Micale Malik Cunningham Bio
Micale Malik Cunningham is an American professional football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, where he showcased his skills as a quarterback before transitioning to wide receiver in the NFL. With a background in high school football at Park Crossing, Cunningham has continued to develop his talents in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Micale Malik Cunningham was born on October 6, 1998, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. He attended Park Crossing High School, where he had a notable football career. During his time at Park Crossing, Cunningham passed for 6,276 yards and 71 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,926 yards and 32 touchdowns. His impressive high school performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he continued to hone his skills as a quarterback.
Path to American Football
After redshirting his first year at Louisville in 2017, Cunningham made his collegiate debut in 2018, appearing in ten games and starting three. He completed 40 of 67 passes for 473 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also rushing for a team-high 497 yards and five touchdowns. His college career peaked in 2019 when he was named the MVP of the Music City Bowl after passing for 279 yards and two touchdowns, along with rushing for 81 yards. Cunningham’s performance in college football solidified his reputation and prepared him for the professional level.
Micale Malik Cunningham Career
Early Career (2023)
Cunningham entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the New England Patriots following the 2023 NFL Draft. He was initially waived but later re-signed to the practice squad. On October 14, 2023, he was promoted to the active roster on a three-year contract. However, he faced challenges and was released shortly after, returning to the practice squad. His time with the Patriots was brief, as he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens off the practice squad in December 2023, reuniting him with his former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Cunningham transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver during organized team activities with the Baltimore Ravens. Although he was released during roster cuts, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens in January 2025. His journey continued as he was waived at the end of the preseason, leading to his signing with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on September 16, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his early career, Cunningham has demonstrated versatility and resilience, transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver. His notable achievement includes being named the MVP of the Music City Bowl in 2019, showcasing his potential as a valuable player in the NFL.
Micale Malik Cunningham Award Nominations
Micale Malik Cunningham has received recognition for his performance in college football, particularly being named the MVP of the Music City Bowl in 2019.
Micale Malik Cunningham Awards Won
Cunningham’s most notable award is the Music City Bowl MVP, which he earned in 2019 for his outstanding performance during the game.
Micale Malik Cunningham Family
Information regarding Micale Malik Cunningham’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Micale Malik Cunningham originally went by his middle name, Malik, before changing to his true first name, Micale, midway through the 2019 college football season. He again used the name Malik in 2020, reflecting his evolving identity as a player.