Markus Bailey Bio
Markus LaJuan Bailey, born on March 7, 1997, is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers before entering the National Football League (NFL). Bailey was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 215th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation as a reliable contributor on defense.
Bailey began his NFL journey in Cincinnati, where he spent his first four professional seasons. He later signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, continuing his career at the highest level of American football.
Early Life and Background
Markus LaJuan Bailey was born on March 7, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States. He grew up in the state of Ohio and attended Hilliard Davidson High School, located in Hilliard, Ohio. During his time at Hilliard Davidson, he developed into a promising football talent and earned recognition for his work on the field.
Bailey’s athletic ability and dedication to the sport set him apart from his peers in high school. His performance drew the attention of several college football programs across the country. His background in Ohio, a region known for producing strong football players, helped shape his early development as a linebacker.
Path to American Football
On July 13, 2014, Bailey committed to Purdue University, choosing the Boilermakers over programs such as Akron, Duke, Indiana, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia. An offer from Ohio State, however, never materialized during his recruitment. This decision launched his path toward competing at the collegiate level in the Big Ten Conference.
His first season at Purdue was cut short after he suffered a torn ACL during his true freshman year. Despite the setback, Bailey returned with determination and started 13 games in each of his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons. Following his junior year, he was named second-team all-Big Ten by the coaches and third-team all-Big Ten by the media. A knee injury limited his senior season to just two games, and he was recognized as a team captain during both his junior and senior years.
Markus Bailey Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Markus LaJuan Bailey was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 215th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Shortly after being drafted, he was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 27, 2020. He returned to the active roster on August 2 of the same year, ready to begin his professional career.
During his time with the Bengals, Bailey served as a linebacker and steadily contributed on defense. He played in Cincinnati from 2020 through 2023, earning a role within the team’s defensive rotation. His presence on the field reflected his persistence through early injuries and his growth as a professional.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2020–2023)
Bailey joined the Cincinnati Bengals as a seventh-round selection and quickly worked to establish himself within the organization. After dealing with an injury early in his rookie season, he returned to the active roster and contributed as a linebacker. Over his four seasons with the team, he recorded a total of 73 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 4 pass deflections through the 2023 season.
His tenure with the Bengals showcased his ability to remain dependable despite earlier setbacks in his college career. Bailey’s work ethic and preparation allowed him to transition from a late-round pick into a contributing member of the defense. By the end of his time in Cincinnati, he had earned respect from teammates and coaches for his steady approach.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024)
On May 7, 2024, Bailey signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, marking the next chapter of his professional career. His move to Arizona represented an opportunity to continue his NFL journey in a new environment. Shortly after joining the Cardinals, however, he was released on August 27, before being re-signed to the practice squad.
On November 19, 2024, the NFL suspended Bailey for six games after he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Despite the suspension, he remained part of the Cardinals organization as he worked through the league’s process. His time in Arizona reflected both the challenges and opportunities of life as a professional football player.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Markus LaJuan Bailey’s career came when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Overcoming a torn ACL during his freshman year at Purdue and returning to start 13 games in back-to-back seasons highlighted his resilience. His selection as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons further underscored his leadership qualities.
Markus Bailey Career Wins
Markus LaJuan Bailey’s professional career has been defined by perseverance and steady contributions on defense. While his role as a linebacker has not always placed him in the spotlight, his reliability and preparation have been hallmarks of his journey in the NFL.
NFL Highlights
Throughout his time in the NFL, Bailey has been recognized for his defensive contributions, including 73 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 4 pass deflections through the 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. His selection in the 2020 NFL Draft marked the beginning of his professional career, and he has continued to pursue opportunities with multiple organizations since then.
Markus Bailey Family
Personal Life
Markus LaJuan Bailey earned academic recognition during his time at Purdue, where he was named all-Academic Big Ten during his redshirt freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the football field and into the classroom. Details about his family background and personal relationships are not publicly documented in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
As Markus LaJuan Bailey looks ahead to the 2025 season, questions remain about his professional trajectory following his 2024 suspension. His experience with both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals provides him with a strong foundation as he seeks to continue his NFL career. His versatility as a linebacker and his history of overcoming injuries position him as a player capable of contributing to a defensive rotation.
Bailey’s upcoming season will depend heavily on his ability to secure a roster spot and demonstrate his readiness following his suspension. Given his track record of resilience, including his recovery from a torn ACL in college, he has shown the determination required to compete at a high level. His performance in practice and preseason opportunities will be key factors in shaping his 2025 outlook.