Malik Knowles Bio
Malik Knowles (born August 17, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver who has played in the National Football League. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats from 2018 to 2022, where he established himself as a dynamic receiving and return threat in the Big 12 Conference. Knowles entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has since competed for multiple franchises during his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Malik Knowles was born on August 17, 2000, in Lynwood, California. He grew up in Mansfield, Texas, where he lived with his aunt and uncle. Knowles attended Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, developing his skills as a multi-dimensional offensive player during his high school career.
During his senior season at Lake Ridge High School, Knowles recorded 40 receptions for 846 yards and 15 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit, and he ultimately committed to continue his football career at Kansas State University.
Path to the NFL
Knowles arrived at Kansas State University in 2018 as a highly regarded incoming freshman. He redshirted his true freshman season but still contributed on special teams and offense, catching 10 passes for 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The coaching staff saw enough potential to redshirt him, allowing him to develop physically and technically while maintaining his four years of eligibility.
His redshirt freshman season in 2019 showed marked improvement, with Knowles recording 27 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns. He also became a factor in the return game, bringing back six kickoffs for 222 yards and one touchdown. This dual-threat ability as both a receiver and return specialist became a hallmark of his collegiate game.
By his redshirt junior season in 2021, Knowles had emerged as one of the top returners in the Big 12 Conference. He caught 29 passes for 441 yards and four touchdowns while excelling as a kickoff returner, bringing back 20 kickoffs for 662 yards and two touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him First-team All-Big 12 Conference honors as a return specialist, validating his development into a difference-maker on special teams.
Malik Knowles Career
Early Professional Career (2023)
After declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft following his redshirt senior season at Kansas State, Knowles went undrafted throughout the seven-round selection process. His collegiate production and special teams prowess, however, attracted attention from NFL teams. Shortly after the draft concluded, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023.
Knowles competed for a roster spot during the 2023 offseason and preseason with the Vikings. He demonstrated his speed and ball skills during training camp, though the transition from the Big 12 to the NFL presented typical challenges for an undrafted rookie. The Vikings ultimately placed him on the injured reserve list, ending his rookie season before it formally began.
League Transitions (2024–2025)
The Minnesota Vikings released Knowles with an injury designation on August 27, 2024. Following his departure from Minnesota, he signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad on October 16, 2024. The opportunity allowed him to continue developing within an NFL organization while adapting to the league’s demanding standards. He was released by the Packers on November 30, 2024.
On June 3, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers signed Knowles to a one-year contract. He reported to training camp with the organization but was waived on July 31, 2025. Knowles re-signed with the 49ers on August 20, 2025, though he was waived again shortly thereafter, demonstrating the competitive nature of roster battles in the NFL.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Chapter (2025–2026)
Knowles signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League on December 16, 2025. The move to the CFL provided a fresh opportunity to continue his professional football career in a different league with distinct rules and playing conditions. He announced his retirement from professional football on April 28, 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Knowles showcased his ability to contribute both as a receiver and return specialist throughout his career. At 6 feet 2 inches and 196 pounds, he possessed the size to compete for contested catches while displaying the speed and agility necessary for effective kickoff and punt returns. His experience at Kansas State demonstrated his versatility, with his best statistical seasons coming when he was utilized in multiple offensive and special teams roles.
Notable Moments and Career Arc
His First-team All-Big 12 selection as a return specialist in 2021 represented the peak of his collegiate career, highlighting a skill set that NFL teams valued for special teams contributions. The transition to professional football proved challenging, as it does for many undrafted players, but Knowles demonstrated persistence by continuing to pursue opportunities with multiple organizations.
Malik Knowles Career Statistics
Knowles accumulated modest but meaningful statistics across his five collegiate seasons, showing particular production during his junior and senior campaigns when he served as a primary receiving target and return specialist.
Kansas State Wildcats Highlights
His most productive receiving season came during his redshirt senior year in 2022, when he caught 48 passes for 725 yards and two touchdowns while also returning 23 kickoffs for 592 yards. His junior season in 2021 featured 29 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns, supplemented by 20 kickoff returns for 662 yards and two touchdowns. Combined career totals at Kansas State included over 1,700 receiving yards and notable return production that influenced his NFL opportunities.
Professional Career Summary
During his NFL tenure, Knowles appeared on the rosters of the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers, primarily contributing on special teams units. His professional career spanned parts of three seasons in the NFL before his transition to the CFL.
| Competition Level | Seasons | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I FBS | 2018–2022 | 127 | 1,767 | 14 |
Family and Personal Life
Family Background
Knowles grew up primarily with his aunt and uncle in Mansfield, Texas, following his birth in Lynwood, California. His support system during his formative years played a significant role in his development as both a student-athlete and individual.
Personal Life
Following his retirement announcement in April 2026, Knowles transitioned away from professional football. Details regarding his post-playing career plans and current residence remain private, as he has maintained a relatively low public profile since concluding his athletic career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Knowles as he competed with the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason before ultimately signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in December. His time with the 49ers during training camp allowed him to showcase his skills in a competitive environment, though the roster decisions ultimately did not favor his inclusion.
Following his release from the 49ers in late summer, Knowles took time to evaluate his options before signing with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. The move to Canadian football offered a different style of play and an opportunity to continue competing at a professional level while experiencing a new football environment.
His brief tenure with the Roughriders during the 2025 CFL season allowed him to apply his collegiate and NFL experience in a new context. The season concluded with his April 2026 announcement of retirement, bringing closure to a career that spanned multiple leagues and showcased his adaptability as a professional athlete.