Khalid Ali Kareem Bio
Khalid Ali Kareem is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League. Born on April 28, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan, Kareem attended Harrison High School in Farmington, Michigan, before committing to the University of Notre Dame to play college football. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 147th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Kareem has developed into a reliable defender, contributing on defense and special teams for multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Khalid Ali Kareem grew up in the Detroit metropolitan area, attending Harrison High School in Farmington, Michigan. During his high school years, Kareem established himself as a standout defensive player, attracting attention from college programs across the country. His performance on the field demonstrated the physical tools and football instincts that would eventually earn him a scholarship to a major college football program.
After completing high school, Kareem made the decision to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He committed to play for the University of Notre Dame, joining the Fighting Irish football program. This choice represented a significant step in his development as a player, as Notre Dame has a long tradition of producing NFL talent and providing its players with high-level coaching and competition.
Path to Professional Football
At Notre Dame, Kareem played for the Fighting Irish from 2016 to 2019. During his four-year collegiate career, he developed into a productive pass rusher and run defender. His experience in Notre Dame’s program, which competes against some of the top teams in college football, prepared him for the physical and mental demands of professional football. The coaching staff at Notre Dame helped refine his technique and expand his understanding of defensive schemes.
Over his college career, Kareem recorded 108 total tackles and 13 sacks, demonstrating his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield. These statistics reflected his development as a complete defensive player capable of making an impact in various situations. His consistent production during his senior season particularly stood out, as he continued to improve his technique and football IQ.
Khalid Ali Kareem Career
Cincinnati Bengals (2020–2022)
Khalid Ali Kareem entered the NFL when he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 147th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The selection represented the culmination of his journey from high school player in Michigan to draftable NFL prospect. Upon joining the Bengals, Kareem began the transition to professional football, learning the intricacies of the team’s defensive system.
During his rookie season, Kareem was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 27, 2020, but was activated later that August. His first significant NFL moment came in Week 11 of the 2020 season against the Washington Football Team, where he recorded his first career sack on Alex Smith during a 20-9 loss. This sack marked a milestone in his professional development, demonstrating his ability to translate his college production to the NFL level.
The 2021 season saw Kareem face challenges, as he was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2021. He was activated later that season on October 30, showing resilience in returning from injury. In 2022, Kareem continued his tenure with the Bengals but was again placed on injured reserve on September 1 with a hamstring injury. He was activated on October 10 but was waived the following day and re-signed to the practice squad, reflecting the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions.
Indianapolis Colts (2022)
On November 22, 2022, Kareem signed with the Indianapolis Colts after being signed off the Bengals practice squad. This move represented a new chapter in his NFL career, joining a Colts team looking to strengthen its defensive depth. Kareem appeared in four games with Indianapolis, recording one tackle during his brief tenure. He was waived by the Colts on August 29, 2023, as the team made its final roster decisions heading into the regular season.
Chicago Bears (2023–2024)
Kareem joined the Chicago Bears on August 30, 2023, when he was claimed off waivers. His time with the Bears included a stint on injured reserve beginning September 23, before being activated on October 29. However, he was released two days later and re-signed to the practice squad, indicating the fluid nature of NFL roster management. Kareem signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago on January 16, 2024, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him for the following season. He was released by the Bears on August 23, 2024, as the team continued to evaluate its roster composition.
Atlanta Falcons (2024–2025)
On August 30, 2024, Kareem signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. He made two appearances for the team during the 2024 season, recording four combined tackles while contributing on both defensive and special teams snaps. His versatility proved valuable as he split time between units, demonstrating his willingness to do whatever the team needed.
Kareem signed a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on January 6, 2025. During the 2025 season, he was released by Atlanta on August 26 as part of final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 13 before being released again on November 27 and returning to the practice squad. He was promoted back to the active roster on January 1, 2026, showing his persistence and value to the organization throughout the season.
New York Giants (2026–Present)
On May 14, 2026, Kareem signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. This move marked another chapter in his NFL journey as he joined a new organization. The signing represented an opportunity for Kareem to compete for playing time with the Giants defense and continue his professional football career with a fresh start.
Playing Style and Strengths
Khalid Ali Kareem has developed as a versatile linebacker capable of contributing in multiple defensive roles. His 6-foot-4, 268-pound frame provides him with the size and strength to play against the run while also giving him the mobility to rush the quarterback. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to play both on defense and special teams, which has helped him remain in the league despite roster changes. His experience at Notre Dame under competitive college football conditions prepared him for the physical nature of the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Kareem’s career came in Week 11 of his rookie season when he recorded his first career sack on Washington quarterback Alex Smith. This achievement represented the successful transition from college to professional football and validated the skills he developed during his time at Notre Dame. Throughout his career, Kareem has demonstrated resilience by returning from injuries and continuing to compete for roster spots on multiple teams.
Khalid Ali Kareem Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning multiple teams, Khalid Ali Kareem has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions while developing as a professional linebacker. His college career at Notre Dame provided the foundation for his professional achievements, with his 13 college sacks demonstrating his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
College Statistics Highlights
During his four seasons at Notre Dame from 2016 to 2019, Kareem established himself as a productive member of the Fighting Irish defense. He recorded 108 total tackles during his collegiate career, with 13 of those being sacks. These figures reflect his consistent ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make plays in the backfield. His sack production translated directly from his high school success, showing the technical foundation he developed during his formative years in Farmington, Michigan.
NFL Career Statistics
Through his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, Kareem has contributed on defense and special teams. His career totals include 41 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections. His only career sack came during his rookie season with the Bengals, a memorable first NFL takeaway against Alex Smith.
| Competition Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Notre Dame) | 108 | 13 | 49 |
| NFL Career | 41 | 1 | Multiple |
Khalid Ali Kareem Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Khalid Ali Kareem’s family background, including his parents and family lineage, is not extensively documented in available sources. Like many professional athletes, Kareem has maintained a relatively private approach to his family life while focusing on his football career. His upbringing in the Detroit area provided him with opportunities to develop his athletic abilities in a region known for producing competitive football players.
Personal Life
Khalid Ali Kareem maintains an active presence on social media, with accounts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. He continues to pursue his professional football career with dedication and persistence, having played for five NFL organizations since being drafted in 2020. His journey through multiple teams demonstrates the challenges and opportunities that professional football players face in building lasting careers in the league. Kareem’s resilience in continuing to compete at the highest level of football reflects his commitment to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a year of transition and persistence for Khalid Ali Kareem with the Atlanta Falcons organization. Throughout the season, he navigated roster fluctuations, being cycled between the active roster and practice squad multiple times. His ability to remain with the team despite these changes reflected his value as a reliable depth player who understood the team’s defensive system and could contribute when called upon.
Kareem appeared in multiple games during the 2025 season, recording four combined tackles while splitting time between defensive and special teams units. His contributions on special teams proved particularly valuable, as this is often the area where backup players can make their biggest impact. The coaching staff’s decisions to promote and demote him throughout the season reflected the competitive nature of NFL roster management and the need to balance player development with team performance.
Looking ahead, Kareem’s signing with the New York Giants in May 2026 provided a fresh opportunity with a new organization. The one-year contract represented a chance to compete for playing time with the Giants defense while continuing to build on his professional football career. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick in 2020 to a veteran player with experience on five NFL teams demonstrated his durability and commitment to the sport of football at its highest professional level.