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Al-Quadin Muhammad
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Al-Quadin Muhammad
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Al-Quadin Muhammad (born March 28, 1995) is an American professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

A native of Irvington, New Jersey,[1] Muhammad attended Paterson Catholic High School in Paterson, New Jersey, but the school closed after his freshman year, and he then transferred to Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he was a four-star defensive end, ranked as the No. 1 NFL prospect in New Jersey.[2]

College career

[edit]

In 2013, Muhammad committed to the University of Miami. As a freshman he played in five games, making 6 tackles and 2.0 sacks. Muhammad was handed a season-long suspension for an altercation involving a former roommate after Miami's spring game; he missed the entire 2014 season. In 2015, he played in 12 games and finished the season with 54 tackles, 8.5 for loss and 5.0 sacks. But Muhammad missed the 2016 season after he was suspended and later dismissed from the football program along with teammate Jermaine Grace for his role in a luxury rental car scandal that violated NCAA rules.[3]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+1⁄2 in
(1.92 m)		 253 lb
(115 kg)		 33+1⁄4 in
(0.84 m)		 9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.75 s 1.65 s 2.71 s 4.38 s 7.25 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)		 9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)		 22 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[4][5][6]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Muhammad was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round, 196th overall, in the 2017 NFL draft.[7][8] He debuted for the Saints in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings. Muhammad made four appearances for New Orleans during his rookie campaign, recording one combined tackle.

On September 1, 2018, Muhammad was waived by the Saints as a part of final roster cuts.[9]

Indianapolis Colts

[edit]

On September 2, 2018, Muhammad was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts.[10] He was waived by the Colts on October 4, and was subsequently re-signed to the team's practice squad.[11][12] Muhammad was promoted to the active roster on October 13.[13]

In Week 10 of the 2020 season against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football, Muhammad was ejected from the game after punching offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo.[14]

Muhammad re-signed with the Colts on April 1, 2021.[15]

Chicago Bears

[edit]

On March 20, 2022, Muhammad signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears.[16]

He was released on February 21, 2023.[17]

Indianapolis Colts (second stint)

[edit]

On July 25, 2023, Muhammad signed a one-year contract with the Colts.[18] He was released on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad.[19][20] On December 6, 2023, Muhammad was suspended for six games without pay by the NFL for violating the NFL’s policy on Performance Enhancing Drugs.[21] He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and thus became a free agent upon the expiration of his contract.[22]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

On August 1, 2024, Muhammad signed with the Dallas Cowboys.[23] He was released on August 28.[24]

Detroit Lions

[edit]

On October 7, 2024, Muhammad signed with the Detroit Lions practice squad.[25] He was promoted to the active roster on November 9.[26] In 9 appearances (2 starts) for Detroit, Muhammad logged 1 pass deflection, 3.0 sacks, and 11 combined tackles.

On March 19, 2025, Muhammad re-signed with the Lions.[27] In Week 14, Muhammad recorded three sacks, three tackles, three tackles for loss, and four QB hits in a 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Al-Quadin Muhammad

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Al-Quadin Muhammad (born March 28, 1995) is an American professional football for the of the (). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, he plays primarily as an , known for his pass-rushing ability and rotational contributions on the defensive line. A native of , Muhammad entered the league when he was selected by the in the sixth round (196th overall) of the after a college career at the , where he recorded 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks over two seasons (2013 and 2015). Muhammad began his NFL journey by signing with the , appearing in four games as a in 2017 before being waived. He then joined the in 2018, where he established himself as a reliable depth player, spending four seasons (2018–2021) and contributing to a playoff run in 2020 with 16 games played and 2 sacks that year. In 2022, he signed with the , playing 16 games with 9 starts and recording 29 tackles and 1 sack, showcasing his versatility in run defense and . He signed with the Colts again in 2023 but was released prior to the season without playing any games and briefly joined the ' before signing with the Lions in 2024, where he has since become a key rotational piece on a contending defense. Over his career through the 2025 season, Muhammad has played in 103 games with 36 starts, accumulating 184 tackles (121 solo), 21 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery. His 2025 performance with the Lions has been particularly strong, including 6 sacks through 10 games (as of November 19, 2025) and a career-high pass-rush grade, helping anchor a defense that has propelled the team toward contention as of that date. Despite early challenges, including a college suspension in 2014, Muhammad has developed into a seasoned valued for his and ability to disrupt quarterbacks.

Early life

High school career

Al-Quadin Muhammad was born on March 28, 1995, in . He began his high school football career at Paterson Catholic High School in , but transferred to in , after Paterson Catholic closed at the end of his freshman year. At Don Bosco Prep, a nationally recognized football powerhouse, Muhammad developed as a weakside under coach Greg Toal. He also participated in during his high school years. As a junior, Muhammad earned All-Bergen County honors for his performance on the defensive line. In the summer of 2011, he was named MVP at the football camp, showcasing his pass-rushing skills. During his senior year in , he recorded 12 sacks and forced four fumbles, contributing to Don Bosco Prep's strong defensive output and earning him First Team All-State recognition. Muhammad's standout high school play led to his selection as a US Army All-American. He was rated as a four-star recruit by , , , and Scout, positioning him as one of the top prospects in the class of 2013 and drawing widespread college interest that culminated in his commitment to the .

