Malik Harrison Bio
Malik Harrison is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 5, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Harrison played college football at Ohio State University before being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025 on a two-year, $10 million contract. Throughout his NFL career, Harrison has established himself as a durable and versatile linebacker known for his physical style of play and ability to make plays against both the run and pass.
Early Life and Background
Malik Harrison grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Walnut Ridge High School. During his time at Walnut Ridge, he was a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and basketball. His versatility on the football field was evident early, as he played multiple positions including quarterback, wide receiver, running back, linebacker, and safety.
During his senior season in 2015, Harrison put up impressive numbers. He rushed for 897 yards and 15 touchdowns while also passing for 1,161 yards and 8 touchdowns. On the defensive side, he recorded 5 sacks and 40 tackles. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as one of the top high school players in Ohio. Following his senior season, Harrison committed to continue his football career at Ohio State University, a major college football program with a strong tradition of producing NFL talent.
Path to the NFL
At Ohio State University, Harrison joined the storied Ohio State Buckeyes football program in 2016. During his freshman year, he appeared in 12 games, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level. As a sophomore in 2017, he appeared in all 14 of Ohio State’s games, compiling 36 tackles and 2 sacks while demonstrating his potential as a disruptive defensive player.
The 2018 season marked Harrison’s breakthrough, as he became a starter and emerged as one of the defense’s leaders. He tied for the team lead in tackles with 81 and added 8.5 tackles for loss. His standout play earned him All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention recognition. In his senior season of 2019, Harrison continued his ascent by leading Ohio State in tackles once again and recording 4.5 sacks. His dominant performance secured him first-team All-Big Ten honors, solidifying his status as an NFL prospect and catching the attention of professional scouts.
Malik Harrison Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Malik Harrison entered the NFL when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round with the 98th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the Ravens on July 13, 2020. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games with 7 starts, recording 64 tackles and 1 sack while contributing on special teams and showing the versatility that characterized his college career.
During his rookie season, Harrison was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 3, 2020, and was activated four days later. In his second season, he appeared in 12 games with 8 starts, compiling 47 tackles. A significant incident occurred on October 31, 2021, when Harrison suffered a non-life-threatening injury after being shot in the left calf outside a nightclub in Cleveland. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list the following day and was activated on November 27, 2021, returning to the lineup after his recovery.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2022–2024)
The 2022 season saw Harrison take on an expanded role in the Ravens defense. He appeared in 15 games with 13 starts, making a career-high 71 tackles while recording his second career sack and forcing his first fumble. His consistent performance established him as a reliable starter in the middle of Baltimore’s defense. In 2023, Harrison started 14 games and recorded 65 tackles despite battling injuries throughout the season.
On March 13, 2024, Harrison signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens, rewarding his solid play and commitment to the organization. He started 11 games in 2024 before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury in November. He finished the season with 33 tackles in 11 games played. After the season, Harrison sought a new opportunity and ultimately decided to move on from Baltimore.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, exactly one year after his extension with the Ravens, Harrison signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move to Pittsburgh gave Harrison a fresh start with one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. He joined a Steelers defense looking to rebuild its linebacker corps and provide veteran leadership alongside younger players.
However, the 2025 season got off to a challenging start for Harrison. After appearing in two games, he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on September 10, 2025. The setback forced him to miss several weeks of action. He was activated on November 1, ahead of the Steelers’ Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, returning to the field and providing depth to the linebacker position for the stretch run of the season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Malik Harrison is known for his physical, downhill style of play that makes him effective against the run. His experience playing multiple positions in high school and college translated well to his NFL career, where he has shown the versatility to drop into coverage, rush the quarterback, and defend the run. His size at 6 feet 3 inches and 247 pounds allows him to take on blocks and create tackles for loss. Harrison’s football IQ, developed through his years at Ohio State and experience in the Ravens defense, helps him read plays and position himself effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his on-field performance, Harrison’s career has included several notable moments. His recovery from the 2021 shooting incident demonstrated his resilience and determination to return to the field. Being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft represented the culmination of his journey from Walnut Ridge High School to Ohio State to professional football. His signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 marked a new chapter with one of the NFL’s premier franchises, giving him the opportunity to compete in the competitive AFC North division twice each season.
Malik Harrison Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Malik Harrison has accumulated significant playing time and production. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 215 career total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection across his appearances with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. His consistency and durability have allowed him to be a regular starter in the defenses he has played for.
NFL Highlights
Harrison’s rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens was signed on July 13, 2020, following his selection in the third round. His best statistical season came in 2022 when he recorded 71 tackles and 1 sack while appearing in 15 games. His ability to stay healthy and contribute week in and week out has been a hallmark of his professional career, with key performances against divisional opponents and in critical situations.
College Highlights
At Ohio State, Harrison earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2019 after leading the team in tackles. His 2019 season saw him record 4.5 sacks alongside his tackle production, showcasing the pass-rushing ability that added another dimension to his game. His progression from a role player as a freshman to a team leader by his senior year demonstrated his work ethic and dedication to improvement.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 215 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Pass Deflections | 1 |
Malik Harrison Family
Family Background
Malik Harrison was born in Columbus, Ohio, to his parents Donetta and Charles Harrison. His family has been supportive throughout his journey from high school football at Walnut Ridge to his professional career in the NFL. Harrison has maintained connections to his Ohio roots throughout his football career, representing his home state at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Personal Life
Harrison has kept much of his personal life private throughout his NFL career. Known for his work ethic and dedication to football, he continues to work on his craft and improve his game. His resilience was tested when he recovered from a significant injury in 2021 and returned to play at a high level. As he continues his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he remains focused on contributing to his team’s success while maintaining his commitment to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers presented both opportunities and challenges for Malik Harrison. After signing his two-year, $10 million contract in March, he looked to establish himself as a key contributor in the Steelers’ defense. The early season knee injury that placed him on injured reserve in September set back his momentum, requiring patience during the recovery process.
Harrison’s return on November 1 ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts marked a positive step in his season. Being activated from injured reserve demonstrated his recovery progress and allowed him to rejoin the Steelers’ linebacker rotation. His experience and versatility provide valuable depth for a Steelers defense that relies on competition and depth at the linebacker position.
The outlook for Harrison’s tenure with the Steelers remains promising despite the injury setback. With his contract running through 2027, he has time to establish himself within the organization and contribute to the team’s defensive plans. His combination of size, experience, and versatility makes him a candidate for an expanded role as he continues to work back to full health and builds chemistry with his new teammates in Pittsburgh.