Malik Herring, a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has carved out a role as a reliable rotational player in the NFL despite going undrafted in 2021.
Born in Forsyth, Georgia, Herring’s journey from a four-star high school recruit to a two-time Super Bowl champion exemplifies perseverance.
This article dives into his personal life, career milestones, financial details, and more.
Malik Herring’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Al’Malik Demichia Herring |
| Born | November 9, 1997 (Forsyth, Georgia) |
| Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Height/Weight | 6’3”, 275 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (Undrafted, signed with Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Salary | $985,000 (1-year contract) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @m_herring12 (29K followers) |
Early Career
Malik Herring attended Mary Persons High School in Georgia, where he became a four-star recruit and ranked among the state’s top-20 prospects. His standout performances earned him a scholarship to the University of Georgia.
During his college career (2017–2020), Herring appeared in 50 games, recording 76 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. He earned Georgia’s “Defensive Most Improved Player” award in 2019 and served as a team captain in his senior year.
Professional Career
Despite a productive college career, Herring went undrafted in 2021 due to concerns about an ACL injury sustained before the NFL Combine. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he made his debut in 2022.
Over three seasons, Herring has become a key rotational defensive lineman, contributing to back-to-back Super Bowl victories (LVII and LVIII).
In 48 regular-season and playoff games, he has tallied 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. His resilience and adaptability have solidified his place in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme.
Malik Herring’s Net Worth Details
Malik Herring’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025, primarily accumulated through his NFL contracts.
Contract
Herring signed a 1-year, $985,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 as an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA). This deal includes no guaranteed money or performance incentives, typical for players in his role.
Previously, he inked a 3-year, $2.45 million rookie contract in 2021 after going undrafted, which included a $25,000 signing bonus and $125,000 guaranteed.
His current contract reflects the Chiefs’ trust in his versatility as a depth player, though it lacks long-term security. Herring will become a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2025, allowing Kansas City to match offers from other teams.
Salary
In 2024, Herring earns a base salary of $985,000, all of which counts against the Chiefs’ salary cap. His earnings have steadily increased since his rookie season:
- 2021: $603,333 (including a $25,000 signing bonus)
- 2022: $705,000
- 2023: $870,000
- 2024: $985,000
His lack of performance-based bonuses underscores his status as a rotational player rather than a starter
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Kansas City | $603,333 |
| 2022 | Kansas City | $705,000 |
| 2023 | Kansas City | $870,000 |
| 2024 | Kansas City | $985,000 |
| Total | $3,163,333 |
Career Stats
Here is a table summarizing Malik Herring’s NFL career stats as of February 11, 2025:
| Season | Team | GP | GS | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | 12 | 0 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 26 | 1 | 28 | 15 | 13 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Key Notes:
Malik Herring has played a total of 26 games, starting in one.
His career totals include:
- 28 tackles (15 solo, 13 assisted).
- 1.5 sacks, recorded during the 2023 season.
- 1 forced fumble and fumble recovery, both occurring in different seasons.
- 1 pass deflection, achieved in the 2023 season.
Herring joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and has been a rotational defensive player since then.
FAQs
1. What position does Malik Herring play, and which NFL team is he on?
Malik Herring is a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, wearing jersey #94. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has contributed to two Super Bowl victories (2023, 2025) during his tenure with the Chiefs.
2. Where did Malik Herring play college football?
Herring played college football at the University of Georgia, where he started as a four-star recruit. He recorded 24 quarterback pressures in his senior season and earned Georgia’s Most Improved Defensive Player honors in 2019.
3. Why wasn’t Malik Herring drafted into the NFL?
Herring suffered a torn ACL during Senior Bowl practices in 2021, which caused him to go undrafted. Despite the setback, he signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and rehabilitated to become a key rotational player.
4. How has Malik Herring performed in the NFL statistically?
In his NFL career (2021–2024), Herring has tallied 28 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. His 2023 season included 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble across seven games.
5. What is Malik Herring’s current contract status?
Herring signed a 1-year, $985,000 contract with the Chiefs for the 2024 season. His career earnings total over $3.1 million, including $985,000 in base salary for 2024.
6. How did Malik Herring overcome his ACL injury?
With support from his mother, Sabrina Watts-Mays, Herring rehabbed his ACL injury and earned a roster spot with the Chiefs. His perseverance led to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and a role as a rotational defensive lineman.
7. What role does Malik Herring play on the Chiefs’ defense?
Herring serves as a rotational defensive end, specializing in pass-rush situations. His versatility allows him to play both defensive tackle and edge rusher, leveraging his quick first step and strength to pressure quarterbacks.
8. What accolades has Malik Herring achieved in the NFL?
Herring has earned two Super Bowl rings (2023, 2025) with the Chiefs. He also recorded a career-high five tackles in Week 18 of the 2023 season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
9. Who are Malik Herring’s parents?
Herring’s mother is Sabrina Watts-Mays, a traffic manager who supported him through his injury recovery. His father is Leny Herring, though details about him are less publicly documented.
10. What is Malik Herring’s long-term NFL outlook?
At 27 years old, Herring remains a developmental player with upside. His ability to disrupt plays and adaptability across defensive positions positions him as a valuable depth piece for the Chiefs’ championship-caliber defense.
