Shakir Soto

Shakir Jammal Soto is an American former football defensive tackle. He played college football for the University of Pittsburgh. After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL draft, Soto signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. Over the course of four years in the NFL, Soto was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks.

Early life

Soto was born one of four children to Rhonda Vieney. He has two brothers and one sister. His uncle Terry Vieney played college football at Bloomsburg University.
Soto played high school football at G.A.R Memorial as a defensive lineman, earning Class AA All-State honors twice.

Soto enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh where he played in defensive lineman, defensive end and defensive tackle positions from 2013 to 2016. While at Pittsburgh, Soto was a communication major.

On May 12, 2017, the Denver Broncos signed Soto to play as a defensive tackle. He was cut from the team four months later on September 3, 2017.

On December 21, 2017, the Las Vegas Raiders added Soto to the practice squad. On January 2, 2018, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Soto to as part of its reserve roster. On September 1, 2018, Soto was waived and shortly after cut from the team the following day.

Soto started 2019 with the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football. He made four sacks and 20 tackles in eight games.

On April 9, 2019, Soto was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. Soto was waived on August 31, 2019, before being cut from the team on September 1.

On December 24, 2019, the Seattle Seahawks added Soto to the practice squad. On May 5, 2020, Soto was cut from the team.

Soto was signed to the practice roster of the BC Lions in October.

Soto was selected with the eighth pick of the 24th round of the 2022 USFL draft by the New Orleans Breakers.

Soto signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL on March 8, 2023. He was released on July 10, 2023.