Michigan State Football: Malik McDowell may never play NFL snap
Former Michigan State defensive lineman standout Malik McDowell suffered a serious injury off the field as a rookie and may never play an NFL snap.
When five-star defensive end Malik McDowell committed to Michigan State on 2014 National Signing Day, he became a focus of everyone’s attention. He bypassed his mother’s wishes and picked Michigan State despite the fact that she may have wanted him to consider a different school.
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McDowell’s mother eventually supported his decision and signed off on his decision, making him a Spartan, officially, after signing day had passed.
From day one, he was a special player. He had 13 tackles, 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks as a true freshman, but his presence was felt. He was a massive lineman and caused problems up front for opponents even if he wasn’t making the tackles — he caught everyone’s attention.
As a sophomore, he broke out with 41 tackles, 13 for loss and 4.5 sacks. That set up a high-expectation laden junior season. He was considered a potential top-five draft pick, but he said he’d only leave if that were the case after his junior year.
Unfortunately, his junior season didn’t go as planned as the Spartans went 3-9 and he couldn’t seem to stay healthy long enough to earn a spot in the top-five. He still decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
The Seahawks drafted him early in the second round based off potential, using their first selection in the draft on a potential project with elite talent. Before his rookie season could even get off the ground, he was involved in an off-field accident, involving an ATV, which has caused some long-term damage.
How bad is it? Well, he may never play football in the NFL, per Charles Robinson.
As the process goes forward, we’ll learn more about the injuries suffered by #Seahawks Malik McDowell. Team has been careful to keep everything under wraps. Extensive brain/eye trauma. It was clear from the moment of injury that it was an extremely long shot he’d ever play again.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) April 17, 2018
An “extreme long shot he’d ever play again” after suffering “extensive” brain/eye trauma. That’s the last thing you want to hear about a kid who had the potential to be a star at the next level.
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The Seahawks are expected to cut McDowell, per reports, and it seems as if his football playing days could be limited, if not over for good.