Malik Knowles Bio
Malik Knowles (born August 17, 2000) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats before spending time with multiple National Football League organizations. Standing 6 ft 2 in and listed at 196 lb, he was used as both a pass catcher and a returner throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Malik Knowles was born on August 17, 2000, in Lynwood, California. He later grew up in Mansfield, Texas, where he lived with his aunt and uncle. That family environment shaped his early years and supported his introduction to organized sports.
He attended Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, where he developed into a productive offensive skill player. As a senior, Knowles recorded 40 receptions for 846 yards and 15 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable scoring threats through the air.
Evaluated as a three-star recruit, Knowles chose to continue his football career at Kansas State. His combination of size, route-running, and return-game experience made him an attractive fit for the Wildcats’ program.
Path to American Football
Knowles joined the Kansas State Wildcats as part of the program’s 2018 recruiting class. As a true freshman, he appeared in games and caught 10 passes for 100 yards with two touchdowns before redshirting the remainder of the season to preserve a year of eligibility.
During his redshirt freshman year, he expanded his role, finishing with 27 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns while also returning six kickoffs for 222 yards and a touchdown. The dual-threat capability he displayed on offense and special teams set the foundation for his later recognition as a returner.
Across his final college seasons, Knowles continued to produce. His redshirt junior campaign featured first-team All-Big 12 honors, while his redshirt senior year brought second-team All-Big 12 recognition as a receiver. Following the 2022 season, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Malik Knowles Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Knowles spent five seasons in the Kansas State program, transitioning from a reserve receiver into a featured pass catcher and return specialist. He contributed in all phases, lining up at wide receiver, taking occasional rushes, and serving as the team’s primary kick returner in his final two years.
His college résumé included 29 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns in his redshirt junior season, paired with 20 kickoff returns for 662 yards and two scores, which earned him first-team All-Big 12 recognition as a returner. In his final season, he added 48 catches for 725 yards and two touchdowns, along with 23 kickoff returns for 592 yards, securing second-team All-Big 12 honors as a receiver.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023–2024)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Malik Knowles signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023. The Vikings added him as a developmental pass catcher with return-game upside following the draft.
Knowles was waived with an injury designation from the non-football injury list on July 24, 2023, and reverted to the team’s reserve list. He remained with the organization into the following year before being waived/injured on August 27, 2024, ending his initial stint in Minnesota.
Green Bay Packers Era (2024)
On October 16, 2024, the Green Bay Packers signed Malik Knowles to their practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue developing within a division rival’s system. Practice-squad players work closely with the coaching staff while remaining available for promotion to the active roster.
His time in Green Bay was brief. He was released on November 30, 2024, closing a short tenure with the Packers that did not result in an in-game appearance with the active roster.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2025)
On June 3, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers signed Malik Knowles to a one-year contract, offering another chance to compete for a roster spot. He was waived on July 31 before being re-signed on August 20, though he was released again shortly thereafter as the team finalized its roster.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Era (2025–2026)
On December 16, 2025, Knowles signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, extending his professional career north of the border. The CFL provided a different offensive structure and specialized roles suited to his skill set.
On April 28, 2026, Knowles announced his retirement from professional football, closing a career that began with the Vikings in 2023 and concluded with the Roughriders in 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Knowles built his profile on versatility, contributing as a wide receiver, an occasional runner on reverses or jet sweeps, and a kickoff returner. His listed size and dependable hands allowed him to handle underneath and intermediate routes, while his burst in the open field made him effective on returns.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Malik Knowles’ career include first-team All-Big 12 honors as a returner in 2021, second-team All-Big 12 recognition as a receiver in 2022, and the opportunity to sign with multiple NFL organizations despite going undrafted. His post-college journey through four professional teams underscored the perseverance that defined his path in the sport.
Malik Knowles Career Wins
Malik Knowles’ professional résumé was built more on opportunity and development than on championship hardware. His most prominent accolades came during his college career, where his All-Big 12 selections highlighted his two-way impact as a receiver and returner.
College Highlights
Knowles earned first-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2021 as a returner after a season that included 29 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns to go with 20 kickoff returns for 662 yards and two scores. The following year, he was named second-team All-Big 12 as a receiver, finishing with 48 catches for 725 yards and two touchdowns.
Other Performances
At the high school level, Knowles produced 40 receptions for 846 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior at Lake Ridge High School, a stat line that helped him secure a three-star rating and a spot in the Kansas State program. Across his professional stops, he appeared on practice squads and offseason rosters, earning brief opportunities without claiming a starting role.
Malik Knowles Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Family background information for Malik Knowles is limited in publicly available sources. He was raised in Mansfield, Texas, by his aunt and uncle, who provided a stable home environment that supported his development as a young athlete.
Personal Life
Details about Malik Knowles’ personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, are not confirmed in available sources. He is identified as an American male athlete who spent his playing career in the United States and Canada.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a transitional period for Malik Knowles. He signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on June 3, 2025, then was waived on July 31 before being re-signed on August 20, only to be released again shortly after the team finalized its roster.
Later in the year, on December 16, 2025, he joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, continuing his professional career in a new league. His role with the Roughriders offered a fresh opportunity to contribute on offense and in the return game heading into the Canadian season.
Looking back on the year, Knowles experienced roster movement, brief practice opportunities, and a league change. His career arc reflected the realities facing undrafted players, who often navigate multiple short stints in pursuit of long-term opportunity.