Malik Verdon
Malik Verdon is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Early life
Verdon was born on October 31, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended three high schools but graduated from Hamilton [High School (Hamilton, Ohio)|Hamilton High School] in Hamilton, Ohio. At defensive back, Verdon garnered First Team All-Greater Miami Conference honors. He was a three-star prospect out of high school and committed to play college football at Iowa State.
Verdon played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2021 to 2024. He played in 27 games making 134 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, seven pass deflections and two forced fumbles. In 2024, Verdon was named to the second-team 2024 [All-Big 12 Conference football team|All-Big 12 team], after finishing second on the team of tackles with 76. Following this, he declared for the NFL draft.
Professional career
After not being selected in the 2025 [NFL draft], Verdon signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He was placed on the Non-Football Injury list on July 24, 2025. On December 4, it was reported that Verdon would miss the entirety of his rookie season following the expiration of his practice window.