DeMarcus Walker

DeMarcus Walker's Biography

DeMarcus Walker, currently celebrated as a pivotal defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL), was born on September 30, 1994. His journey to professional football is a dynamic tale of hard work, perseverance, and defying expectations. This narrative traces his transition from a high school footballer in Jacksonville, Florida to one of the most formidable NFL players in the heart of the United States.

DeMarcus’s first touch of the football started at Sandalwood High School in his hometown. During that time, he was known for his promising talent and committed to the University of Alabama, an institution reputable for its robust football program. However, in a critical and life-altering decision, Walker switched his commitment to Florida State University.

His freshman year at Florida State in 2013 initiated a highly distinguished college football career. Displaying his competitive spirit and athletic prowess, Walker played in 12 games, of which he made three starts, and completed the year with 18 tackles and one sack. Courageously taking the challenge, his sophomore year witnessed him playing in all 14 games, marking 11 starts, recording an impressive 38 tackles and one sack. His progress did not stop in 2015. As a junior, he started in all 13 games, escalating his statistics with 58 tackles and a staggering 10.5 sacks. From an untapped freshman to a seasoned junior, his performance on the gridiron continued to gain momentum.

However, the highlight of his college career came during his senior season in 2016. Walker delivered a memorable moment during his first match, managing to record 4.5 sacks. Even more iconic was his performance against Miami, an in-state rival, where he blocked Miami’s game-tying PAT, securing FSU’s 7th consecutive win. This feat has since been emblazoned in the annals of college football history as the “Block at the Rock.”

Post his phenomenal college career, Walker was invited to the NFL Combine—an annual event that offers an opportunity for players to demonstrate their skills and physical prowess. Despite this offer, he chose to perform only the bench press while recording a respectable 18 reps. Walker decided to skip the other combine drills, expressing his desire to spend more time getting into better shape. This determination for self-improvement was well rewarded. On Florida State’s Pro Day, he conclusively completied all the combine drills.

Following his impressive displays, draft experts and analysts predicted Walker would be selected in the second or third round of the NFL draft. Walker was ranked the 10th best defensive end by NFLDraftScout.com, the 15th best by Sports Illustrated, and 11th best by ESPN, clearly testifying to his consistency and potential.

In the 2017 NFL draft, Walker’s wait was finally over when the Denver Broncos selected him in the second round, as the overall 51st player, in May 2017. Following the selection, the team signed Walker to a rewarding four-year contract valued at $5.07 million, with $2.52 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.83 million.

Tragedy, however, struck in his 2020 campaign when Walker sustained a calf injury in September. The significant setback led to him being placed on injured reserve but led to a triumphant return in late October.

As his Broncos contract came to a conclusion, Walker found a new home with the Houston Texans in April 2021. Unfortunately, history repeated itself when he was placed on injured reserve again in December, but he managed to return to field partially in late 2022. His engagement with the Texans ended the following year.

In May 2022, Walker’s career took a leap forward when he signed with the Tennessee Titans. During his stint with the Titans, Walker played an impressive 17 games, starting in 6, recording 32 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 7 sacks.

As of March 15, 2023, Walker turned another page in his football career by signing a robust three-year, $21 million contract with the Chicago Bears, adding another illustrious chapter to his gripping professional journey in the NFL.