Dalvin Tomlinson Bio
Dalvin Tomlinson is an American professional football nose tackle who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick. Throughout his NFL career, Tomlinson has established himself as a durable and reliable interior defensive lineman known for his run-stopping ability and leadership in the trenches.
Early Life and Background
Dalvin Tomlinson was born on February 28, 1994, in McDonough, Georgia. He attended Henry County High School in his hometown, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. Tomlinson was a three-time state champion wrestler, demonstrating the competitive drive and physical toughness that would later define his football career.
Path to the NFL
Tomlinson began his college football career at the University of Alabama in 2012. He redshirted his first season while recovering from a torn ACL he sustained playing soccer during high school. He returned to competition in 2014 and quickly became a key contributor on Alabama’s defensive line. His 2015 season was particularly impressive, as he appeared in 14 games and led the Crimson Tide with five pass deflections while forming part of a dominant defensive front that included four future NFL first and second-round draft picks. Tomlinson completed his college career with 122 total tackles and 4 sacks across four seasons.
Dalvin Tomlinson Career
New York Giants (2017–2020)
The New York Giants selected Tomlinson in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $4.57 million with $2.13 million guaranteed and a $1.46 million signing bonus. Tomlinson competed throughout training camp for the starting defensive tackle position and earned the role alongside Damon Harrison to begin his rookie season. He made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys, recording four combined tackles in the game. Tomlinson earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors for his 2017 performance.
In 2018, Tomlinson began the season at defensive end. After the Giants traded Damon Harrison to the Detroit Lions, Tomlinson transitioned to starting nose tackle, a role he would maintain for the remainder of his Giants tenure.
Minnesota Vikings (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Tomlinson signed a two-year contract worth $22 million with the Minnesota Vikings. This move represented a significant step in his career, joining a Vikings team with a strong defensive identity. He served as a foundational piece of Minnesota’s interior defensive line during his two seasons with the franchise.
Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)
Tomlinson joined the Cleveland Browns on March 15, 2023, signing a four-year contract worth $57 million. He became an immediate starter for the Browns and appeared in 32 games over two seasons, recording six sacks and 54 tackles. His tenure in Cleveland demonstrated his continued reliability as an every-down defensive tackle capable of stopping the run and generating pressure on quarterbacks.
Arizona Cardinals (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Tomlinson signed a two-year contract worth $29 million with the Arizona Cardinals. He began the 2025 season as the Cardinals’ starting nose tackle and appeared in all 17 games, recording 26 tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection. His veteran presence provided stability to Arizona’s defensive line as the team built toward its future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tomlinson is renowned as a stout run defender who occupies double teams and clogging running lanes in the middle of the defensive line. His wrestling background contributes to his leverage technique and hand combat skills, allowing him to shed blocks effectively. He brings consistent effort and durability, having started numerous games throughout his NFL career while contributing to both stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tomlinson’s career reflects steady progression from a second-round draft pick to a respected NFL veteran. His college career included two national championships with Alabama, establishing a winning foundation before entering the professional ranks. His selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017 validated his transition to the NFL level.
Dalvin Tomlinson Career Wins
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Tomlinson has accumulated notable achievements at the highest levels of football. His college tenure at Alabama featured multiple championship runs, while his NFL career has been marked by consistent playing time and contributions on winning teams.
College Highlights
During his time at Alabama, Tomlinson was part of two national championship teams, winning the BCS national championship in 2012 and the College Football Playoff national championship in 2015. While his 2012 season came as a redshirt, his contributions in 2015 were integral to Alabama’s defensive dominance, as the Crimson Tide posted a 14-1 record and featured a defensive line that included four future NFL draft picks.
Professional Highlights
Tomlinson’s professional accolades include his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017 following his debut season with the Giants. Over his NFL career through 2025, he has recorded 368 total tackles, 20 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 8 pass deflections, demonstrating his dual-threat ability as both a run stopper and pass rusher from the interior defensive line.
Dalvin Tomlinson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Born and raised in McDonough, Georgia, Tomlinson comes from a sports-oriented family background. His athletic prowess in high school was evident through his dominance in wrestling, where he achieved three state titles, showcasing the competitive nature that would serve him well in football.
Personal Life
Tomlinson maintains an active presence on social media with official accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. His public profile reflects his professional career and community engagement.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Tomlinson’s first year with the Arizona Cardinals following his signing in March. He served as the anchor of the Cardinals’ interior defensive line, starting all 17 games of the regular season. His 26 tackles and one sack reflected his consistent presence in the middle of the defense, though the Cardinals faced challenges as a team during the campaign. Tomlinson’s veteran leadership proved valuable for a franchise in transition, providing young defensive players with guidance on technique and professionalism. His durability and work ethic remained hallmarks of his performance, characteristics that have defined his eight-plus seasons in the NFL.