Markus Bailey

Markus Bailey's Biography

Markus LaJuan Bailey marks nigh on three decades in the world, having first drawn breath on March 7, 1997. Hailing from the United States, Bailey paths the course of his life with fervor for football, leading him to the professional dimension of the sport. As of the moment, Bailey is showcasing his skills as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, a prominent team in the National Football League (NFL).

Bailey’s affiliation with football started from his formative years, evolving into a passionate pursuit as time progressed. His high school alma mater, Hilliard Davidson, can share a testament of his early talents, shaping his transformative years as an aspiring athlete. Upon venturing into the critical phase of selecting his college, Bailey made the decision of choosing Purdue University on July 13, 2014. Purdue emerged victorious among a pool of esteemed universities vying for Bailey’s commitment, namely, Akron, Duke, Indiana, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia. Despite the looming possibility, Ohio State failed to extend an offer, leaving it as an elusive option.

Purdue’s football team became Bailey’s figurative second home, albeit his initial journey came with bumps on the road. During his true freshman season, Bailey experienced a significant hindrance with a torn ACL – sidelining him from the field. However, true to his resilient spirit, Bailey sprung back as a formidable force in his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons, garnering consistent starts in all 13 games.

Aside from his contributions in every match, Bailey also claimed academic success in Purdue. Integrated in his achievements was his inclusion in the all-Academic Big Ten for three consecutive years—specifically, in his redshirt freshman year, sophomore, and junior seasons.

After his remarkable stint during his junior season, Bailey has been recognized as the second-team all-Big Ten, an honor extended by his coaches. The media followed with the recognition by placing him in the third-team all-Big Ten. Bailey’s prowess radiated brighter on the field with recurring captaincy, holding the role during his junior and senior seasons. Unfortunately, despite the promising continuum, his senior season met an abrupt halt with a knee injury incurred after the first two games.

The next chapter of Bailey’s journey began with the 2020 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals perceived potential in Bailey, grazing his name as their 215th overall pick in the seventh round. However, circumstances led Bailey’s name to be placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 27, 2020. Wading the tides, he was reinstated in the active roster a few days after, specifically on August 2nd.

Players tread on a dynamic path, thereby equally reflecting Bailey’s progressive phases. By 2024, Bailey penned a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals dated May 7. Despite being released later that on August 27, Bailey found his connection intact with the Cardinals when he signed back to join the practice squad.

As Bailey strides forward, each step demonstrates his adamancy to his craft, embodying the nuances of determination, resilience, and passion. Encapsulating these virtues allows Markus LaJuan Bailey to continue his trajectory, not merely as a football linebacker, but a credit to the sport.