Malik Taylor Bio
Malik Taylor (born December 21, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver who has built a career in the National Football League (NFL) through persistence and steady development. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 225 pounds, he has spent time with multiple franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions. A native of Michigan, Taylor attended Ferris State, where he compiled impressive receiving totals despite injuries. He has continued to develop as a depth receiver and special teams contributor at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Malik Taylor was born on December 21, 1995, in Flint, Michigan. He grew up in the Flint area and attended Hill-McCloy High School in nearby Montrose, Michigan, where he began his football career as a wide receiver. The Flint region has long been known for producing athletic and competitive football players, and Taylor’s early development benefited from that environment. His size and athleticism allowed him to draw attention from college programs at the high school level.
After completing his prep career at Hill-McCloy, Taylor received an opportunity to play college football and committed to Ferris State University. Ferris State competes at the NCAA Division II level, a setting that allowed Taylor to refine his skills and grow into a dependable target in the passing game. His time at Ferris State laid the foundation for his future professional opportunity.
Path to American Football
At Ferris State, Malik Taylor developed into a productive wide receiver for the Bulldogs, posting consistent numbers across multiple seasons. His junior year was particularly strong and earned him All-GLIAC recognition, validating his work ethic and on-field production. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short by a serious injury, a setback that affected his draft prospects heading into the professional ranks.
Despite the injury, Taylor finished his college career with 121 receptions and 2,091 receiving yards, totals that demonstrated his ability to contribute as a pass catcher at a high level. Following the 2019 NFL Draft, he went undrafted, but his college production and measurables gave him a chance to earn a roster spot as an undrafted free agent.
Malik Taylor Career
Early Career (2019)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Malik Taylor signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 27, 2019, earning his first professional opportunity. His time in Tampa Bay was brief, however, as he was waived on May 14, 2019, just weeks after signing. The release was not unusual for undrafted rookies competing for limited roster spots, and Taylor quickly found another opportunity.
On July 19, 2019, Taylor signed with the Green Bay Packers, joining a competitive wide receiver room in search of depth. He was waived on August 31 but signed to the Packers’ practice squad the following day, September 1, 2019. Spending time on the practice squad allowed him to learn Green Bay’s offensive system and develop as a reserve option.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Taylor’s breakthrough came in 2020 when, on September 5, it was announced he had made the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, stepping onto a professional field for the first time in his career. In Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded his first career reception, a 20-yard catch on a fourth-down play that signaled his readiness to contribute.
Later that season, Taylor reached another milestone in Week 7 against the Houston Texans when he caught his first career NFL touchdown. The performance was a defining moment in his young career and validated the work he had put in since going undrafted. On May 21, 2021, he signed a one-year exclusive-rights free agent tender with the Packers, securing his return to Green Bay, but was later placed on injured reserve on December 24, 2021.
He signed his tender offer on April 18, 2022, to remain with the Packers, but suffered another injury and was waived/injured on August 17, 2022, before being placed on injured reserve. He was eventually released on September 15, 2022, ending his initial stint in Green Bay.
New York Jets Era (2022–2024)
On December 29, 2022, Malik Taylor was signed to the New York Jets practice squad, giving him a fresh opportunity late in the season. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023, securing his place with the organization heading into the new league year. He was waived on August 29, 2023, during roster cuts, but re-signed to the practice squad on September 12, 2023.
Taylor was elevated to the Jets’ active roster on November 6, 2023, providing depth at the wide receiver position during the latter part of the season. On January 8, 2024, he signed another reserve/future contract, continuing his role with the franchise. However, on August 18, 2024, he was placed on injured reserve, limiting his availability heading into the season.
Detroit Lions Era (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Malik Taylor signed with the Detroit Lions, joining a competitive roster in the NFC North. The signing provided him with a new opportunity to compete for a role on the active roster and in the receiver rotation. His time in Detroit was short, as he was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a wide receiver, Malik Taylor has built his game around reliable hands, the ability to make contested catches, and effectiveness on intermediate routes. His size at 6 feet 1 inch and 225 pounds allows him to win physical matchups against smaller defensive backs. He has also served in special teams roles throughout his career, a common path for reserve receivers seeking to maintain roster value.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones in Malik Taylor’s career came in Week 7 of the 2020 season when he caught his first NFL touchdown against the Houston Texans as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Making the 53-man roster in 2020 after going undrafted the previous year also stands out as a major achievement, marking the moment he established himself as an NFL player.
Malik Taylor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Malik Taylor was raised in Flint, Michigan, and developed his athletic foundation in the local community. He attended Hill-McCloy High School in Montrose, Michigan, where he played football before moving on to the collegiate level. Public information about his parents and extended family remains limited, and details beyond his hometown and upbringing are not widely documented.
Personal Life
Public details about Malik Taylor’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not widely documented in available sources. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and X, where he shares updates related to his football career. His focus throughout his professional journey has remained on the game and on continuing to compete at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Malik Taylor signed with the Detroit Lions on May 12, giving him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a playoff-caliber team. The signing placed him in a competitive receiver room where he had to earn his place during training camp and the preseason. His experience in multiple offensive systems with the Packers and Jets gave him a versatile background to lean on during camp battles.
Despite his efforts, Taylor was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the Lions’ final roster cuts, ending his time in Detroit. As an experienced reserve receiver with special teams value, he remained a candidate to be signed by another team during the season. His career arc through 2025 reflects the resilience required to sustain a long NFL journey as an undrafted player.