LaCale London Bio
LaCale London is an American professional football player born on August 5, 1997, in Peoria, Illinois. He plays as a nose tackle for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 297 pounds, London has built his career as an interior defensive lineman. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has spent time with the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL before establishing himself in Atlanta.
Early Life and Background
LaCale London was raised in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended Peoria High School. During his time with the school, he developed into a recognized defensive prospect, earning all-conference honors and a defensive player of the year award. Those early accolades helped set the stage for his move into college football.
After graduating from Peoria High School, London spent one year at Iowa Central Community College. As a freshman, he appeared in six games and posted 32 tackles along with six quarterback sacks. That production gave him the experience and the exposure he needed to earn a transfer opportunity to a four-year program.
Path to Professional Football
Following his year at Iowa Central, London transferred to Western Illinois University, joining the Leathernecks football program. The move from the junior college level to a Division I FCS program marked a significant step up in competition, and London adjusted quickly to the new environment.
At Western Illinois, he developed into a reliable interior defender and built the resume that would eventually catch the attention of NFL teams. His combination of size, strength, and disruptive ability in the trenches laid the foundation for a professional opportunity after his senior season.
LaCale London Career
College Career (2016–2019)
London began his college career at Iowa Central Community College in 2016, where he played in six games as a freshman. He finished that season with 32 tackles and six sacks, performance that helped him attract the attention of four-year programs.
He then transferred to Western Illinois, where he played in all eleven games in 2018 and recorded 23 tackles along with 3.5 sacks. That year he was recognized with a spot on the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team. As a senior in 2019, London started all twelve games and tied for second in the conference with three forced fumbles, finishing the year with 45 tackles. He was named second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference by Phil Steele for his play that season.
Chicago Bears Era (2020–2022)
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL draft, LaCale London was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was released at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the team’s practice squad, where he spent the entire 2020 season without appearing in a regular-season game.
London was placed on injured reserve to begin the 2021 campaign and was released with an injury settlement in early September. He returned to the practice squad in November and was activated in December, making his NFL debut on December 20 against the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a reserve or future contract with the Bears in January 2022 but was waived on August 23, 2022, ending his initial run in Chicago.
St. Louis BattleHawks Era (2023)
On November 17, 2022, London was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL, giving him another chance to showcase his ability as a pass rusher and run defender. He quickly made an impact along the interior of the defensive line in the spring league.
After recording two forced fumbles in a victory over the Seattle Sea Dragons, London was named the XFL Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. His time in St. Louis was brief, as he was released from his contract on May 15, 2023.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)
On May 16, 2023, London signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived at the end of the preseason and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on October 24. He was placed on injured reserve in early November and returned to action in mid-December.
The Falcons waived London on August 27, 2024, and re-signed him to the practice squad. He signed a reserve or future contract with Atlanta on January 17, 2025, keeping him in the organization for the following season.
Driving Style and Strengths
London plays with the leverage, power, and quickness that scouts look for in a nose tackle. His ability to occupy multiple blockers and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage made him an effective run defender in college, and his knack for forcing fumbles has translated to the professional level. The combination of his listed size and his experience in both practice squad and active roles has shaped him into a dependable rotational piece along the interior of the defensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
London’s most notable moment came in the XFL, when he forced two fumbles in a win over the Seattle Sea Dragons and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Week. He also made his long-awaited NFL debut on December 20, 2021, with the Chicago Bears, and later earned a place on the Atlanta Falcons’ active roster, marking his return to regular-season play in the NFL.
LaCale London Career Statistics
As of the 2025 NFL season, LaCale London has recorded 43 total tackles, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass deflection in his NFL career. His statistical production has grown with expanded opportunities along the Atlanta Falcons defensive line, and he continues to contribute as a rotational nose tackle.
LaCale London Family
Family Background and Personal Life
LaCale London was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, and his family ties remain connected to the city where he first developed as a football player. His path from Peoria High School to Iowa Central Community College and then Western Illinois University reflects the steady support system that helped him pursue a professional career.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, LaCale London is in position to compete for a regular role along the Atlanta Falcons interior defensive line. After re-signing with the team on a reserve or future contract in January 2025, he is expected to participate in training camp and fight for a place on the final 53-man roster.
With the Falcons looking to build depth up front, London’s combination of size and prior NFL experience makes him a candidate to contribute on both early downs and passing situations. His earlier work in Atlanta, including a midseason promotion to the active roster in 2023, suggests he has the trust of the coaching staff as he pushes for a more prominent role in 2025.
