Biography
Malik Hooker, born on April 2, 1996, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, is a professional American football safety. He attended Central Valley High School, where he gained recognition for his athletic ability in football and basketball. Hooker went on to play college football at Ohio State University, where he had a standout career, recording 74 tackles and seven interceptions in his junior season before declaring for the NFL Draft.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, Hooker was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Indianapolis Colts. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Colts' secondary, earning a reputation for his ball-hawking skills and playmaking ability. During his rookie season, he recorded 57 tackles, four interceptions, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, highlighting his impact on the field.
After three seasons with the Colts, Hooker signed with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2021, where he continued to showcase his skills in the defensive lineup. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his versatility and athleticism, contributing both in pass defense and run support. Hooker's legacy as a dynamic safety in the NFL continues to grow, making him a key figure in the teams he has played for.