Patrick Joseph Mustipher Bio
Patrick Joseph Mustipher is an American professional football nose tackle currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 10, 1998, in Owings Mills, Maryland, Mustipher played college football at Penn State University before entering the 2023 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. His professional career has seen him sign with multiple NFL franchises, including the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles, before establishing himself with the Arizona Cardinals. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 320 pounds, Mustipher brings significant size and skill to the nose tackle position, making him a valuable asset in run defense and interior line play.
Early Life and Background
Mustipher grew up in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he attended McDonogh High School. During his high school career, he established himself as a talented defensive player, earning MaxPrep underclassmen All-American honors. His impressive high school performance attracted attention from several major college football programs across the country.
Upon completing high school, Mustipher received scholarship offers from numerous prestigious football programs, ultimately choosing to continue his athletic and academic career at Penn State University. He selected the Nittany Lions over other major programs including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, demonstrating his commitment to joining one of college football’s premier programs.
Path to American Football
At Penn State, Mustipher developed into a consistent performer along the defensive line for the Nittany Lions. His progression through the program showed steady improvement season by season. As a freshman, he recorded 14 tackles including one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. His sophomore year saw increased production with 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and another forced fumble.
His junior season continued the upward trajectory with 35 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass deflection. However, his senior season took an unexpected turn when he suffered a season-ending injury after just five games, finishing with 21 tackles and three tackles for loss. Despite the injury setback, his performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors for the 2021 season.
Taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted due to the circumstances, Mustipher returned for a final season and delivered a breakout performance, posting 37 tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss. His consistent excellence throughout his college career earned him second-team All-Big Ten recognition for a second consecutive season in 2022. He was also recognized as a Rotary Lombardi Award semifinalist during his college tenure.
Patrick Joseph Mustipher Career
Early Professional Career (2023)
Despite a productive college career, Mustipher went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. His wait for an NFL opportunity ended when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos shortly after the draft concluded. However, his time with the Broncos was brief during the 2023 season, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, and subsequently re-signed to the team’s practice squad.
On December 6, 2023, Mustipher’s career took a new direction when he was signed by the New Orleans Saints off the Denver Broncos practice squad. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue developing his skills at the NFL level while gaining valuable experience in a professional defensive scheme.
Philadelphia Eagles Transition (2024)
On March 19, 2024, Mustipher signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining another NFL franchise in hopes of securing a more permanent role on an NFL roster. He competed for playing time along the Eagles’ defensive line during the offseason program and training camp. However, after several months with the organization, he was waived on August 27, 2024, as teams finalized their rosters ahead of the regular season.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024–Present)
Mustipher’s fortunes changed when he was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on August 29, 2024. This opportunity allowed him to continue his NFL career with a new organization. His dedication and performance throughout the season paid off when he signed a reserve/future contract with the Cardinals on January 7, 2025, officially securing his place on the team for the 2025 season. On April 7, 2026, Mustipher re-signed with the Cardinals, demonstrating the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a nose tackle, Mustipher’s primary responsibilities involve occupying blockers at the line of scrimmage and clogging running lanes in the middle of the defense. His size at 6 feet 4 inches and 320 pounds makes him particularly effective against interior running plays. His experience at Penn State under a competitive college football program prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL, where he continues to develop his technique and football intelligence.
Notable Career Milestones
Mustipher’s college career highlights include his two consecutive second-team All-Big Ten selections in 2021 and 2022, recognizing his consistent performance against top-tier competition in one of college football’s power conferences. His ability to bounce back from injury and deliver a standout final season at Penn State demonstrated his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Patrick Joseph Mustipher Career Statistics
Mustipher has accumulated professional experience across four NFL franchises while continuing to develop his skills at the highest level of American football. His collegiate career provided a strong statistical foundation, with his best single-season tackle totals coming during his sophomore and super senior seasons with Penn State.
College Statistics Highlights
Throughout his five seasons at Penn State from 2018 to 2022, Mustipher demonstrated consistent production as a defensive tackle. His career included multiple seasons with over 30 tackles, including a standout sophomore campaign with 37 tackles and his final season with the same total. His ability to pressure the quarterback was evident through his multiple sack performances, and his presence in the backfield was reflected in his consistent tackle-for-loss numbers throughout his college career.
Professional Career NFL Statistics
Through his first seasons in the NFL, Mustipher has recorded 36 total tackles at the professional level as of the 2025 NFL season. While still early in his professional journey, his experience across multiple teams has provided valuable learning opportunities and game exposure that will serve his continued development.
| Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Penn State) | 144 | 3.5 | 2 |
| NFL (Career) | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Patrick Joseph Mustipher comes from a football family, with his brother Sam Mustipher also pursuing a professional career in the NFL. Sam Mustipher has played as an NFL center, demonstrating that the Mustipher family has established football excellence across multiple positions. This family connection to professional football has undoubtedly influenced Patrick’s development and provided him with unique insights into the demands of playing at the highest level.
Personal Life
Mustipher continues to pursue his professional football career while maintaining connections to his Maryland roots. His journey from McDonogh High School through Penn State to the NFL exemplifies the path of many professional football players who develop their skills through youth football, high school competition, collegiate athletics, and ultimately the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks an important chapter in Mustipher’s professional career as he enters his third year in the league with the Arizona Cardinals. After signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025, he reported to the team with the benefit of a full season of familiarity with the Cardinals organization. His practice squad experience from 2024 provided him with valuable time to learn the team’s defensive schemes and terminology.
Mustipher’s primary focus entering the 2025 season involves competing for increased playing time along the Cardinals’ defensive line. His size and experience as a nose tackle provide the team with depth at a critical interior position. The Cardinals coaching staff has the opportunity to evaluate his development during organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp as they determine his role within the defensive rotation.
The outlook for Mustipher in 2025 centers on his ability to translate practice performance into game-day contributions. His collegiate credentials and professional experience across multiple organizations suggest he has the foundation to compete for a more significant role. As the season progresses, his performance against both the run and in passing situations will determine whether he can earn additional defensive snaps and establish himself as a reliable contributor for the Cardinals’ defense.