Mykal Walker Bio
Mykal Walker (born August 28, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Azusa Pacific Cougars and Fresno State Bulldogs and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Over the course of his professional career, Walker has also been a member of the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 229 pounds, Walker has built his reputation as a versatile defender capable of contributing in both run support and pass coverage. He achieved notable success in college, where he was a two-time First-team All-Mountain West Conference selection, showcasing his skills on the field.
Early Life and Background
Mykal Walker was born on August 28, 1997, in Fresno, California. He grew up in a household with deep football roots. His father, Michael, played for the Fresno State Bulldogs football team and later signed with the New England Patriots, though he never appeared in an NFL game. Michael passed away from colon cancer in 2012, an event that shaped Walker’s determination to pursue a professional football career of his own.
Walker has a twin brother named Malyk, and the two shared a close upbringing in the Fresno area. His cousin is former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, further connecting the family to a tradition of professional football. Walker attended Vacaville High School, where he began developing the skills that would eventually attract college scouts.
Path to American Football
Walker began his college career at Azusa Pacific University, where he played two seasons for the Cougars. The smaller program allowed him to refine his game and earn the attention of larger college programs. After his time at Azusa Pacific, he transferred to Fresno State, returning to the city where he was born and raised to compete at the FBS level.
At Fresno State, Walker quickly established himself as one of the top defenders in the Mountain West Conference. In 2019, he recorded 91 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 pass deflections, demonstrating his ability to impact games in multiple phases. He finished his two seasons with the Bulldogs with 182 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 10 pass defenses, and 6.5 sacks, numbers that made him a prominent prospect heading into the 2020 NFL draft.
Mykal Walker Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
Walker was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He joined a defense in transition and worked to earn a role as a linebacker in the team’s rotation. Over his first two seasons, he developed into a regular contributor, learning the nuances of professional play.
One of the defining moments of Walker’s early career came in Week 14 of the 2021 season, when he intercepted a pass from Cam Newton and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown in a 29-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. The play highlighted his athleticism and nose for the football, qualities that had defined his college performance.
Atlanta Falcons Tenure (2020-2022)
During his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Walker served as a starting-caliber linebacker, logging significant snaps on defense. He was waived by the team on August 13, 2023, ending a three-year run in Atlanta. The departure opened the door to a whirlwind stretch in which Walker would join multiple franchises in a short span.
Chicago Bears Era (2023)
On August 14, 2023, the Chicago Bears claimed Walker off waivers, giving him a fresh start in the NFC North. His time in Chicago was brief, however, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, during the final stages of roster cuts.
Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers (2023)
Walker signed with the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders on September 19, 2023, and was released on October 24 of the same year. Shortly after, on October 30, 2023, he signed with the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. On November 18, he was elevated to the Steelers’ active roster, finishing the 2023 season in Pittsburgh.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
On April 2, 2024, Walker signed with the Washington Commanders, where he enjoyed his most stable season in years. Over 17 games, he finished the 2024 regular season with 21 tackles and one fumble recovery, providing dependable depth at the linebacker position for a young Commanders defense.
Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets (2025)
On March 13, 2025, Walker signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, but his journey continued quickly. On September 1, 2025, Walker was signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad, and on October 4, he was promoted to the active roster, where he currently contributes on defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Walker is recognized for his sideline-to-sideline range, sound tackling form, and ability to play in coverage. His 4.65-second 40-yard dash time, recorded during his pre-draft process, underscored his athletic profile. At the NFL level, he has shown reliability against the run while offering the versatility to drop into pass coverage when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Walker’s interception return for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in 2021 stands as one of the signature plays of his early professional career. His selection in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft, his two-time First-team All-Mountain West honors at Fresno State, and his selection as the Defensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game also stand out as defining moments that chart his rise from college standout to NFL journeyman.
Mykal Walker Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mykal Walker was raised in a family deeply connected to football. His father, Michael Walker, played for the Fresno State Bulldogs football team and signed with the New England Patriots, giving Mykal an early model of what a football career could look like. His cousin, Maurice Jones-Drew, enjoyed a long and productive career as a running back in the NFL, further reinforcing the family’s ties to the sport.
Personal Life
Mykal Walker has a twin brother, Malyk, with whom he shares a close bond. His first child, a son, was born in December 2021. Walker continues to pursue his professional football career while balancing life as a father.
2025 Season Performance
Walker’s 2025 campaign began with a one-year contract signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 13, 2025. Although he was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, the move opened the door to a quick reunion with an active roster. On September 1, he signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 4.
With the Jets, Walker has provided linebacker depth as the team navigates its season. His prior experience in multiple defensive schemes, including time with the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, has allowed him to step in and contribute quickly. His reliability on special teams and defensive rotations has made him a valuable late-season addition for New York.
Looking ahead, Walker’s versatility and proven ability to adapt to different defensive systems position him well for a meaningful role down the stretch. His journey through multiple franchises over a short span is a testament to his perseverance, and his continued presence on an active roster reflects the trust he has earned from coaching staffs across the league.