Malik Davis Bio
Malik Davis is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 26, 1998, in Tampa, Florida, he played college football for the Florida Gators from 2017 to 2021 before turning professional. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis signed with the Cowboys as a free agent and has worked his way into a steady role within the organization.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and listed around 205 pounds, Davis brings a compact, physical build to the running back position. He has remained with the Dallas organization since first signing in April 2022, navigating practice squad moves and active roster promotions across multiple seasons. His perseverance through roster turnover has defined his early professional career.
Early Life and Background
Malik Davis was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where he developed an early passion for football. He attended Jesuit High School in Tampa, a program with a strong tradition of producing collegiate-level athletes. During his prep career, Davis established himself as a dependable running back, earning attention from college recruiters across the country.
His high school performances laid the foundation for his next step in the sport. Davis committed to the University of Florida, continuing his football journey close to home in the Southeastern Conference. The combination of strong coaching at Jesuit and his own work ethic helped him arrive in Gainesville prepared for the demands of top-tier college competition.
Path to American Football
Davis enrolled at the University of Florida in 2017, joining the Florida Gators football program. He spent five seasons with the program from 2017 through 2021, developing his skills as a running back within one of the most competitive conferences in college football. His tenure with the Gators allowed him to mature as both a runner and a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Across his college career, Davis contributed as a rotational player, gaining experience against high-level defensive fronts week after week. By the end of his senior season, he had built a resume that included enough toughness and versatility to attract NFL interest, even without the benefit of a high draft profile. Following the 2021 season, he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Malik Davis Career
Early Career (2022)
Malik Davis went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but quickly found an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022, joining a crowded running back room. Although he did not make the initial 53-man roster, Davis signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad on August 31, 2022, keeping his NFL dream alive.
His patience paid off during his rookie season. On October 15, 2022, Davis was elevated to the active roster, and he was officially signed to the active roster on October 29. In Week 13, in a 54-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Davis scored his first NFL rushing touchdown, a memorable early milestone. As a rookie, he appeared in 12 games, recording 38 carries for 161 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys Breakthrough (2023-2025)
After his promising rookie campaign, Davis continued to battle for a roster spot in 2023. He was waived by the Cowboys on August 29, 2023, but quickly returned when he was signed back to the practice squad. On January 17, 2024, Davis signed a reserve/future contract with Dallas, securing his place with the organization heading into the next league year. He repeated a similar path in 2024, being waived on August 27 before re-signing to the practice squad and then signing another reserve/future contract on January 8, 2025.
Throughout these seasons, Davis continued to deliver when called upon. His career NFL statistics reflect steady contributions, including 411 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per carry, 3 rushing touchdowns, 8 receptions, and 79 receiving yards. These numbers reflect his value as a dependable depth back who can produce in limited opportunities.
Dallas Cowboys Recent Seasons (2025)
The 2025 season brought continued movement between the active roster and practice squad for Davis. He was waived on April 30, 2025, and re-signed on August 8, before being waived again on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. Davis was re-signed to the practice squad the following day and was promoted to the active roster on November 3. After being waived the next day and re-signed to the practice squad three days later, he returned to the active roster on November 22.
His season was cut short on January 3, 2026, when Davis was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to calf and eye injuries suffered in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders. Despite the unfortunate ending, Davis had once again proven his resilience and value to the Cowboys organization throughout the year.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Malik Davis’s professional career, his first NFL rushing touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 of the 2022 season stands out as a defining early moment. Reaching 411 career rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns across his time in Dallas marks meaningful production for a player who began as an undrafted free agent. His repeated ability to return to the active roster each season speaks to the trust the Cowboys coaching staff has placed in his abilities.
Malik Davis Family
Personal Life
Malik Davis was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and remains closely tied to his hometown roots. He attended Jesuit High School in Tampa, an institution known for its strong academic and athletic traditions. Beyond his commitment to football, Davis has built his professional life around the Dallas area since joining the Cowboys organization in 2022.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season for Malik Davis was another year defined by perseverance and adaptability within the Dallas Cowboys organization. He moved between the practice squad and active roster multiple times, ultimately appearing in games late in the season after being promoted on November 22. His ability to stay ready and contribute whenever called upon reinforced his reputation as a reliable depth option.
Davis was productive in his limited touches, continuing to show the vision and physicality that have marked his career. However, his season ended on January 3, 2026, when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering calf and eye injuries in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders. The injury marked a difficult conclusion to an otherwise resilient campaign.
Looking ahead, Davis’s track record of returning to the active roster each season suggests he remains a valued member of the Cowboys’ running back group. His combination of experience, versatility as both a runner and receiver, and familiarity with the team’s system should position him well for future opportunities once he recovers from his injuries.
