For every awe-inspiring story of anunknown player rising to stardom in the NFL, there are countless tales of careers that never got off the ground.
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for training camp, one linebacker may be set to miss out on the chance to finally make an impact.
Ravens LB Malik Hamm may be on the way out
Ravens linebacker Malik Hamm's NFL story may end up being one of what could have been.
Malik Hamm has never been highly sought after throughout his football journey. Still, at every step, he's exceeded expectations.
After a quiet high school football career, Hamm played for the Lafayette College Leopards, an FCS program. For most athletes, the story would end there. Not for Malik Hamm.
In four seasons, Hamm became Lafayette College's career sacks leader with 32 total sacks. He entered the 2023 NFL Draft with hopes of turning his impressive collegiate career into an NFL contract.
Unfortunately, Hamm would go undrafted in 2023. After being selected in the USFL Draft, he opted to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. Hamm had to face an uphill battle to make the Ravens' roster, but he did just that.
This is where Malik Hamm's story starts to take a tragic turn. Before the start of his rookie season, Hamm suffered an ankle injury that would put him on the Injured Reserve for the entire year. In 2024, disaster struck again. Hamm was placed on the IR again, this time with a knee injury.
Through two full seasons in the NFL, Malik Hamm has not played a single snap. Now, he'll have to fight to make the Ravens' roster once again.
Baltimore doesn't have a superstar edge rusher like some division rivals do, but they have underrated depth at the position. Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are the likely starters. Behind them, Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, and Adisa Isaac are likely to make the roster again. The Ravens spent a second-round draft pick on Mike Green, who should play a significant role as a rookie.
That leaves Malik Hamm with a seemingly impossible challenge. Not only have the players ahead of him proven more than he has at the NFL level, but the Ravens also spent draft capital to acquire them. General manager Eric DeCosta may be quicker to move on from a player whom he didn't draft.
Malik Hamm is the type of player fans love to root for. He's consistently defied the odds to advance his football career. Unfortunately, injuries and a crowded locker room may end his time with the Baltimore Ravens before it ever truly begins.