week 11 of the 2020 season, when he recorded his first and only career sack on Washington quarterback Alex Smith. Being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals also stands as a significant milestone, marking his transition from collegiate standout to professional athlete.
Khalid Kareem Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Khalid Ali Kareem has accumulated 41 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections through the 2025 season. While he has not accumulated a large number of headline statistics, his value to multiple franchises has come through depth contributions and special teams play.
NFL Career Highlights
Kareem’s professional career has spanned five NFL franchises since being drafted in 2020. His first career sack against Washington in 2020 remains a signature moment. More recently, he contributed four combined tackles across two appearances for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute when called upon.
Other Performances
In addition to his defensive contributions, Kareem has been a regular presence on special teams units throughout his career. His willingness to take on multiple roles has helped him maintain a position in the league despite frequent roster turnover at each of his stops.
Khalid Kareem Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Khalid Ali Kareem’s family background are limited in publicly available sources. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Harrison High School in nearby Farmington. Specific information regarding his parents or any extended family involvement in athletics has not been widely documented.
Personal Life
Khalid Ali Kareem maintains a private personal life away from football. There is no publicly confirmed information regarding a spouse or children. He is active on social media, where he occasionally shares updates related to his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Khalid Ali Kareem continued his role as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor for the Atlanta Falcons. He spent portions of the year moving between the practice squad and the active roster, reflecting the competitive nature of the team’s linebacker rotation. His versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game helped him remain in the organization.
Kareem was promoted back to Atlanta’s active roster on January 1, 2026, after spending time on the practice squad earlier in the season. His late-season activation suggests the coaching staff valued his experience and reliability heading into the final stretch of the campaign. His contributions, while not always reflected in headline statistics, provided depth at a position that demanded consistent production.
Looking ahead, Kareem signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants on May 14, 2026, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. His continued presence in the NFL speaks to his durability, professionalism, and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes. As he joins the Giants, he is expected to compete for a depth role and contribute on special teams during the upcoming season.
