Al-Quadin Muhammad Bio
Al-Quadin Muhammad is an American professional football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). Now in his ninth NFL season, Muhammad has established himself as a disruptive pass-rusher who has played for six NFL franchises. He earned his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor during the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFL Draft, Muhammad played college football at the University of Miami before embarking on his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Al-Quadin Muhammad was born on March 28, 1995, in Irvington, New Jersey. He attended Paterson Catholic High School in Paterson, New Jersey, but the school closed after his freshman year. Muhammad then transferred to Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he developed into a four-star defensive end prospect. At Don Bosco, he was ranked as the No. 1 NFL prospect in New Jersey, establishing himself as one of the top high school players in the state.
Path to the NFL
Muhammad committed to play college football at the University of Miami in 2013. As a true freshman, he appeared in five games, recording six tackles and 2.0 sacks while showing flashes of his pass-rushing potential. However, his college career was derailed by disciplinary issues. After Miami’s spring game in 2015, Muhammad was involved in an altercation with a former roommate, resulting in a season-long suspension that caused him to miss the entire 2014 season.
Muhammad returned in 2015 and played in 12 games, finishing with 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks. Unfortunately, his college career ended abruptly when he was suspended and later dismissed from the football program in 2016, along with teammate Jermaine Grace, for his role in a luxury rental car scandal that violated NCAA rules. Despite the setback, Muhammad remained determined to pursue his NFL dreams.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Career
New Orleans Saints (2017)
The New Orleans Saints selected Muhammad in the sixth round, 196th overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2017 season against the Minnesota Vikings. Muhammad appeared in four games during his rookie campaign with the Saints, recording one combined tackle. On September 1, 2018, he was waived by New Orleans as part of final roster cuts.
Indianapolis Colts (2018–2021)
The Indianapolis Colts claimed Muhammad off waivers on September 2, 2018. He was waived by the Colts in October but was re-signed to the team’s practice squad. Muhammad was promoted to the active roster on October 13, 2018, beginning his tenure with the franchise that would become his most frequent home. During the 2020 season, Muhammad was ejected from a Week 10 game against the Tennessee Titans after punching offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo. He re-signed with the Colts on April 1, 2021, continuing his role in their defensive rotation through the end of that season.
Chicago Bears (2022)
On March 20, 2022, Muhammad signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He joined a new defensive system and looked to expand his role as a pass-rusher in the Bears’ defense. Muhammad was released by the Bears on February 21, 2023, becoming a free agent.
Indianapolis Colts (Second Stint, 2023)
Muhammad returned to the Indianapolis Colts on July 25, 2023, signing a one-year contract. He was released in late August and re-signed to the practice squad. On December 6, 2023, Muhammad was suspended for six games without pay by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on Performance Enhancing Drugs. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and became a free agent.
Dallas Cowboys (2024)
On August 1, 2024, Muhammad signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He was released on August 28, 2024, during roster reductions.
Detroit Lions (2024–2025)
On October 7, 2024, Muhammad signed with the Detroit Lions practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 9, 2024. In nine appearances with two starts for Detroit, Muhammad recorded one pass deflection, 3.0 sacks, and 11 combined tackles, showing his ability to contribute as a situational pass-rusher.
Muhammad re-signed with the Lions on March 19, 2025. The 2025 season became his breakthrough year. In Week 14, Muhammad delivered a career-defining performance, recording three sacks, three tackles, three tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits in a 44-30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. This exceptional effort earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, the first such recognition of his career. This performance solidified his role as a key contributor to Detroit’s defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Muhammad has built his NFL career as an aggressive and relentless pass-rusher. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks is evident in his career statistics of 26.0 sacks and four forced fumbles. He brings versatility to defensive line rotations and special teams units. His Week 14 performance in 2025 showcased his ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments, demonstrating why he has remained a valuable depth piece for multiple NFL franchises.
Notable Events and Milestones
Muhammad’s career has been marked by perseverance through adversity, including college dismissals, suspensions, and multiple team changes. His Week 14 NFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in 2025 stands as the highlight of his professional career. Starting from being the No. 1 prospect in New Jersey to playing for six NFL teams, Muhammad has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his football journey.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Muhammad has accumulated solid career totals across eight seasons with multiple franchises, including a career-high performance year with the Detroit Lions.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Muhammad has appeared in games across six NFL franchises, contributing as both a rotational defensive end and special teams player. His 26.0 career sacks demonstrate his consistent ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His standout 2025 season with the Lions included his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award and multiple single-game sack performances that energized Detroit’s playoff push.
Career Totals (2017–2025)
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 193 |
| Sacks | 26.0 |
| Forced Fumbles | 4 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 2 |
Al-Quadin Muhammad Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While specific details about Muhammad’s family background are not extensively documented in public sources, he grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, before establishing himself as one of New Jersey’s top high school football prospects at Don Bosco Preparatory High School. His journey from the New Jersey high school ranks to the NFL demonstrates his development as a player within the competitive tri-state area football pipeline.
Personal Life
Muhammad attended Paterson Catholic High School before transferring to Don Bosco Preparatory High School for his final three years of high school eligibility. His football career has been characterized by both talent and turbulence, including two significant college suspensions that ultimately led to his early departure from the University of Miami. Despite these challenges, Muhammad has persisted in building a professional football career spanning multiple NFL teams. He remains active on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a turning point in Muhammad’s career. After spending portions of previous seasons on practice squads and fighting for roster spots, Muhammad found stability with the Detroit Lions. Signed to their practice squad in October 2024 and promoted to the active roster in November 2024, he carried that momentum into the 2025 campaign. His re-signing with Detroit in March 2025 demonstrated the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Muhammad’s Week 14 performance against the Dallas Cowboys proved he could be a difference-maker at the NFL level. Recording three sacks and three tackles for loss in a prime-time victory, Muhammad earned his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award in his ninth professional season. This recognition validated his perseverance through multiple team changes and setbacks throughout his career.
Looking ahead, Muhammad appears set to continue his role with the Lions as a situational pass-rusher and defensive line rotation player. His ability to pressure the quarterback, combined with his experience across multiple defensive systems, makes him a valuable veteran presence. The 2025 season established Muhammad as a player capable of delivering game-changing performances when called upon, and he will look to build on this foundation moving forward.