Marlon Davidson Bio
Marlon Davidson (born May 11, 1998) is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). The Greenville, Alabama native played college football for the Auburn Tigers before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 47th overall pick. Davidson has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans during his professional career, developing into a versatile interior defensive lineman known for his ability to disrupt opposing backfields.
Early Life and Background
Marlon Davidson was born on May 11, 1998, in Greenville, Alabama. He attended Greenville High School in Alabama, where he established himself as a highly decorated football prospect. His football lineage runs deep in his family, as his brother, Kenneth Carter, also played football at Auburn University and currently serves on the coaching staff for the Tigers. This family connection to Auburn’s program would play a significant role in Davidson’s collegiate recruitment.
As a high school player, Davidson distinguished himself as a five-star recruit, placing him among the top prospects in the nation. His exceptional performance at Greenville High School attracted attention from major college programs across the country, setting the stage for his transition to the next level.
Path to the NFL
Davidson ultimately chose to continue his football career at Auburn University, where his brother was already playing. This decision allowed him to remain close to family while competing in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). His arrival on campus marked the beginning of a standout collegiate career that would prepare him for professional football.
During his freshman season at Auburn, Davidson made an immediate impact. He started in all 13 games, becoming the first Auburn freshman to start on the defensive line since 1985. His impressive debut earned him a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team, signaling his potential as a future NFL prospect. Throughout his college career, Davidson continued to develop his skills against some of the toughest competition in college football.
Marlon Davidson Career
Auburn Tigers Years (2016–2019)
Davidson’s collegiate career at Auburn spanned four seasons from 2016 to 2019. His freshman season established the foundation for what would become a distinguished college career. After his initial success, Davidson continued to refine his technique and physicality, becoming a cornerstone of Auburn’s defensive line rotation.
During his sophomore year, Davidson earned the prestigious SEC Defensive Player of the Week honor following a standout performance against Missouri. This recognition highlighted his ability to take over games and make clutch plays in crucial moments. His consistent production throughout his college career culminated in his senior season, where he was named First Team All-SEC in 2019, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top defensive players.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2020–2022)
Davidson’s professional journey began when the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 47th overall pick. The selection represented the realization of his lifelong dream to play in the NFL. Upon joining the Falcons, Davidson transitioned from the college game to the professional level, facing faster and more skilled opponents each week.
During his rookie season, Davidson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on October 13, 2020, which temporarily sidelined him. He was activated from the list on October 26, resuming his development with the team. The following season brought one of the most memorable moments of his career. On December 5, 2021, Davidson recorded his first career interception and returned it for a touchdown against legendary quarterback Tom Brady in a pick-six play that showcased his instincts and playmaking ability.
His time with the Falcons came to an end on September 1, 2022, when he was placed on injured reserve after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He was subsequently released on October 25, 2022, ending his tenure with the team that drafted him.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
On May 8, 2023, Davidson signed with the San Francisco 49ers, joining a team known for its strong defensive roster. He competed for playing time in a competitive defensive line rotation during training camp and the preseason. However, his tenure with the 49ers was brief. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad as the team looked to retain his services in a developmental role.
Davidson’s time with the 49ers practice squad ended on October 4, 2023, when he was released. This period provided valuable experience in adapting to a new defensive system while continuing to hone his skills.
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
Davidson found a new opportunity with the Tennessee Titans, signing with their practice squad on October 25, 2023. He worked to earn a spot on the active roster and received his chance when he was activated from the practice squad for Week 14, playing against the Miami Dolphins. The following week in a game against the Houston Texans, Davidson recorded his first career NFL sack, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
His strong performance earned him a promotion to the active roster on December 22, 2023. He finished the 2023 season playing the final five games with the Titans, recording ten total tackles and one sack. The organization showed confidence in his abilities by re-signing him on May 6, 2024. However, Davidson’s 2024 season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on August 16, forcing him to miss the entire campaign due to injury.
Houston Texans (2025–Present)
On August 1, 2025, Davidson signed with the Houston Texans, joining a franchise in transition. He was released with an injury settlement on August 14, but the team brought him back by signing him to the practice squad on October 7, 2025. This pattern demonstrated the Texans’ continued interest in his skill set and potential contributions to the defensive line rotation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Davidson primarily lines up as a defensive tackle, using his 6-foot-3, 303-pound frame to anchor against offensive linemen. His collegiate success and First Team All-SEC recognition reflect his ability to collapse pockets and pressure quarterbacks from the interior. His pick-six against Tom Brady displayed his football instincts and ability to make game-changing plays when quarterbacks make mistakes.
Notable Moments and Milestones
Among Davidson’s most notable career moments is his first career interception returned for a touchdown against future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in December 2021. His first career sack against the Houston Texans in 2023 represented another milestone in his professional development. His First Team All-SEC selection in 2019 remains one of the highest honors of his football career.
Marlon Davidson Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2020 to the 2025 season, Davidson has accumulated modest but steady production at the professional level. His versatility has allowed him to contribute in various defensive roles across multiple organizations.
NFL Career Highlights
Through his career, Davidson has recorded 39 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown. His most memorable statistical achievement came in 2021 when he returned an interception for a touchdown against Tom Brady. His first career sack came during his time with the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
College Achievements
At Auburn, Davidson earned First Team All-SEC honors in 2019 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week during his sophomore season. He started all 13 games as a freshman, becoming the first Auburn freshman to start on the defensive line since 1985, and earned All-SEC Freshman Team recognition.
| Competition | Category | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| College (Auburn) | All-SEC Honors | First Team (2019) |
| College (Auburn) | Freshman Achievement | First to start on DL since 1985 |
| NFL Career | Total Tackles | 39 |
| NFL Career | Sacks | 2 |
| NFL Career | Interceptions | 1 |
| NFL Career | Defensive Touchdowns | 1 |
Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Davidson’s football family connection runs deep through his brother, Kenneth Carter. Kenneth played football at Auburn University during Marlon’s recruitment and subsequently joined the Auburn coaching staff. This familial bond influenced Marlon’s decision to attend Auburn, where the brothers overlapped during Marlon’s collegiate career.
Personal Life
Davidson maintains his connection to his Alabama roots, having grown up and attended high school in Greenville. Beyond football, he has expressed his journey through social media, maintaining a public presence on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @marlondavidson7. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Davidson’s career as he joined the Houston Texans organization in August. After an initial signing and subsequent release with an injury settlement, he was re-signed to the practice squad in October, providing him an opportunity to work his way back onto the active roster. The Texans feature a developing defensive line rotation, and Davidson’s experience could prove valuable as the season progresses.
His journey through four teams in six seasons demonstrates the challenges NFL players face in establishing themselves within a single organization. The move to Houston represents another chance to contribute and potentially secure a longer-term role. His health remains a factor, having missed the entire 2024 season due to injury, making his performance in practice and any game appearances crucial for his career trajectory.