Khalid Kareem Bio
Khalid Ali Kareem is an American professional football linebacker who plays in the National Football League (NFL). As of 2025, he is a member of the Atlanta Falcons, where he has split time between the practice squad and the active roster. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 256 pounds, Kareem has carved out his career as an edge defender, contributing on both defense and special teams since entering the league in 2020.
Born and raised in Michigan, Kareem built his reputation as a productive pass rusher during his time at the University of Notre Dame. After being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft, he has continued to develop his professional skills across multiple organizations. He is known for his length, motor, and work on the edge of the defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Khalid Ali Kareem was born on April 28, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in the surrounding region and attended Harrison High School in Farmington, Michigan, where he first showcased the physical tools that would later define his career. His development as a young athlete in the Detroit area laid the foundation for his future in football.
During his time at Harrison, Kareem drew attention as a promising defensive prospect. His combination of size and athleticism helped him stand out among his peers, and he became a recruit that several college programs monitored. This strong prep foundation ultimately positioned him to take the next step toward major college football.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career, Kareem committed to the University of Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish for their tradition of producing strong defensive players. He enrolled and joined a program with a long history of developing NFL-caliber talent, giving him the platform to refine his technique and strength.
At Notre Dame, Kareem worked his way into a rotational role and steadily increased his production. His development as a pass rusher caught the attention of NFL scouts, and by the conclusion of his college career, he was regarded as a prospect with the length and motor to compete at the professional level. That trajectory led directly to his selection in the 2020 NFL draft.
Khalid Kareem Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Khalid Ali Kareem was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 147th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He signed with the team and was placed on the active/non-football injury list in late July 2020 before being activated in August. In his rookie season, Kareem made his most memorable early contribution in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team, when he recorded his first career sack on quarterback Alex Smith during a 20–9 loss.
His second NFL season brought another setback, as Kareem was placed on injured reserve in early September 2021. He returned to the active roster at the end of October and continued his development as a rotational edge defender. Through these first two seasons, Kareem gained valuable experience in a Bengals defensive scheme that emphasized aggressive pass-rushing.
Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts (2022)
Kareem’s third season began with another injury, as a hamstring issue sent him to injured reserve in early September 2022. After being activated in October, he was waived the following day and re-signed to the Bengals’ practice squad. Later that same year, on November 22, 2022, Kareem was signed off the Bengals practice squad by the Indianapolis Colts.
With the Colts, Kareem appeared in four games and recorded one tackle while contributing on special teams. His time in Indianapolis was brief, however, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–2024)
On August 30, 2023, Kareem was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears. Just over three weeks later, on September 23, he was placed on injured reserve. After being activated on October 29, he was released two days later and re-signed to the practice squad as Chicago continued to manage its roster.
In January 2024, Kareem signed a reserve/future contract with the Bears, securing his place with the organization into the next league year. That stint came to an end on August 23, 2024, when he was released as part of the team’s late-summer roster decisions.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–Present)
On August 30, 2024, Kareem was signed to the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons. He went on to make two appearances for the team, recording four combined tackles while splitting time between defensive and special teams snaps. His early contributions gave the Falcons a glimpse of his pass-rushing potential.
Kareem signed a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on January 6, 2025, locking in his place with the organization. Following final roster cuts on August 26, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 13, released on November 27, and then re-signed to the practice squad as he continued to provide depth at the edge position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Khalid Ali Kareem is known for his length and motor on the edge of the defensive line. His 6-foot-4 frame allows him to engage blockers at a favorable angle, and he uses his reach to disrupt passing lanes. Coaches have valued his work ethic and his willingness to contribute on special teams, which has helped him stay in the league across multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Kareem’s career is his first NFL sack, recorded against Washington quarterback Alex Smith in 2020. His selection in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft also stands as a major milestone, validating the development he showed at Notre Dame. More recently, his transition to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and his reserve/future contract in early 2025 represent important steps in his ongoing professional journey.
Khalid Kareem College Career
Khalid Ali Kareem played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2016 to 2019. Across his four seasons with the program, he compiled 108 tackles and 13 sacks, emerging as a consistent contributor along the defensive front. His production over those four years helped establish him as an NFL prospect, and his time at Notre Dame remains a defining chapter in his football story.
Khalid Kareem Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Khalid Ali Kareem was raised in the Detroit, Michigan area, and his roots in the region have remained a part of his personal identity. While details of his immediate family are not widely publicized, his upbringing in Michigan and his path through Harrison High School shaped the early years of his football career. His journey from Detroit to the NFL reflects the strong football culture of the region.
Off the field, Kareem maintains a presence on social media, where fans can follow updates about his career. As of 2025, public information about his marital status, spouse, and children is not available, and he has largely kept his personal life private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a story of persistence for Khalid Ali Kareem. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons in January, he entered training camp looking to secure a roster spot. Following final cuts, he was released on August 26 and quickly re-signed to the practice squad the next day, keeping him within the Falcons organization.
On November 13, Kareem was signed to the active roster, giving him another opportunity to contribute at the NFL level. Two weeks later, on November 27, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad, a common pattern for depth edge rushers who shuttle between the active roster and the developmental unit throughout a long season.
Looking ahead, Kareem’s familiarity with the Falcons’ defensive scheme and his willingness to play on special teams give him a path back to the active roster. His 2025 campaign underscores the resilience required to maintain an NFL career, and his continued presence in Atlanta suggests he remains in the team’s long-term plans.