Malik Taylor Bio
Malik Taylor (born December 21, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds, Taylor has built his career as a versatile pass catcher and special teams contributor. Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he has spent time with multiple NFL organizations and continues to compete at the highest level of American football. He currently plays for the Detroit Lions after signing with the team in May 2025.
Early Life and Background
Malik Taylor was born on December 21, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, United States. He grew up in the Flint area and attended Hill-McCloy High School in nearby Montrose, Michigan, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver. The Mid-Michigan region has produced a steady stream of football talent, and Taylor emerged from that environment as a promising young athlete with the size and athleticism to play the position at a high level.
During his high school years, Taylor focused on building the fundamentals of route running, catching, and special teams play that would later define his professional profile. His performance at Hill-McCloy earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level. The combination of physical tools and the work ethic developed in his hometown laid the foundation for his future success on the gridiron.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career, Malik Taylor enrolled at Ferris State University, a Division II program in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he played college football from 2014 to 2017. At Ferris State, Taylor developed into a reliable target in the passing game, finishing his college career with 121 receptions and 2,091 receiving yards. His production earned him All-GLIAC honors during his junior season, recognizing him as one of the top receivers in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
However, Taylor’s senior year was cut short by a season-ending injury, which disrupted his momentum and contributed to him going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite the setback, his college statistics demonstrated that he possessed the hands, route-running ability, and toughness required to compete at the professional level. Following the draft, Taylor received an opportunity to begin his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent, setting the stage for a determined climb through multiple organizations.
Malik Taylor Career
Early Career (2019)
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, Malik Taylor signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 27, 2019, as an undrafted free agent. His initial stint with the Buccaneers was short-lived, as the team waived him on May 14, 2019. The release did not derail his professional aspirations, and he quickly found a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.
On July 19, 2019, Taylor signed with the Green Bay Packers, beginning what would become the longest tenure of his early professional career. He was waived on August 31, 2019, but was signed back to the Packers’ practice squad the very next day on September 1, 2019. This period on the practice squad allowed Taylor to continue developing his game while learning the Packers’ offensive system and special teams schemes.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Taylor’s persistence with the Green Bay Packers paid off in 2020, when it was announced on September 5, 2020, that he had made the 53-man roster. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, Taylor recorded his first career reception, a 20-yard catch on a 4th down play that demonstrated his reliability in high-pressure situations.
His first NFL touchdown came in Week 7 of the 2020 season against the Houston Texans, a milestone moment that validated his years of perseverance. On May 21, 2021, Taylor signed a one-year exclusive-rights free agent tender with the Packers, but his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 24, 2021. He signed his tender offer on April 18, 2022, but was waived/injured on August 17, 2022, placed on injured reserve, and ultimately released on September 15, 2022, ending his Packers tenure.
New York Jets Era (2022–2024)
After his release from Green Bay, Malik Taylor signed with the New York Jets practice squad on December 29, 2022, providing him another opportunity to revive his career. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 9, 2023, securing his place with the organization heading into the next season. Taylor was waived on August 29, 2023, but re-signed to the practice squad on September 12, 2023, continuing his pattern of resilience in the league.
On November 6, 2023, Taylor was elevated to the Jets’ active roster, another testament to his value as a versatile contributor. He signed another reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, to remain with the team, but was placed on injured reserve on August 18, 2024. Throughout his time with the Jets, Taylor contributed primarily on special teams and as a depth receiver, providing the organization with experienced depth at the wide receiver position.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On May 12, 2025, Malik Taylor signed with the Detroit Lions, joining another storied NFL franchise looking to add depth to its receiving corps and special teams units. His signing reflected continued confidence in his abilities as a reliable depth player and special teams contributor. The move to Detroit represented a fresh opportunity for Taylor to compete for a roster spot and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
However, Taylor was released by the Lions on August 26, 2025, as part of the NFL’s final roster cuts. Despite the release, his career trajectory since going undrafted in 2019 demonstrates a player who has continuously earned opportunities through perseverance and professionalism. As of 2025, Taylor remains an active professional football player with the potential to continue contributing at the NFL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Malik Taylor’s most memorable career moments are his first NFL reception for 20 yards against the Atlanta Falcons and his first career touchdown against the Houston Texans, both occurring during the 2020 season with the Green Bay Packers. Making the 53-man roster in 2020 after spending his rookie year on the practice squad stands as a defining achievement. He has also been part of practice squad elevations and reserve/future contract signings with multiple organizations, underscoring his value as a dependable depth player in the league.
Malik Taylor Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Malik Taylor has notched several individual milestones, including his first career reception, first career touchdown, and multiple seasons spent on active 53-man rosters across different organizations. While he has not been a primary statistical leader at the wide receiver position, his contributions on special teams and as a depth receiver have provided value to each team he has joined.
NFL Highlights
Taylor’s NFL career statistics through the 2023 season include 9 receptions, 93 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 9 rushing yards, and 264 return yards. His first career touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 7 of the 2020 season remains a highlight of his time with the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, his ability to consistently earn practice squad and reserve/future contract opportunities across multiple franchises speaks to his reputation as a reliable professional.
Other Performances
At the collegiate level with Ferris State, Taylor recorded 121 receptions and 2,091 receiving yards, earning All-GLIAC honors during his junior season. His college production provided the foundation for his professional opportunities despite a senior season cut short by injury.
Malik Taylor Family
Personal Life
Malik Taylor was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and attended Hill-McCloy High School in Montrose, Michigan. He has built his professional football career in the United States, with his journey taking him from his Mid-Michigan roots to several NFL cities including Green Bay, New York, and Detroit. Taylor is known professionally by his full name and continues to be active on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season began with Malik Taylor signing with the Detroit Lions on May 12, 2025, marking his fourth NFL organization since entering the league. His signing added experienced depth to the Lions’ wide receiver room and special teams units during the offseason program and training camp. The move represented an opportunity for Taylor to compete for a spot on a contending roster.
Unfortunately for Taylor, his time with the Lions was brief, as he was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the league’s final roster cuts. The release places him among the available free agents as the regular season begins, leaving the door open for potential opportunities with other organizations. As the 2025 season progresses, Taylor’s experience and special teams value could attract interest from teams in need of receiving depth.