Garret Wallow Bio
Garret Wallow is an American professional football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 25, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wallow played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs before entering the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 2021. Throughout his professional career, Wallow has demonstrated versatility as a linebacker, appearing in games for the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and currently the San Francisco 49ers. His journey from a Louisiana native to an NFL player reflects his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete at the highest level of professional football.
Early Life and Background
Garret Wallow was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 1999. Growing up in the Louisiana area, Wallow attended John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge, Louisiana, where he developed his football skills during his high school years. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his future collegiate career and eventual transition to professional football.
During his time at John Curtis Christian School, Wallow established himself as a talented defensive player, gaining attention from college programs across the country. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him an attractive prospect for major college football programs seeking linebackers with potential.
Path to the NFL
After completing high school, Wallow continued his football journey at the collegiate level, joining the TCU Horned Frogs football program. He played for TCU from 2017 through 2020, developing his skills under the collegiate coaching staff and competing against some of the top talent in college football.
Wallow’s senior season in 2020 proved to be his breakthrough year. His exceptional performance throughout the season earned him First-team All-Big 12 honors, validating his growth as a player and establishing him as one of the top linebackers in the conference. This recognition significantly boosted his NFL draft prospects and demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level against quality opposition.
Following his decorated college career, Wallow entered the 2021 NFL Draft. His combination of collegiate production, physical tools, and positional versatility caught the attention of NFL scouts and executives. The Houston Texans selected him in the fifth round with the 170th overall pick, marking his official entry into professional football.
Garret Wallow Career
Houston Texans (2021–2023)
Garret Wallow began his NFL career with the Houston Texans after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 15, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract, officially beginning his professional football journey. Wallow entered a Texans organization that was rebuilding and providing opportunities for young players to contribute early in their careers.
During his tenure with the Texans, Wallow gradually worked his way into the defensive rotation. He appeared in 32 games with five starts over three seasons, recording 36 tackles and 1 sack. His versatility allowed him to play both on special teams and as a defensive player, demonstrating the value of having multiple roles on an NFL roster. On August 29, 2023, the Texans waived Wallow before re-signing him to the practice squad. He was later elevated to the active roster on November 18, 2023, but was waived again shortly after and returned to the practice squad.
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
Wallow’s opportunity with the Tennessee Titans came on December 20, 2023, when they signed him to their active roster off of Houston’s practice squad. This move provided him with a fresh start and a chance to continue his NFL career with a new organization. He appeared in three games for the Titans during the remainder of the 2023 season, gaining valuable experience in their defensive system.
The 2024 preseason brought a significant challenge for Wallow. During training camp and preseason activities, he sustained a pectoral injury that required medical attention. Due to the severity of the injury, the Titans placed him on injured reserve on August 20, 2024, prematurely ending his season before it officially began. This setback required a lengthy recovery process and time away from football activities.
Denver Broncos (2025)
Following his recovery from the pectoral injury, Wallow signed with the Denver Broncos on August 1, 2025. The Broncos brought him on board following several injuries to players during their training camp, creating an opportunity for Wallow to contribute. He was initially released on August 26 but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, demonstrating the Broncos’ continued interest in his services.
Wallow’s persistence paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on October 4, 2025. However, his time with the Broncos was again interrupted by injury. Ten days after his promotion, he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He was activated from injured reserve on November 15, returning to the active roster. On December 6, 2025, Wallow was waived by the Broncos, ending his tenure with the organization.
San Francisco 49ers (2025–Present)
Wallow’s professional journey continued when he was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, 2025. This move provided him with another opportunity to establish himself in the NFL with a franchise known for its strong defensive tradition. Joining the 49ers gave Wallow a fresh start with a new team and coaching staff.
His performance during the remainder of the 2025 season caught the attention of the 49ers’ coaching staff. On March 18, 2026, Wallow re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year contract, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his fit within their defensive scheme. This re-signing marked a positive step forward in his NFL career, providing him with stability and an opportunity to contribute to a competitive team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Garret Wallow plays the linebacker position with a combination of instincts, physicality, and football awareness. At 6 feet 2 inches and 230 pounds, he possesses the size necessary to engage with offensive players and make plays against the run. His experience playing in multiple defensive systems has allowed him to develop versatility, adapting to different schemes and responsibilities throughout his career. Wallow’s ability to contribute on special teams has been a valuable aspect of his game, helping him remain on NFL rosters despite position changes and injuries.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Wallow’s career trajectory. His First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2020 represented the culmination of his collegiate development and announced his arrival as a legitimate NFL prospect. Being drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Texans in 2021 marked his official entry into professional football. His multiple roster transactions, including being claimed off waivers by the 49ers in December 2025, demonstrate the challenging nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot and the importance of remaining ready when opportunities arise.
Garret Wallow Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2021 through the 2025 season, Wallow has appeared in games with three different teams, accumulating meaningful playing time and experience at the professional level. His tackling numbers and rotational roles have provided him with valuable experience that he continues to build upon with the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Wallow’s career totals include 51 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection across his appearances in the NFL. His time with the Houston Texans represented his most extensive playing time, where he appeared in 32 games and made 36 tackles. These statistics reflect his contributions as a role player and special teams contributor rather than a full-time starter.
College Statistics
At TCU, Wallow’s senior season in 2020 was his most productive, earning him First-team All-Big 12 recognition. His collegiate career prepared him for the physical and mental demands of professional football, with his All-Big 12 honor serving as the highlight of his college achievements.
| Competition Level | Games | Total Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season | 35+ | 51 | 1 | 1 |
| College (TCU 2020) | Season | Season Leader | All-Big 12 | Honors |
Family
Personal Life
Garret Wallow maintains a professional approach to his football career while keeping his personal life relatively private. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he carries the background of a Louisiana native throughout his football journey. Wallow continues to engage with fans through his Instagram account, where he shares glimpses of his professional life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition and resilience for Garret Wallow. After beginning the year with the Denver Broncos, he navigated a challenging season that included roster moves, injuries, and ultimately a change of scenery. His August signing with the Broncos following their training camp injuries provided an immediate opportunity, but his hamstring injury in October required him to miss extended time.
His recovery and return to the field with the Broncos demonstrated his commitment to returning from adversity. The December waiver by the Broncos and subsequent claim by the San Francisco 49ers marked a new chapter in his career. Joining a 49ers team with playoff aspirations gave Wallow an opportunity to finish the season with a competitive organization and potentially contribute to their defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Wallow’s re-signing with the 49ers in March 2026 indicates organizational confidence in his abilities. The one-year contract provides him with an opportunity to establish himself within the 49ers’ defensive system and compete for a more significant role during the 2026 season. His journey through multiple teams has demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt, qualities that will serve him well as he continues his NFL career.