Malcolm Koonce

Malcolm Koonce Bio

Malcolm Koonce (born June 6, 1998) is an American professional football defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls and was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Koonce has quickly established himself as a promising player in the league, showcasing his skills and determination on the field since his debut.

Early Life and Background

Malcolm Koonce grew up in Peekskill, New York, where he attended Archbishop Stepinac High School. Initially, his primary sport was rugby, but he shifted his focus to football after recognizing the potential for earning a college scholarship. In 2015, he led Archbishop Stepinac to a New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association championship, demonstrating his early talent and leadership on the field. After graduating from high school, Koonce completed a post-graduate year at Milford Academy in New Berlin, New York, further honing his skills before entering college.

Path to American Football

Koonce joined the Buffalo Bulls football program, where he played for four seasons. During his first two years, he primarily served as a backup, but he made a significant impact in his junior year. He was named first-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) after recording 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. His performance in the 2019 Bahamas Bowl, where he was named Defensive MVP after a two-sack game against the Charlotte 49ers, further solidified his reputation as a rising star. Koonce continued to excel in his senior year, repeating as a first-team All-MAC selection despite a shortened season due to COVID-19. He became only the fourth player from the University of Buffalo to be invited to play in the Senior Bowl, marking a significant milestone in his college career.

Malcolm Koonce Career

Early Career (2021)

Malcolm Koonce was selected in the third round as the 79th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders acquired this pick through a trade that sent Rodney Hudson to the Arizona Cardinals. Koonce signed his four-year rookie contract with the Raiders on July 23, 2021. He was activated for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers but did not appear in the game. He made his NFL debut on December 5, 2021, recording a sack of Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke during his limited playing time.

Breakthrough (2023)

Koonce had a breakout year in 2023, playing opposite Maxx Crosby on the Raiders’ defensive line. By Week 14, he had significantly increased his playing time under interim head coach Antonio Pierce. Koonce’s performance peaked during a Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he achieved career highs in pressures (8) and sacks (3), showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team’s playoff aspirations.

Notable Works and Milestones

Malcolm Koonce’s signature work includes his standout performance in the 2023 season, where he emerged as a key player for the Raiders. His achievements include being named first-team All-MAC during his college career and earning the title of Defensive MVP in the 2019 Bahamas Bowl.

Malcolm Koonce Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Malcolm Koonce has received notable recognition for his performances, including multiple selections to the All-MAC team during his college years.

Malcolm Koonce Awards Won

Koonce has achieved significant accolades, including being named a two-time first-team All-MAC selection and earning the MVP award at the 2019 Bahamas Bowl.