“I’m Not Supposed to Be Here”—How Malik Heath Survived a Crash, Scandal, and Still Made NFL History

“I’m Not Supposed to Be Here”—How Malik Heath Survived a Crash, Scandal, and Still Made NFL History

Malik Heath’s path to the NFL was never easy. It was bruised by scandal, nearly ended by tragedy, and shaped by a relentless will to survive. And yet, on opening day of the 2023 NFL season, he stepped onto the field as a Green Bay Packer—making history as the first undrafted rookie wide receiver to start in Week 1 since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. For a man who once said, “I’m not supposed to be here,” Malik Heath is proving that grit can overcome the impossible.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 31, 2000, Heath was raised in a tough environment where football offered a rare escape. The son of a former Jackson State University tight end, he inherited both talent and pressure. At Callaway High School, he was electric—racking up over 1,800 receiving yards his senior year and earning a spot in the Under Armour All-America Game. But success on the field didn’t shield him from turmoil off it.

His college years were rocky. After beginning at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Heath transferred to Mississippi State, only to face immediate challenges—including a DUI arrest in 2020 and involvement in a postgame brawl that stained his reputation. While he showed flashes of brilliance on the field, many doubted if he could mature enough to reach the NFL. 

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In December 2021, Heath was involved in a horrific car crash that nearly claimed his life. He suffered a double lung collapse, ruptured liver, and multiple broken ribs. Airlifted to Memphis, he was unconscious for 15 minutes. When he awoke, he slapped himself to make sure he wasn’t paralyzed. The near-death experience forced Heath to reevaluate everything—from his priorities to his purpose.

“I had to grow up,” he later said. More than just an athlete, Heath is also a father. His son, born in 2019, became the driving force behind his comeback. Every step of rehab, every practice rep, was done with his child in mind.

In 2022, Heath transferred to Ole Miss for a final shot—and he delivered. Leading the team with 60 receptions for 971 yards and five touchdowns, he reminded scouts of his potential. Still, a slow 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine saw him go undrafted. But the Green Bay Packers gave him a chance, and Heath seized it.

Making the 53-man roster, he went on to play 13 games in 2023, catching 15 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s his physicality, fearlessness, and emotional journey that have made him a fan favorite in Green Bay.

Malik Heath’s story isn’t just one of football—it’s one of redemption, resilience, and rewriting destiny. For a man who nearly lost it all, wearing a Packers jersey is more than a uniform—it’s a symbol of survival. And as fans chant his name, he carries with him every scar, every lesson, and a reminder to us all:

You can fall hard. But you can rise harder.