We have seen many comeback stories in the NFL, from Micheal Vick returning after going to jail for dogfighting and, more recently, Rob Gronkowski, who just won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The story of Malik McDowell is one of bad decision-making and a 2nd chance on not just football but life.
The 25-year-old second-round pick out of Michigan State has yet to play a down in an actual NFL game. He suffered an injury in an ATV accident just weeks before his rookie training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, and to add to his troubles, McDowell was arrested 5 times between 2017 and 2019.
He was released by the Seahawks in March 2019 and was sentenced to 11 months in jail later that year after he fought a coo after being teased. At this point, most would think his career would be over right.
After being released from jail, McDowell busted his ass training and signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns in May.
Malik spoke about his journey back to the field and reflected on how his time behind bars helped him put his priorities in order.
“I know what my life could be without football and the stuff I fell into without playing football,” McDowell said Tuesday. “I just wanted to get more structure back in my life.”
Malik also would like to thank his mother, Joya Crowe, who he says was his biggest supporter during his most trying times.
“When I ain’t believe in myself, she was still believing in me and everyday she told me you gon’ play football one day again, even when I didn’t believe her ’cause I’m going through all my situations.”
What a great story, and hopefully, McDowell can have a long career in the league and teach others how to persevere through tough times.
Flip the page to watch McDowell speak on his experiences in a press conference.