Mario Addison

BIOGRAPHY

Mario Addison, born on September 6, 1987, is a towering American football defensive end, recognized for the formidable presence he brings to the field. Currently a free agent, Addison’s ability to seamlessly adjust his roles throughout his career, moving through various positions, has come to define his career and contributes to his uniquely versatile playing style.

Born and raised just outside Birmingham, Alabama, his athletic journey began in Tarrant High School, where he was actively engaged in both football and basketball for four years. Showing early signs of a talent for versatility, he was initially a running back and later moved to the quarterback position. A broken hand eventually led him to switch roles yet again, to the defensive end where he would make his name.

His graduation led him to the Northeast Mississippi Community College before he moved on to Troy University two years later. His first year in Troy was bookmarked by a redshirt season, with 2009 unlocking his first milestones as a reserve defensive end. He was entrusted with playing all 13 games of the season, where his performances showed enough promise for the coaches to acknowledge his potential.

Indeed, they were proven right during his senior season in 2010. Addison bloomed into a key player for Troy, recording 10.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Despite the accolades, including being named to the All-Sun Belt Second-team, his name remained untouched in the NFL drafts. Regardless, his performances were convincing enough to catch the eyes of the Chicago Bears.

His professional journey started with the Chicago Bears, signing him as an undrafted free agent on July 26, 2011. However, it was a short-lived spell, and he was cut from the squad that November to make space for veteran players. His contracts in the next two years jumped between the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Redskins, stints where he mostly spent on the reserve list.

A turn came in December 2012 when the Carolina Panthers signed him off the Redskins’ practice squad. Addision would spend eight seasons with the Panthers, marking his longest run with a single team. The years saw him transform into a significant asset for the defensive line, peaking in 2016 where he led the team with 9.5 sacks.

Even with such achievement, his best was yet to come. The 2019 season saw him outperform himself, sacking the Arizona Cardinals’ rookie quarterback Kyler Murray thrice in a victorious 38-20 match, followed by two more against the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson the next week, pushing for a 16-10 win.

After a year of solid performances and key contributions, he signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2020. The signing was particularly significant since it reunited him with the head coach Sean McDermott, who coached him during his time at the Panthers. His time in Buffalo was highlighted by a significant play during the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, where he sacked Tyler Huntley, contributing to a glorious 17-3 win.

His journey then took him to the Houston Texans in May 2022. Though interrupted by an injury that led him to be placed on injured reserve, his time with the Texans was marked by his infectious resilience, evident when he was activated again that October. However, he was released from the team on March 16, 2023.

Outside of his professional commitments, Addison remains strongly associated with the Rho Delta Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Troy University and is known for his Christian faith. In his personal life, he has endured a significant loss when his brother, Gjamal Antonio Rodriqcus, was tragically shot and killed on October 30, 2019.

In spite of this, Addison continues to focus on his career, proving to his opponents and teammates alike that he is a powerful force to be reckoned with. Come rain or shine, he continues to charge onto the field, remaining an inspiration for many young athletes on and off the field.