Malik Davis Bio
Malik Davis is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 26, 1998, in Tampa, Florida, he played college football for the Florida Gators from 2017 to 2021 before launching his professional career. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, Davis signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and has since worked to establish himself within the organization through the practice squad and active roster.
Standing 180 centimeters tall and weighing 92 kilograms, Davis has demonstrated patience and persistence during his early NFL years. He earned his first NFL rushing touchdown in a December 2022 win over the Indianapolis Colts and continues to contribute as a depth back and special teams participant for one of the league’s most prominent franchises.
Early Life and Background
Malik Davis was born on November 26, 1998, in Tampa, Florida, where he grew up surrounded by the city’s strong football culture. Tampa has long produced notable athletes, and Davis was introduced to the sport at a young age through local youth leagues and school programs. His development in the Tampa area laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
Davis attended Jesuit High School in Tampa, where he played running back for the Tigers football program. During his time at Jesuit, he earned recognition as a capable ball carrier and helped build a competitive résumé that drew the attention of college scouts. His high school performance positioned him as one of the more promising running back prospects from the Tampa Bay region.
His family background remains largely private, with limited public details about his parents or siblings. Davis has spoken about the influence of his hometown and community on his work ethic, crediting the support he received during his formative years for helping him pursue football at a higher level.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career at Jesuit in Tampa, Malik Davis committed to the University of Florida to play for the Florida Gators. He enrolled in 2017 and joined one of the most storied programs in college football, competing in the Southeastern Conference against top-tier competition. His pathway to the Gators reflected years of preparation at the high school level and an opportunity to compete on a national stage.
During his five seasons with the Florida Gators from 2017 to 2021, Davis worked within a competitive running back room and contributed as both a rusher and a pass catcher out of the backfield. He developed under the Gators’ coaching staff and gained experience against elite defenses, which helped prepare him for the demands of professional football. His longevity with the program allowed him to grow physically and refine his understanding of the position.
After the 2021 college season, Davis declared for the 2022 NFL draft. Despite his production and experience at Florida, he went undrafted, which positioned him as a free agent prospect. His path to the NFL required patience and persistence, as he awaited an opportunity to join a professional roster.
Malik Davis Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Malik Davis signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022, beginning his professional career in the NFL. He initially competed for a spot on the active roster during training camp and the preseason, but was unable to secure a place in the 53-man roster when final cuts were made. As a result, Davis signed with the Cowboys’ practice squad in August 2022, where he continued to develop and stay ready for a potential call-up.
On October 15, 2022, Davis was elevated to the active roster for the first time during his rookie season. He was signed to the active roster on October 29 and appeared in 12 games as a rookie, recording 38 carries for 161 rushing yards. His most memorable moment came in Week 13, when he scored his first NFL rushing touchdown in a 54–19 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Davis was waived on August 29, 2023, and later re-signed to the practice squad before signing a reserve and future contract with the Cowboys on January 17, 2024.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2022–Present)
Davis has spent his entire professional career with the Dallas Cowboys organization, navigating the transitions between the practice squad and the active roster. On August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Cowboys and returned to the practice squad, continuing his role as a depth piece within the team’s backfield. He signed a reserve and future contract with the Cowboys on January 8, 2025, signaling the organization’s continued interest in retaining him.
Throughout the 2025 offseason, Davis experienced several roster moves, including being waived on April 30, 2025, re-signed on August 8, and waived again on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. He rejoined the practice squad the following day and was promoted to the active roster on November 3. After a brief return to the practice squad on November 7, Davis was promoted back to the active roster on November 22. His persistence through these transactions reflects the team’s ongoing evaluation of his contributions on special teams and as a reserve running back.
Notable Events and Milestones
The signature moment of Malik Davis’s young career came on December 4, 2022, when he scored his first NFL rushing touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in a 54–19 Cowboys victory. The score stood as a milestone in his transition from undrafted free agent to contributing professional. His consistent movement between the practice squad and the active roster has also been a defining theme, demonstrating resilience and organizational trust.
Malik Davis Career Stats
Malik Davis has recorded verified statistics during his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. As a rookie in 2022, he appeared in 12 games and tallied 38 carries for 161 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Beyond his rookie totals, specific season-by-season numbers have not been consistently verified across all of his active years due to practice squad designations and limited offensive touches.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
Davis’s most notable regular season performance came during his rookie campaign in 2022, when he scored his first career rushing touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. The game, which Dallas won by a final score of 54–19, provided Davis with his first signature NFL moment. His role has largely been reserved for short-yardage situations, special teams, and depth duties behind the Cowboys’ primary running backs.
Other Performances
While Malik Davis’s college career with the Florida Gators spanned five seasons, detailed game-by-game performance data from his time at the University of Florida has not been fully verified for this profile. His contributions in college helped him earn an opportunity with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, and his continued presence within the organization speaks to his value as a dependable reserve.
Malik Davis Family
Personal Life
Malik Davis maintains a private personal life, with limited public information available regarding his marital status, spouse, or children. He was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and continues to represent his hometown as he pursues his professional football career with the Dallas Cowboys. His social media presence, including his Instagram account, provides occasional insight into his training and team activities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been defined by roster movement for Malik Davis, who has transitioned multiple times between the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and active roster. After signing a reserve and future contract in January 2025, he was waived in late April, re-signed in August, and waived again as part of final cuts on August 26. These transactions reflect the competitive nature of the Cowboys’ running back room and Davis’s continued effort to secure a stable role.
Davis was promoted to the active roster on November 3, 2025, briefly returned to the practice squad, and was promoted again on November 22. His late-season promotions suggest the Cowboys value his familiarity with the system and his reliability when called upon. While his offensive touches have been limited, his special teams contributions and readiness have kept him in consideration throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Davis remains under contract within the Cowboys organization and continues to build his case for a more permanent spot on the active roster. His experience within the team’s system, combined with his first NFL touchdown in 2022, positions him as a trusted reserve as the 2025 season progresses and into future offseasons.