Family background

Al-Quadin Muhammad was born on March 28, 1995, and raised in the Newark area of , including time spent in the neighboring town of Irvington, within a working-class family environment marked by urban challenges. He is one of four brothers raised by his mother. Public details about his parents remain limited, though his mother, Michelle Epps, a former track star at Vailsburg High School and later a teacher there, played a pivotal role in shaping his character. Epps instilled a strict family rule emphasizing perseverance: "If you start something, you finish it," which Muhammad has credited with fostering his determination amid the tough neighborhood dynamics. The urban setting of Newark and Irvington exposed Muhammad to early life challenges, including a rough environment that demanded resilience and toughness to navigate daily realities. In interviews, he has reflected on this upbringing as formative, tattooing "" on his body to symbolize the demanding that built his inner strength and drive. Epps's influence extended to encouraging completion of commitments, which indirectly supported his transition between high schools and pursuit of football as a pathway forward. His brothers include Luther Muhammad, a former player at Ohio State. Muhammad became a father at age 17, welcoming his son, Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr., around 2012; as of 2025, the boy is 13 years old and serves as a profound motivator in his life. Their close bond was publicly highlighted following the ' clinching of the NFC's No. 1 seed in a January 2025 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, when Muhammad Jr. joined his in the locker room for an emotional post-game moment, underscoring the personal stakes behind Muhammad's professional resilience.

College career

University of Miami

Al-Quadin Muhammad committed to the in January 2013 as a highly regarded recruit from in . As a true freshman in 2013, he appeared in five games, contributing 6 tackles (5 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, primarily in pass-rushing situations. He missed the 2014 season due to a suspension stemming from an off-campus altercation, preserving a year of eligibility. Muhammad emerged as a key rotational player in during his redshirt sophomore year, appearing in 12 of Miami's 13 games with 5 starts at . He recorded 54 tackles (34 solo, 20 assisted), leading the team with 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks, while adding 1 forced fumble and 1 pass deflection. His breakout performance highlighted his explosive first step and ability to disrupt quarterbacks, as evidenced by standout games like the 30-21 win over , where he tallied 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and his first career forced fumble. Disciplinary issues had previously restricted his availability and development, limiting him to situational roles early in his career. Over his two active seasons at (2013 and 2015), Muhammad amassed 60 tackles (39 solo), 11.0 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks, establishing himself as a productive edge defender despite inconsistent opportunities. Entering the , he measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 253 pounds at the NFL Combine, with scouts viewing him as a high-upside developmental due to his athletic traits and pass-rush potential, though his raw technique and limited starting experience tempered expectations.

Academic and disciplinary issues

During his time at the , Al-Quadin Muhammad encountered significant academic and disciplinary challenges that affected his eligibility and participation in football. In September 2014, Muhammad was suspended from the university for the entire fall semester due to an off-campus altercation with his roommate, which resulted in the roommate suffering a broken . This disciplinary action, imposed above the athletic department level, prevented him from attending classes or participating in team activities, causing him to miss the entire 2014 football season and delaying his on-field development. Muhammad returned to the team in 2015 after serving the suspension but faced further setbacks. He was suspended for the season opener that year due to a violation of team rules, though he played in 12 games overall. These earlier incidents contributed to a pattern of off-field issues that limited his consistency and exposure as a prospect. In August 2016, Muhammad was permanently dismissed from the football program along with teammate Jermaine Grace for violating NCAA rules by accepting impermissible benefits. The investigation centered on their involvement in a involving free or discounted luxury rental cars from an exotic car dealer, in exchange for potential future representation or other favors. As a result, Muhammad did not play during the 2016 season, his intended senior year, further hindering his college production and athletic progression. Following the dismissal, reports indicated he briefly considered transferring to another program, but he ultimately entered the without additional college gameplay. These disciplinary matters collectively restricted Muhammad to 17 games over two seasons at (2013 and 2015), stunting his statistical output and lowering his draft projection from a potential early-round pick to the sixth round. The off-field challenges overshadowed his raw talent and contributed to perceptions of risk among scouts.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints

Al-Quadin Muhammad was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round (196th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $2,550,467, including a signing bonus of $150,467. As a rookie in 2017, Muhammad appeared in four games for the Saints without any starts, primarily contributing on special teams and in limited rotational snaps on defense. He recorded one assisted tackle during the season, with no sacks or other significant defensive contributions. His limited role reflected the adjustment challenges for a late-round pick from a program where he had shown pass-rushing potential in college. On September 1, 2018, the waived Muhammad as part of final roster cuts, ending his brief tenure with the team. He experienced no major injuries during his time with New Orleans and had no standout plays that impacted games.

