Desmond King

Desmond King II Bio

Desmond King II is an American former professional football cornerback who enjoyed a distinguished eight-year career in the National Football League. Born on December 14, 1994, in Detroit, Michigan, King established himself as one of the most versatile defensive backs of his generation, excelling both as a shutdown corner and an explosive punt returner. He earned First-team All-Pro honors in 2018 as a defensive back and Second-team All-Pro honors that same season as a punt returner, becoming one of the rare players to achieve All-Pro distinction at two positions in a single year. King played college football for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, where he became a unanimous All-American and won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2015 as the top defensive back in college football. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, King went on to play for the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans (twice), Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens before announcing his retirement in December 2025.

Early Life and Background

Desmond King II grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended East English Village Preparatory Academy. During his high school career with the Bulldogs football team, King played both defensive back and running back, showcasing the dual-threat ability that would define his playing style. He set a Michigan high school record with 29 career interceptions, demonstrating exceptional instincts and ball skills from an early age. King also set a school record for career rushing yards, accumulating 2,360 yards as a senior alone. His outstanding high school performance earned him a three-star recruit rating from Rivals.com, and he ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Iowa.

Path to the NFL

King committed to play college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes under head coach Kirk Ferentz, beginning his journey toward professional football. As a true freshman in 2013, he appeared in all 13 games and made 12 starts, becoming the first true freshman to start at defensive back for Iowa since 2002. This early success foreshadowed the dominant player he would become. King continued to develop his craft during his sophomore season in 2014, starting all 13 games and recording 64 tackles with three interceptions. His junior season in 2015 proved to be his breakout year, as he dominated the Big Ten Conference with a league-high eight interceptions while also contributing as a punt and kick returner. His stellar play earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Jim Thorpe Award, solidifying his status as the top defensive back in the country.

Despite projecting as an early-round NFL Draft pick, King made the decision to return to Iowa for his senior season in 2016. He continued to excel, earning First-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive year and being named a Second-team All-American by the Associated Press. His four-year college career provided the foundation for his professional success, developing his technique, football IQ, and versatility that would serve him well in the NFL.

Desmond King II Career

Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2020)

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Desmond King II in the fifth round with the 151st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.67 million with a $279,992 signing bonus on May 11, 2017. During training camp, King competed for playing time against several cornerbacks but ultimately earned the starting nickelback role to begin the regular season. He made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Denver Broncos, and when starting cornerback Jason Verrett suffered a torn ACL, King was promoted to the third cornerback on the depth chart.

King’s rookie season showcased his immediate impact, as he recorded his first career sack on Tom Brady in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. On November 23, 2017, he returned his first career interception 90 yards for a touchdown during a victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. King finished his rookie year with 76 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and one interception in 12 games with four starts. He also returned 17 kickoffs for 353 yards and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 86.5, ranking 14th among all qualifying cornerbacks and third among rookie cornerbacks.

2018 Breakthrough Season

The 2018 season represented King’s breakout year in the NFL. After Jason Verrett suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp, King became the primary slot cornerback and third cornerback on the depth chart. His versatility as both a defensive back and return specialist made him invaluable to the Chargers’ defense. On October 14, 2018, King intercepted two passes from Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield during a 38-14 victory. He continued his dominant play with a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

King’s signature performance came in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown and recorded a season-high ten combined tackles, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the 2018 season with 67 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown in 16 games with eight starts. As a returner, he accumulated 522 punt return yards on 22 returns and 318 kick return yards, scoring one return touchdown. His exceptional season earned him First-team All-Pro honors as a defensive back and Second-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner, becoming one of only four players in NFL history to earn All-Pro distinction at two positions in the same season. The Chargers finished 12-4 and made the playoffs, where King recorded his first career playoff start and sack in the AFC Wild Card Round victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Tennessee Titans (2020)

On November 2, 2020, the Chargers traded King to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He made his Titans debut in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, where he immediately made an impact by recovering a fumble forced by teammate Jeffery Simmons and returning it 63 yards for a touchdown during the 24-17 victory. King appeared in eight games with the Titans in 2020, finishing the season with 55 total tackles, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery. His ability to contribute on defense and special teams remained a consistent theme throughout his career.

Houston Texans (2021–2022, 2023–2024)

King signed with the Houston Texans on March 30, 2021, marking the beginning of his most sustained NFL tenure. Named a starting cornerback for the Texans, he recorded a career-high 93 tackles, six passes defensed, and three interceptions during the 2021 season. On March 21, 2022, King signed a two-year contract extension with Houston. In the 2022 season, he appeared in all 17 games with 13 starts, accumulating 89 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight passes defended. The Texans released King on August 28, 2023, as part of final roster cuts, but he returned to the organization later that season, signing to the practice squad on November 20 and the active roster on November 29, 2023.

