Malik Antonio Willis Bio
Malik Antonio Willis is an American professional football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 25, 1999, in College Park, Georgia, Willis played college football for the Auburn Tigers and Liberty Flames before being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He won the prestigious Dudley Award in 2020 and the Bobby Bowden Award in 2021 during his collegiate career at Liberty University. Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers in August 2024 and has served as a backup and spot-starter for the team.
Early Life and Background
Willis attended Westlake High School in Atlanta before transferring to Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia, for his senior year. At Roswell High School, he showcased his dual-threat abilities by passing for 2,562 yards and rushing for 1,033 yards while accumulating 37 total touchdowns during his final high school season. Rated as a three-star recruit, Willis committed to Auburn University to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Growing up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Willis demonstrated exceptional athletic ability from an early age. His combination of arm strength and mobility made him an intriguing prospect at the quarterback position. The foundation built during his high school years in Georgia would serve as the launching pad for his eventual journey to professional football.
Path to American Football
Willis began his collegiate career at Auburn University in 2017, where he spent two seasons playing in 15 games. During his time with the Auburn Tigers from 2017 to 2018, he completed 11 of 14 pass attempts for 69 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 309 yards and two touchdowns. His limited playing time came as he competed for the starting quarterback position alongside Bo Nix.
Seeking an opportunity to become a full-time starter, Willis transferred to Liberty University in 2019. Due to transfer rules, he was required to sit out the 2019 season before emerging as the team’s starting quarterback in 2020. His breakthrough season with the Flames saw him throw for six touchdowns in a single game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, establishing him as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football.
Willis earned the 2020 Dudley Award, recognizing him as the best college football player in the state of Virginia. He followed that achievement by winning the 2021 Bobby Bowden Award, awarded to the top college football player who exemplifies being a Christian student-athlete. He was also named MVP of both the 2020 Cure Bowl and the 2021 LendingTree Bowl, solidifying his status as a premier collegiate quarterback.
Malik Antonio Willis Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Willis’s collegiate journey spanned five years across two programs. His time at Auburn provided valuable experience in a major SEC program, though his opportunities were limited. The decision to transfer to Liberty proved transformative, as he developed into a complete quarterback capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground.
At Liberty, Willis demonstrated the skills that would make him an NFL prospect. His dual-threat capability allowed him to contribute significantly as a rusher while developing his passing game. The tutelage and opportunity at Liberty University enabled him to showcase his talents on a larger stage, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tennessee Titans (2022–2023)
Willis was selected in the third round with the 86th overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. His selection came as a surprise to some analysts, as he had been projected by some as a potential top-two selection. Willis signed his four-year rookie contract with the Titans on July 23, 2022.
He made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2022 season against the Buffalo Bills, entering the game in the third quarter after the Titans benched Ryan Tannehill. Willis completed one of four passes for six yards and rushed for 16 yards in the 41-7 road loss. He later earned his first NFL start in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, completing 6 of 10 pass attempts for 55 yards and an interception during a 17-10 road victory.
Willis received additional starting opportunities throughout the 2022 season, including a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he completed 5 of 16 passes for 80 yards while rushing for 40 yards in a 20-17 overtime loss. During the 2022 season, Willis demonstrated his mobility and arm strength while continuing to develop as an NFL quarterback. His 2023 season was limited, with Willis attempting only five passes throughout the year.
Green Bay Packers (2024–Present)
On August 26, 2024, Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a seventh-round pick (No. 239) in the 2025 NFL Draft. The trade provided Willis with a fresh start and an opportunity to learn behind quarterback Jordan Love.
Following an MCL sprain suffered by Jordan Love in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, Willis was named the starter for the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. In his first start of the 2024 season, he completed 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and his first NFL touchdown while also rushing for 41 yards in a 16-10 victory. The performance demonstrated his growth and readiness when called upon.
Willis continued to impress in his next appearance against his former team, the Tennessee Titans. He completed 13 of 19 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown while leading the team in rushing with 73 yards and an additional touchdown during a 30-14 road victory. When Jordan Love returned to health, Willis returned to his backup role but remained ready when needed.
Throughout the 2024 season, Willis provided valuable depth for the Packers. He led a game-winning drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 after Love left with a groin injury. He also stepped in during Week 11 against the New York Giants, capping a six-play drive with a touchdown pass after entering the game with the ball on the Giants’ 40-yard line.
Playing Style and Strengths
Willis possesses exceptional mobility that allows him to extend plays and contribute as a rusher. His ability to make throws on the run and his comfortable pocket presence enable him to operate effectively in various offensive schemes. His experience as a dual-threat quarterback in college translated well to his NFL development, showing flashes of the talent that made him a highly-touted draft prospect.
Notable Moments and Milestones
Willis’s performance during the 2024 season included several memorable moments. His first NFL touchdown pass came in his first start of the season against the Colts. His 202-yard passing performance against his former Titans team demonstrated his ability to make significant contributions as a starter. His Week 17 start against the Baltimore Ravens showcased his best performance as a professional, completing 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 60 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 134.6 passer rating.
Malik Antonio Willis Career Statistics
Willis has appeared in multiple games across three NFL seasons, demonstrating his abilities as both a starter and backup quarterback. His career statistics reflect his dual-threat capabilities, showing significant contributions in both passing and rushing categories.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Willis has completed 105 of 155 pass attempts for 1,322 yards with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, achieving a 67.7% completion percentage and a 98.9 passer rating. He has also contributed 405 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns on the ground. His performance in spot-starting duties has shown consistent improvement, with his best statistical game coming against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 of the 2024 season.
College Achievements
Willis earned the Dudley Award as the top college football player in Virginia in 2020 and followed with the Bobby Bowden Award in 2021. He earned MVP honors in both the 2020 Cure Bowl and the 2021 LendingTree Bowl, highlighting his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
| League | Games Played | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | Multiple | 1,322 | 6 | 405 | 4 |
Family
Family Background
Willis comes from a football family, as his uncle is former NFL linebacker James Anderson. This family connection to professional football provided additional insight and guidance as he pursued his own NFL career. The Anderson family’s experience in the NFL offered Malik valuable perspective on what to expect at the highest level of the sport.
Personal Life
Willis was raised as and remains a Christian. He frequently shares his faith through social media, with most of his posts concluding with “TGFE,” an abbreviation for “Thank God for Everything.” This expression reflects his commitment to his religious beliefs and his gratitude for the opportunities he has received throughout his football career and personal journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a significant chapter in Willis’s career as he continues his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Returning for his second season with the organization, Willis has established himself as a reliable backup option behind Jordan Love while continuing to develop his skills in the Packers’ offensive system. His performance during the 2024 season, particularly his clutch appearances when called upon, earned him continued trust from the coaching staff.
Willis’s ability to step in and produce when needed has made him an valuable asset for the Packers. The chemistry he developed with receivers and the offensive line during his 2024 appearances provided a foundation for continued success in 2025. His professionalism and preparation have been noted by coaches and teammates alike.
The outlook for Willis in 2025 remains positive as he continues to compete at the NFL level. His trajectory shows consistent improvement, and his performances when given opportunities have demonstrated his capability as a starting quarterback in the league. The Packers’ offensive system provides a strong framework for his skills, and continued development in practice will only enhance his readiness for future opportunities.