Malik Willis (born March 12, 1999) is an American professional football quarterback who has played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Liberty University, where he received multiple accolades, and was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Education
Willis was born in Pensacola, Florida. He attended Pensacola High School, where he played high school football as a quarterback and also participated in basketball and track and field. Following his high school career, Willis enrolled at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
College Career
At Liberty, Willis served as the starting quarterback from the 2018 season through the 2021 season. Over his collegiate tenure, he amassed over 10,000 passing yards and more than 100 passing touchdowns, while also contributing significant rushing yardage and touchdowns. His dual-threat playing style earned him recognition as a finalist for the 2020 Walter Payton Award, which honors the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Willis led Liberty to multiple conference championships and bowl appearances, including the 2020 Cure Bowl victory.
Professional Career
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Tennessee Titans (2022)
Willis was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (86th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract and spent his rookie season primarily as a backup, appearing in limited regular‑season action. -
Baltimore Ravens (2023–present)
In August 2023, Willis was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a seventh‑round draft pick. With the Ravens, he continued in a backup role, contributing on special teams and participating in practice squad activities.
Playing Style
Willis is characterized as a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making throws from the pocket as well as executing designed runs. His athleticism and mobility have been highlighted as strengths, while critiques have focused on consistency in passing accuracy at the professional level.
Personal Life
Information regarding Willis’s personal life beyond his football career is limited in publicly available sources.
Career Statistics
College (selected)
- Total passing yards: ≈10,000
- Passing touchdowns: >100
- Rushing yards: >2,000
- Rushing touchdowns: >30
NFL (as of the end of the 2023 regular season)
- Games played: 2
- Passing attempts: 5
- Completions: 2
- Passing yards: 18
- Touchdowns–Interceptions: 0–0
References
- Liberty University athletics website, player biography.
- NFL.com player profile for Malik Willis.
- Official press releases from the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.