King signed a one-year extension with the Texans on March 12, 2024, but was released on August 27 before being re-signed to the practice squad. He was ultimately released on November 12, 2024. Throughout his multiple stints with Houston, King demonstrated the reliable, consistent play that characterized his professional career, serving as a veteran presence in the secondary and contributing on special teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2023)

King signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 31, 2023, adding veteran experience to their defensive backfield. He appeared in five games for the Steelers before being released on October 18, 2023. While his tenure in Pittsburgh was brief, King brought the same professionalism and versatility that had defined his career to that point.

Baltimore Ravens (2024)

On November 19, 2024, King signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, joining one of the NFL’s premier defenses. He made two appearances for the Ravens, recording three combined tackles. This stint represented the final chapter of his professional career before his retirement announcement in December 2025.

Driving Style and Strengths

King’s playing style was defined by his exceptional instincts, quick reactions, and physicality at the cornerback position. His high school record of 29 interceptions translated to the college and professional levels, where he consistently demonstrated elite ball skills and the ability to read quarterbacks’ intentions. As a punt returner, King showcased explosive speed, elusiveness in the open field, and sure hands, earning him All-Pro recognition as a return specialist. His versatility allowed him to excel in multiple defensive schemes, whether playing as an outside corner, in the slot, or as a support defender near the line of scrimmage. King’s ability to contribute meaningfully on special teams made him a valuable asset throughout his career, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deployed him.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among King’s most memorable career moments was his 90-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in 2017, a nationally televised performance that announced his arrival as an NFL player. His 73-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 showcased his dynamic return abilities and earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. King also earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 9 of 2018 following his pick-six against Russell Wilson. His selection to the All-Pro team at two positions in 2018 remains one of the most unique achievements of his generation.

Desmond King II Career Wins

Throughout his eight NFL seasons, King accumulated impressive statistics across defense and special teams. His career totals include 476 combined tackles, 9.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, 35 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries. As a return specialist, he accumulated 2,453 return yards and scored 5 total touchdowns (defensive and return combined). His college career at Iowa was equally impressive, where he recorded 8 interceptions in his junior season alone, setting the foundation for his professional success.

Career Highlights

King’s college career at Iowa produced numerous accolades, including the 2015 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, the Jack Tata Award, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year honors, and unanimous All-American status. In the NFL, his 2018 season stands as his career peak, when he earned First-team All-Pro recognition as a defensive back and Second-team All-Pro recognition as a punt returner. His Pro Football Focus grade of 90.4 in 2018 ranked second highest among all cornerbacks that season, testament to his dominant play. King’s 73-yard punt return touchdown against the Steelers and his 90-yard interception return against the Cowboys remain among his most spectacular career moments.

Career Statistics

Desmond King II Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

While specific details about King’s family background beyond his upbringing in Detroit are limited in available sources, his exceptional football career suggests a strong foundation in athletics. His development from a high school record-setting player in Michigan to a college All-American and eventual NFL professional demonstrates the sustained dedication and support system required to reach the sport’s highest levels.

Personal Life

King attended East English Village Preparatory Academy in Detroit before enrolling at the University of Iowa, where he played for the Hawkeyes from 2013 to 2016. Known by the social media handle @iiam_blaqbadger14 on Instagram, King maintained a public presence throughout his career. As of his retirement announcement in December 2025, no public information was available regarding spouse or children. Following his retirement from professional football, King left behind a legacy as one of the more versatile defensive backs of his era, capable of shutting down opposing receivers while also providing game-changing returns.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked the conclusion of Desmond King II’s professional football career. After joining the Baltimore Ravens practice squad in November 2024, King made two appearances during the 2024 season, recording three combined tackles. He continued his professional journey into 2025, ultimately announcing his retirement on December 10, 2025. Throughout his eight-year NFL career, King demonstrated the versatility, consistency, and professionalism that allowed him to contribute to five different franchises. His unique achievement of earning All-Pro honors at two positions in 2018, combined with his college accolades including the Jim Thorpe Award, cements his legacy as one of the more accomplished defensive backs of his generation. King’s career path, from a Detroit high school record-holder to a college All-American and NFL veteran, exemplifies the trajectory that only the most dedicated and talented athletes achieve in professional sports.