Malik Hooker has been a long-tenured Dallas Cowboys defensive player amid frequent roster and coaching transitions. He is among the few remaining players who worked under Mike Zimmer in 2024 and previously under Dan Quinn. Hooker’s NFL path began with high expectations after being selected 15th overall by the Colts in 2017, but injuries disrupted his development. Surgeries delayed his pre-draft process, recovery reduced offseason workout time, and a groin injury occurred on the first day of training camp. A shoulder injury limited him to one preseason game, and he missed significant time before taking over a starting role. A major knee injury ended his rookie season early, followed by a torn Achilles in 2020. After the Colts declined his option and did not re-sign him, he rehabbed and later joined the Cowboys in 2021.
"Ahead of the 2020 season, Indianapolis declined its fifth-year option on Hooker for 2021 but still kept him as the starter for the final year of his rookie deal. In just Week 2, Hooker's season ended with a torn Achilles. Unsurprisingly, the Colts did not re-sign Hooker in 2021 free agency. He remained unsigned throughout that spring, focusing on his rehab and trying to get his body right for whichever team gave him an opportunity. That ended up being the Cowboys, who signed him right as their trainin"
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