Patrick Mekari Bio
Patrick Mekari is an American professional football guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 13, 1997, in Westlake Village, California, he played college football for the California Golden Bears from 2015 to 2018 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Mekari spent his first six professional seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he established himself as a versatile and reliable offensive lineman. In March 2025, he signed a lucrative three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Mekari was born on August 13, 1997, in Westlake Village, California, to a family with diverse heritage. His father is Lebanese American, and his mother is Iranian American, both of whom settled in California where Mekari grew up. He attended Westlake High School in his hometown, where he developed his foundation as an offensive lineman during his high school years.
Mekari’s multicultural background reflects the rich diversity often found in California’s football programs. His upbringing in Westlake Village provided him with access to competitive football programs and training opportunities that helped shape his path toward collegiate and professional football.
Path to American Football
After completing high school at Westlake, Mekari pursued his football career at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play for the University of California, Berkeley, representing the California Golden Bears from 2015 to 2018. His tenure with the Golden Bears allowed him to refine his skills as an offensive lineman and develop the versatility that would later define his professional career.
Following his college career, Mekari entered the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite his experience at California, he was not selected in the draft. However, his performance during the pre-draft process and his college tape attracted attention from NFL teams seeking developmental offensive line talent.
Patrick Mekari Career
Early Career (2019)
The Baltimore Ravens signed Mekari as an undrafted free agent immediately after the 2019 NFL Draft concluded. His strong camp and impressive preseason performances showcased his versatility across multiple offensive line positions. These efforts earned him a spot on the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster, extending the team’s remarkable streak of undrafted players making the roster to 16 consecutive years.
Mekari saw his first significant action during the 2019 season when he was called upon to replace injured center Matt Skura. After coming into the game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, Mekari made his first career start at home against the San Francisco 49ers. This opportunity arose when Matt Skura was placed on season-ending injured reserve, thrusting the rookie into a starting role.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2020–2024)
The 2020 season brought new challenges for Mekari when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Ravens on November 25, 2020. He was activated on December 4, 2020, and continued to serve as a valuable depth piece along the offensive line. His ability to step in and perform at a high level when called upon demonstrated his reliability and preparation.
The 2021 season marked a breakthrough for Mekari as he became the Ravens’ starting right tackle. Injuries to starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley and starting left guard/backup right tackle Tyre Phillips in Week 1 created an opening. Veteran right tackle Alejandro Villanueva shifted to left tackle to fill in for Stanley, which opened the door for Mekari to assume the starting right tackle role for the majority of the season. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his skills as a full-time starter in the NFL.
On December 30, 2021, Mekari was rewarded for his performance with a three-year contract extension with the Ravens. Over the following seasons, he continued to be a reliable presence on the Ravens’ offensive line, appearing in 102 games with 67 starts during his tenure. His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions along the line, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Mekari signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $37.5 million contract. This move marked a new chapter in his career, joining a franchise with a developing roster and ambitious goals. The contract reflected the value that Mekari had built over six seasons with the Ravens and his reputation as a durable, versatile offensive lineman.
Upon joining the Jaguars, Mekari wears jersey number 65 and serves as a guard for the team. His experience and versatility provide stability to Jacksonville’s offensive line as they work to build a competitive roster around their young talent. The Jaguars’ investment in Mekari signals their commitment to strengthening their protection schemes and running game.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mekari has established himself as a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions along the line. His ability to step in at center, guard, and tackle has made him a valuable depth piece and eventual starter throughout his career. His football intelligence and preparation allow him to adapt quickly when called upon, whether as a fill-in or as a full-time starter. His consistency and durability, evidenced by appearing in 102 career games, demonstrate his reliability in a demanding position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Mekari’s notable career moments is his rookie-season starting opportunity in 2019 when he stepped in for an injured Matt Skura. His performance during the 2021 season as the Ravens’ starting right tackle following a series of injuries cemented his place in the NFL. The signing of his contract extension with the Ravens in December 2021 and his subsequent move to Jacksonville in 2025 for $37.5 million represent significant milestones validating his journey from an undrafted free agent to a highly compensated professional.
Patrick Mekari Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Patrick Mekari has been a consistent performer on the offensive line, appearing in 102 regular-season games with 67 starts across his time with the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars. His career fumble recoveries stand at one, reflecting his reliability in protecting the football.
NFL Highlights
Mekari’s journey from undrafted free agent to a $37.5 million player represents his most significant achievement. His ability to make the Ravens’ roster in 2019 as an undrafted free agent marked the beginning of a successful professional career. His transition to starting right tackle during the 2021 season showcased his capability to perform at a high level when given increased responsibilities. His recent signing with the Jaguars in 2025 for substantial guaranteed money demonstrates the value he has built in the league.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his regular contributions as a versatile depth player and starter, Mekari’s durability has been a hallmark of his career. Appearing in 102 games over six seasons speaks to his ability to stay healthy and perform at a consistent level in one of the most physically demanding positions in professional football.
| Team | Games Played | Games Started | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 102 | 67 | 2019–2024 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Active | Active | 2025–present |
Patrick Mekari Family
Family Background
Patrick Mekari comes from a family with Lebanese and Iranian heritage. His father is Lebanese American, and his mother is Iranian American. Both of his parents settled in California, where Mekari was born and raised in Westlake Village. This multicultural background has been a part of his identity throughout his life, though he maintains a relatively private approach to his personal life off the field.
Personal Life
Mekari continues to maintain an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his official Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Beyond his football career, he focuses on his professional development as an NFL player while keeping details of his personal life largely out of the public eye.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Patrick Mekari’s first with the Jacksonville Jaguars following his signing in March. As a new addition to the roster wearing number 65, Mekari brings his experience and versatility to a Jaguars offensive line that aims to provide better protection and establish a stronger running game. His transition from the Ravens to the Jaguars represents both a new opportunity and a new challenge as he adapts to a different coaching staff, offensive scheme, and team culture.
Mekari’s role with the Jaguars centers around his guard position, where his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line remains an asset. The team expects him to provide stability and leadership in the trenches as they develop their roster around their core players. His $37.5 million contract signals the organization’s confidence in his ability to perform at a high level.
The outlook for Mekari in 2025 involves establishing himself as a core piece of the Jaguars’ offensive line while continuing the durability and reliability that characterized his tenure with the Ravens. His experience in a competitive AFC conference will be valuable as the Jaguars look to improve their standing in the division. The partnership between Mekari and his new team represents an important step in both his career trajectory and Jacksonville’s efforts to build a more competitive roster.