Dalvin Tomlinson Bio
Dalvin Tomlinson, born on February 28, 1994, is an American professional football nose tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and built a reputation as a dependable interior defender known for his run-stopping ability and steady presence at the line of scrimmage. He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft and has continued to be a starting-caliber defensive lineman through multiple stops across the league.
Standing roughly 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 152 kilograms, Tomlinson uses his size, strength, and technique to occupy blockers and disrupt opposing rushing attacks. Over the course of his career, he has suited up for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals, earning recognition early on as a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Early Life and Background
Dalvin Tomlinson was born on February 28, 1994, in McDonough, Georgia, where he grew up and attended Henry County High School. At Henry County, he played football and also competed as a wrestler, winning three state wrestling titles during his high school career. The combination of football and wrestling helped shape his physical style and gave him an early foundation in leverage, balance, and hand control that would later define his play on the defensive line.
Before arriving at Alabama, Tomlinson suffered a torn ACL while playing high school soccer, an injury that required a careful recovery. That setback did not stop his athletic development, and he continued to train through rehabilitation while preparing for the next stage of his football career.
Path to American Football
Tomlinson began attending the University of Alabama in 2012 and redshirted his first season while still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in high school. When he was ready to compete, he joined a stacked defensive line under head coach Nick Saban, where he learned from established veterans and pushed himself against future NFL players in practice every day.
He worked his way into the rotation as a defensive end, competing with players such as Ed Stinson, Jeoffrey Pagan, and A’Shawn Robinson for playing time. By his senior season in 2016, Tomlinson had developed into a full-time starter on the defensive line, finishing the year with 62 combined tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 14 starts. Across his college career, he recorded 122 tackles and four sacks.
His play at Alabama also brought team success. He was part of squads that won the BCS national championship in 2012 and the CFP national championship in 2015, experiences that helped prepare him for the next level. Ahead of the 2017 NFL draft, Tomlinson received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and met with several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Diego Chargers. He was ranked among the top defensive tackle prospects in his class by major draft analysts.
Dalvin Tomlinson Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
The New York Giants selected Dalvin Tomlinson in the second round with the 55th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. On May 10, 2017, the Giants signed him to a four-year, $4.57 million contract that included $2.13 million in guarantees and a signing bonus of $1.46 million. He competed throughout training camp and was named the starting right defensive tackle alongside Damon Harrison to begin the regular season.
Tomlinson made his professional regular season debut against the Dallas Cowboys, recording four combined tackles in the Giants’ loss. His consistent play as a rookie earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He spent his first three seasons in New York primarily at defensive tackle before sliding over to nose tackle in 2018 after Damon Harrison was traded to the Detroit Lions, a move that helped establish him as a reliable anchor in the middle of the defensive line.
Minnesota Vikings (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Tomlinson signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He stepped into a starting role on the Vikings’ defensive front and brought the same physical, run-stopping presence that had defined his time in New York. Across two seasons in Minnesota, he continued to be a steady contributor against the run while also providing some pass-rush production from the interior.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2025)
On March 15, 2023, Dalvin Tomlinson signed a four-year, $57 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. In two years with the Browns, he started 32 games and recorded six sacks and 54 tackles, reinforcing his reputation as a durable and productive interior defender. The Browns released him on March 12, 2025, opening the door for his next move.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Tomlinson signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal keeps him under contract through the 2026 season. He joined the Cardinals with the expectation of anchoring the middle of their defensive line, bringing veteran leadership and proven run-defense ability to a young roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although the term “driving style” comes from motorsports, in football terms Tomlinson’s game is built on leverage, power, and consistency. He excels against the run by occupying double teams and freeing up linebackers to make tackles, and he uses his long frame and strong hands to redirect blockers. His wrestling background shows up in his balance and ability to shed blocks in tight spaces, and he has quietly developed into a reliable interior pass rusher as well.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tomlinson’s career has been marked by steady contributions rather than flashy headlines. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2017, won a BCS national championship in 2012 and a CFP national championship in 2015 at Alabama, and signed a four-year, $57 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2023. He has also moved between four NFL franchises while remaining a full-time starter, a sign of the durability and respect he has earned across the league.
Dalvin Tomlinson Career Wins
Team success is measured in football through playoff appearances, championships, and individual awards. Dalvin Tomlinson has been part of championship-winning teams at both the college and professional levels. At Alabama, he was a member of the 2012 BCS national championship squad and the 2015 CFP national championship team, and he earned PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition during his first season with the New York Giants in 2017.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond team championships, Tomlinson posted strong individual seasons, including a senior year at Alabama in which he finished with 62 combined tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. With the Cleveland Browns, he recorded six sacks and 54 tackles while starting 32 games over two seasons, underscoring his value as a long-term starter at nose tackle.
Dalvin Tomlinson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Dalvin Tomlinson’s parents and immediate family are limited. What is known is that he grew up in McDonough, Georgia, attended Henry County High School, and developed into a standout football player and wrestler in that community.
Personal Life
Tomlinson keeps his personal life largely private. Public records available do not include confirmed information about a spouse or children at this time.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Dalvin Tomlinson’s first year with the Arizona Cardinals after signing a two-year, $29 million contract on March 12, 2025. He joined a Cardinals defense in transition and was expected to step in as a veteran presence along the interior defensive line. His role centers on stopping the run, occupying blockers, and providing leadership to a relatively young group of teammates.
Coming off two productive seasons in Cleveland, where he started 32 games and produced six sacks, Tomlinson brought a track record of durability and consistency to Arizona. His experience alongside established defensive linemen has prepared him for the kind of assignment he now holds with the Cardinals.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Cardinals will look to Tomlinson to anchor the middle of their defense and help set the tone up front. With his contract running through 2026 and his game still grounded in physicality and technique, his outlook in Arizona is tied to the progress of the team’s broader defensive rebuild.