Indianapolis Colts (first stint)

Muhammad was claimed off waivers by the from the on September 2, 2018, providing him his initial opportunity in the after being waived by New Orleans earlier that year. He remained with the through the duration of his rookie contract, which extended through the 2021 season. In his first season with in 2018, Muhammad appeared in 15 games with 4 starts, recording 28 tackles and 0 sacks as a rotational . The following year, 2019, he played all 16 games with 4 starts, tallying 28 tackles and 3 sacks while continuing to develop in a backup role. In 2020, Muhammad played all 16 games with 0 starts, posting 23 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, contributing to the Colts' defense during their 11-5 regular season that culminated in a playoff appearance; he appeared in the wild card game with 1.5 tackles and 1 sack. In , he appeared in all 17 games with 17 starts, registering 48 tackles and 6 sacks. Over his first stint with spanning four seasons, Muhammad accumulated 127 tackles and 11 sacks, transitioning from a reserve player to a full-time starter in .

Chicago Bears

On March 20, 2022, Muhammad signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Chicago Bears, reuniting with head coach Matt Eberflus from his previous tenure with the Indianapolis Colts and positioning him as a key rotational edge rusher to bolster the defensive line. In the 2022 season, Muhammad appeared in all 16 games for the Bears, making nine starts while sharing snaps primarily with Trevis Gipson. He recorded 29 total tackles (15 solo), one sack, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble, with his sack occurring in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders during a 12-7 loss. Building on his prior experience with Eberflus's defensive scheme, Muhammad logged between 26 and 50 defensive snaps per game, often contributing in run defense with multiple-tackle outings, including five combined tackles (all assisted) in Week 4 against the New York Giants. Muhammad's performance drew criticism amid the Bears' overall pass-rush struggles, as the unit ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks despite his rotational role. The Bears released him on February 21, 2023, freeing up cap space before the second year of his deal and marking the end of his one-season stint in .

Indianapolis Colts (second stint)

On July 25, 2023, the Indianapolis Colts signed defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year contract to bolster their edge rusher depth following his release from the Chicago Bears earlier that year. Intended as a rotational player drawing on his prior experience with the team from 2018 to 2021, Muhammad participated in training camp and preseason activities. He appeared in all three preseason games, recording four tackles and no sacks while competing for a roster spot. Despite his efforts, Muhammad was waived by the Colts on August 29, 2023, as part of final roster cuts but was re-signed to the team's the following day, where he remained through the early part of the regular season without seeing game action. On December 6, 2023, the suspended Muhammad for six games without pay for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. The suspension covered the Colts' final five regular-season games and one potential playoff game; since did not qualify for the postseason, the remaining one game carried over to the 2024 season. Muhammad's second stint with the Colts was ultimately short-lived and unproductive due to the disciplinary issue, as he did not appear in any regular-season games. The team placed him on the reserve/suspended list following the announcement, limiting his contributions to duties before the ban. He was released by on March 5, 2024, entering free agency with the lingering suspension affecting his immediate availability.

Dallas Cowboys

On August 1, 2024, following his availability as a after a second stint with the , Al-Quadin Muhammad signed a one-year contract with the to bolster depth in the wake of Sam Williams' season-ending ACL injury. During training camp, Muhammad impressed coaches with his pass-rush technique in drills, earning praise for his veteran presence. He appeared in all three preseason games, logging limited snaps totaling 97 downs and recording 3 tackles, including a shared half-sack against the and a key third-down pressure versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Muhammad's six-game suspension for violating the NFL's 2023 had been lifted on August 2, 2024, prior to his participation, with no further impact on his availability. Despite his contributions, Muhammad was released on August 28, 2024, during the ' final roster cuts, highlighting the team's ongoing search for reliable veteran depth without securing him a regular-season role.

Detroit Lions

Muhammad joined the on October 7, 2024, signing to their after being released by the earlier that year, which opened his path to free agency. He was elevated to the active roster on November 9, 2024, and went on to appear in nine games with two starts during the 2024 season, recording 11 tackles (eight solo), three sacks, four tackles for loss, and five hits. The Lions re-signed Muhammad to a one-year contract in March 2025, with a base salary of $1.255 million. Through Week 11 of the 2025 season, as of November 16, he has appeared in 10 games with 16 tackles (10 solo), six sacks, four tackles for loss, and 12 hits, marking a career-best start under new defensive line coach . In 2025, Muhammad was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week following a standout performance. During this period, Muhammad has transitioned into a hybrid linebacker/edge role, enhancing his versatility on the defensive front. He has avoided any further disciplinary issues since joining . Key highlights in 2025 include multi-sack performances early in the season, such as 2.5 sacks against the in Week 3, where he also generated multiple pressures. These contributions have bolstered the Lions' strong defensive line amid their playoff push. Through the 2025 season, Muhammad's total career stand at $13.75 million.

References

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