Malik Hooker

Malik Hooker Bio

Malik Hooker is an American professional football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. While at Ohio State, Hooker was named a unanimous All-American in 2016 and won the 2015 College Football Playoff national championship.

Early Life and Background

Malik Hooker was born on April 2, 1996, in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He attended New Castle High School, where he played basketball and football, primarily as a cornerback and wide receiver. During his senior year, he was recognized as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Male Athlete of the Year. Hooker was a three-star safety recruit and chose to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, turning down offers from several other universities, including Arizona, Michigan, and Penn State.

Path to American Football

After redshirting his first year at Ohio State in 2014, Malik Hooker played in all 13 games in 2015, primarily contributing on special teams with 10 tackles. In 2016, as a redshirt sophomore, he became the starting free safety and made a significant impact, recording his first two career interceptions in the season opener. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors, and he decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.

Malik Hooker Career

Early Career (2017-2020)

Malik Hooker was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $12.59 million. Despite facing injuries early in his career, he made his professional debut in the Colts’ season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded four tackles. In his rookie season, he played in seven games, starting six, and finished with 22 combined tackles and three interceptions.

Breakthrough (2021-Present)

After four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Malik Hooker signed with the Dallas Cowboys in July 2021. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Cowboys’ secondary. In his first season with Dallas, he recorded 44 combined tackles and one interception. Hooker continued to improve, and in 2022, he had a standout season with 62 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. His performance helped the Cowboys secure a wildcard berth in the playoffs. In 2023, he signed a three-year contract extension worth $21 million, solidifying his role as a starting safety.

Notable Works and Milestones

Malik Hooker is recognized for his significant contributions on the field, including his unanimous All-American selection in 2016 and his role in the 2015 College Football Playoff national championship. He has also achieved notable statistics, including 390 total tackles and 14 interceptions as of the end of the 2025 season.

Malik Hooker Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Malik Hooker has received various accolades, including being named a unanimous All-American and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors during his college career.