Malik Harrison Bio
Malik Harrison is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 245 pounds, he plays the position with the physical profile of a modern inside linebacker. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and entered the NFL when he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Across his professional career, Harrison has built a reputation as a dependable defender whose career has progressed from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. His journey from a multi-position high school athlete in Columbus, Ohio, to a starting NFL linebacker reflects steady development through one of college football’s most respected programs.
Early Life and Background
Malik Harrison was born on March 5, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in the same city where he would later become a celebrated high school athlete, attending Walnut Ridge High School. His parents are Donetta and Charles Harrison, who raised him in the Columbus area during his formative years.
At Walnut Ridge High School, Harrison was a versatile two-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. On the football field, coaches used him at several positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, running back, linebacker, and safety. That positional flexibility helped him develop a full understanding of offensive and defensive schemes at a young age.
In his 2015 senior season, Harrison produced a remarkable all-around statistical line. He rushed for 897 yards and 15 touchdowns, passed for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, and added five sacks along with 40 tackles. Following that senior campaign, he committed to play college football at Ohio State University, choosing to stay in his home state.
Path to American Football
Harrison’s path to professional football began at Ohio State, one of the most storied programs in college football. As a freshman in 2016, he appeared in 12 games, gaining experience as a rotational defender while adjusting to the speed of the Big Ten Conference.
As a sophomore in 2017, he appeared in all 14 of Ohio State’s games, compiling 36 tackles and 2 sacks. The following season, in 2018, Harrison became a starter and was tied for the team lead in tackles with 81, while also adding 8.5 tackles for loss. His play earned him All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention recognition.
His senior season in 2019 cemented his status as one of the conference’s top linebackers. He again led Ohio State in tackles, recorded 4.5 sacks, and was named first-team All-Big Ten. That production positioned him as an NFL prospect and led to his selection by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 draft.
Malik Harrison Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
Harrison was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round, 98th overall, of the 2020 NFL draft. On July 13, 2020, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the team and immediately joined a defense known for its physicality and complexity.
His early NFL years included several off-field challenges. On November 3, 2020, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and was activated four days later. On October 31, 2021, Harrison suffered a non-life-threatening injury after being shot in the left calf outside a nightclub in Cleveland. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list the following day and was activated on November 27, 2021.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2022-2024)
After working through the early challenges of his rookie contract, Harrison settled into a meaningful role within the Baltimore Ravens defense. He contributed on special teams and as a rotational linebacker, gradually earning more defensive snaps as he mastered the team’s complex scheme.
On March 13, 2024, Harrison signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens, securing his place in Baltimore for another season. His development into a reliable defender helped solidify the team’s linebacker depth during his time with the organization.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025-Present)
On March 13, 2025, Harrison signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning a new chapter in his career. The move positioned him within an AFC North rival of the Ravens and signaled an expanded role at his new stop.
On September 10, 2025, Harrison was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He was activated on November 1, ahead of the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, marking his return to the field for the Steelers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Not applicable to football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most defining moments of his career was his third-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft, followed by his first-team All-Big Ten recognition during his senior season at Ohio State in 2019. His signing of a two-year, $10 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025 marked another milestone, reflecting his standing as a proven NFL linebacker.
Malik Harrison Career Wins
Verified team and individual statistical totals for Malik Harrison across his professional seasons are not available in the sourced inputs. As a result, detailed win totals, top-ten finishes, and similar summary figures are omitted from this page.
Ohio State Highlights
During his time at Ohio State, Harrison totaled 81 tackles in 2018 and led the team in tackles again in 2019, when he added 4.5 sacks. His first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2019 stands as his most prominent collegiate recognition.
Other Wins & Performances
Harrison’s senior season at Walnut Ridge High School in 2015 produced 897 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 1,161 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, 5 sacks, and 40 tackles. Those numbers highlighted his versatility as a multi-position contributor.
Malik Harrison Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Not applicable to football.
Personal Life
Malik Harrison is the son of Donetta and Charles Harrison. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Walnut Ridge High School before continuing his football career at Ohio State University.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Malik Harrison’s first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a two-year, $10 million contract on March 13, 2025. The move gave him an opportunity to take on a larger defensive role within an AFC North contender.
His season was interrupted early when he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on September 10, 2025. He returned to action on November 1, 2025, ahead of the Steelers’ Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, rejoining the defense for the middle portion of the schedule.
Looking ahead, Harrison’s contract runs through the 2026 season, giving him stability as he works back from injury and re-establishes himself within Pittsburgh’s defensive plans. His performance in the remaining weeks of 2025 is expected to shape his role heading into the following season.