Mykal Walker is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 28, 1997, in Fresno, California, Walker has built a reputation as a versatile and reliable presence on defense throughout his professional career. He played college football for the Azusa Pacific Cougars and Fresno State Bulldogs, where he earned two First-team All-Mountain West Conference selections. Walker was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since played for multiple NFL teams, currently contributing to the Jets defense. His journey from Fresno to the NFL exemplifies perseverance and adaptability in professional football.
Mykal Walker Early Life and Background
Mykal Walker was born on August 28, 1997, in Fresno, California, where he grew up in a football family. His father, Michael Walker, played for the Fresno State Bulldogs and later joined the New England Patriots organization, though he never competed at the NFL level. Michael Walker passed away from colon cancer in 2012, leaving a lasting influence on his son’s athletic pursuits. Mykal Walker has a twin brother named Malyk, and his cousin is former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who enjoyed a distinguished career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and other teams.
Walker attended Vacaville High School in Vacaville, California, where he developed his skills as a multi-position defensive player. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his collegiate career and eventual path to professional football. The competitive environment of California high school football helped prepare him for the challenges ahead in his athletic journey.
Mykal Walker College Career
Walker began his collegiate career at Azusa Pacific University, where he played two seasons from 2015 to 2016. He then transferred to Fresno State University, joining the Bulldogs for his remaining college years from 2017 to 2019. At Fresno State, Walker transformed into a dominant linebacker, showcasing his ability to make plays both against the run and in pass coverage.
During his senior season in 2019, Walker recorded 91 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 pass deflections. Over his two seasons at Fresno State, he accumulated 182 total tackles, including 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, and 6.5 sacks. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as a two-time First-team All-Mountain West Conference selection. Notably, Walker was named the Defensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game after delivering a standout performance that helped secure the title for the Bulldogs. He also posted an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds at his pro day, demonstrating his speed and athleticism for the linebacker position.
Mykal Walker Professional Career
Atlanta Falcons (2020-2022)
Walker was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, fulfilling his dream of reaching the professional level. His rookie season provided valuable learning opportunities as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Over three seasons with the Falcons, Walker developed as a contributor on defense and special teams.
One of the defining moments of his career came in Week 14 of the 2021 season when Walker intercepted former NFL MVP Cam Newton and returned the ball 66 yards for a touchdown in a 29-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This play showcased his playmaking ability and instincts for the ball. Walker remained with the Falcons through the 2022 season before being waived on August 13, 2023.
Journeyman Seasons (2023-2024)
The 2023 season saw Walker bounce between multiple teams, demonstrating the versatility that made him valuable across different defensive systems. On August 14, 2023, the Chicago Bears claimed Walker off waivers, though he was waived less than a month later. He then signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad on September 19, 2023, before being released in late October.
Walker joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 30, 2023, initially on their practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on November 18. This promotion reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities. In April 2024, Walker signed with the Washington Commanders, where he appeared in 17 games during the 2024 regular season, recording 21 tackles and one fumble recovery.
New York Jets (2025-Present)
Walker signed with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2025 on a one-year contract but was released in late August during final roster cuts. He quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the New York Jets practice squad on September 1, 2025. His performance in practice earned him a promotion to the active roster on October 4, 2025. Walker continues to serve as a valuable depth piece and special teams contributor for the Jets defense, wearing number 43.
Playing Style and Strengths
Walker operates as a traditional linebacker with the ability to play multiple positions within defensive schemes. His college career demonstrated his capacity to diagnose plays quickly, fill running lanes effectively, and contribute in pass coverage. His 4.65-second 40-yard dash time reflects the speed he brings to the position, allowing him to track down ball carriers and cover receivers in space. Walker’s experience playing for multiple teams has enhanced his football intelligence and adaptability to different defensive coordinators and schemes.
Mykal Walker Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning five-plus seasons, Walker has established himself as a reliable tackler and opportunistic playmaker. His statistical profile reflects a player who contributes across multiple facets of the defense.
Walker has accumulated 272 career tackles, demonstrating his consistency in wrapping up ball carriers. He has recorded 4 interceptions and 14 pass deflections, showing his comfort in dropping into coverage and making plays on the ball. His single career sack and forced fumble highlight his ability to pressure the quarterback when called upon. Walker has also recovered 3 fumbles and scored 1 career touchdown, making him a threat to create turnovers whenever he is on the field.
Career Highlights
The most memorable moment of Walker’s career remains his 66-yard interception return for a touchdown against Cam Newton during the 2021 season. This play not only secured a victory for the Falcons but also demonstrated his playmaking ability and burst when the opportunity arises. His two First-team All-Mountain West Conference selections and Defensive MVP honor from the 2018 conference championship remain the highest individual achievements of his football career. His continued employment across six NFL organizations speaks to his reliability and the value he brings as a depth player and special teams performer.
Mykal Walker Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Football runs deep in the Walker family bloodline. Mykal Walker’s father, Michael Walker, played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs before joining the New England Patriots organization. Though Michael never played in an NFL game, he provided his sons with early guidance and appreciation for the sport. His passing in 2012 from colon cancer left a profound impact on Mykal and his brother Malyk, fueling their determination to honor his legacy through their own football careers.
Walker shares a special bond with his twin brother Malyk, who has also pursued athletics. The Walker family connection to football extended to their cousin Maurice Jones-Drew, a former NFL running back who starred for the Jacksonville Jaguars and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections. This family network of football knowledge and experience provided Mykal with additional resources and perspectives as he navigated his own path to professional football.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Walker became a father for the first time in December 2021 when his son was born. Balancing the demands of an NFL career with fatherhood has added new dimensions to Walker’s life and priorities. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his official accounts. His journey through multiple teams in recent years reflects his commitment to continuing his NFL career while adapting to new environments and defensive systems.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Walker career as he joined the New York Jets organization. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals during final roster cuts, Walker signed with the Jets practice squad in early September. His ability to quickly adapt to the Jets defensive scheme earned him a promotion to the active roster in early October. This trajectory demonstrated the value he brings as a veteran player who can step in and contribute with minimal adjustment time.
Throughout the remainder of the 2025 season, Walker served primarily as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor for the Jets. His experience across multiple defensive systems made him a versatile asset for a coaching staff that valued versatility and reliability. The Jets defensive unit benefited from his communication skills and football IQ, particularly in coverage assignments where his quick diagnosis of plays proved valuable.
Looking ahead, Walker signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract extension with the Jets in March 2026, indicating the team’s satisfaction with his contributions. This deal provides Walker with stability heading into the 2026 season and an opportunity to further establish himself within the Jets organization. His journey from a fourth-round draft pick to a seasoned NFL veteran demonstrates the persistence required to build a lasting professional football career.