 Golden in the 2017 NFL preseason | |||||||||||||||||
| No. 44 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Position | Linebacker | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1991-03-13)March 13, 1991 (age 34) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 260 lb (118 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||
| High school | Affton (Affton, Missouri) | ||||||||||||||||
| College |
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| NFL draft | 2015: 2nd round, 58th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||
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Markus Golden (born March 13, 1991) is an American former professionalfootball player who was alinebacker in theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theMissouri Tigers and was selected by theArizona Cardinals in the second round of the2015 NFL draft. Golden has also played for theNew York Giants andPittsburgh Steelers.
Golden was a record-settingrunning back andlinebacker atAffton High School. His junior season saw him record a school-record 168tackles and 16sacks, while he also ran for 1,139 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a senior, he ran for a record 2,264 yards and 30touchdowns while also making 108 tackles and 10 sacks.
As a freshman atHutchinson, Golden made 90 tackles, including 26tackles for loss and 10 sacks, to go with five forcedfumbles and a pair ofinterceptions. Hutchinson lost toButler Community College in the regular season and the KJCCC championship. The 2011 Butler team was led byDallas Cowboys defensive endDeMarcus Lawrence.
Despite joining Missouri's team late due to clearinghouse issues, Golden was still able to provide a nice impact, playing in all 12 games (primarily onspecial teams) and made 10 tackles while forcing one fumble in all. He was also a major performer on various special teams units.
As a junior in 2013, Golden played about 40% of the snaps behindKony Ealy andMichael Sam and led MU ends with 55 tackles on the year, and added 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks with 8passes broken up.[1]
Golden entered his senior season as one of the premier pass rushers in the nation. He lived up to the hype, recording 21 tackles and 4 sacks in the first three games before a hamstring injury slowed him down and also kept him out of the game vs. Indiana. Despite this, he still finished the season with 78 tackles and 10 sacks on the season. He and teammateShane Ray became the first Missouri teammates to both record double digit sacks in the same season.
On December 24, 2014, it was announced that Golden had accepted his invitation to play in the2015 Senior Bowl.[2] Throughout Senior Bowl practices, he impressed scouts and team representatives with his ability to get to thequarterback.[3] On January 24, 2015, Golden played in theReese's Senior Bowl and made one tackle for a four-yard loss as he played forJacksonville Jaguars head coachGus Bradley's South team that lost 34–13 to the North. He was one of 54defensive linemen to attend theNFL Scouting Combine inIndianapolis, Indiana. Golden ran the40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash before suffering ahamstring injury that kept him from completing the rest of the combine drills. A previous hand injury also made him unable to do thebench press and he finished 19th among his position group in the 40-yard dash.[4] On March 19, 2015, Golden opted to attend Missouri'spro day, along withShane Ray,Marcus Murphy,Bud Sasser,Mitch Morse, and nine other prospects. He performed all of the combine drills and bested his times in the 40-yard dash (4.77s), 20-yard dash (2.77s), and 10-yard dash (1.71s) from the combine. Team representatives and scouts from 30 NFL teams attended, includingPittsburgh Steelers head coachMike Tomlin and assistant coaches fromBaltimore Ravens and theNew England Patriots.[5] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Golden was projected byNFL draft experts and scouts to be a third to fifth round pick. He was ranked the ninth best defensive end prospect by NFL analystCharles Davis, was ranked the 12th best defensive end by NFL analystMike Mayock, and was ranked the 14th bestoutside linebacker in the draft by DraftScout.com.[6][7][8]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft2+3⁄8 in (1.89 m) | 260 lb (118 kg) | 31+1⁄8 in (0.79 m) | 10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) | 4.90 s | 1.68 s | 2.81 s | 4.59 s | 7.39 s | 28+1⁄2 in (0.72 m) | 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) | 17 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine[9] | ||||||||||||
TheArizona Cardinals selected Golden in the second round (58th overall) of the2015 NFL draft.[10] The Cardinals originally owned the No. 55 overall pick and had long-planned to draftNebraska running backAmeer Abdullah, but he was selected by theDetroit Lions the pick prior (54th overall). They decided to trade their second round pick (55th overall) to the Ravens in exchange for the Ravens' second round pick (58th overall) and a fifth round pick (158th overall). The Ravens selectedMinnesota tight endMaxx Williams and the Cardinals opted to selectDavid Johnson in the third round (86th overall).[11][12] He was the sixth outside linebacker and the first of two outside linebackers selected by the Cardinals, beforeShaquille Riddick (158th overall).
On May 14, 2015, the Cardinals signed Golden to a four-year, $3.91 million contract that includes $1.72 million guaranteed and asigning bonus of $1.10 million.[13]
Throughouttraining camp, Golden competed againstAlex Okafor,Lorenzo Alexander,LaMarr Woodley,Shaquille Riddick, andAlani Fua for a job as the starting outside linebacker.[14] Head coachBruce Arians named Golden the backup strongside linebacker behind LaMarr Woodley to begin the regular season.[15]
He made his professional regular season debut in the Cardinals' season-opener against theNew Orleans Saints and recorded three combined tackles during their 31–19 victory. He made his first career tackle onKhiry Robinson after he ran for a three-yard gain in the third quarter.[16] The following week, he had one assisted tackle and had his first career sack during a 48–23 victory at theChicago Bears. He made his first career sack withKareem Martin as they both brought down Chicago Bears' quarterbackJimmy Clausen for a ten-yard loss in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.[17] On October 18, 2015, Golden made his first career start and recorded a season-high six combined tackles during a 25–13 loss at the Steelers. He started the next three games after starting weakside linebackerAlex Okafor suffered a calf injury and was ruled inactive.[18] In Week 11, Golden collected three solo tackles and made his first career solo sack onCincinnati BengalsquarterbackAndy Dalton in their 34–31 victory. Golden missed the Cardinals' Week 17 loss to theSeattle Seahawks after suffering a knee injury.[19] He finished his rookie season with 31 combined tackles (21 solo) and four sacks in 15 games and six starts.[20]
The Cardinals finished the 2015 season atop theNational Football Conference (NFC) West with a 13–3 record and received a playoff berth. On January 16, 2016, Golden received started his first career playoff game after Alex Okafor suffered a toe injury that managed to sideline him for the entire playoffs. He made three combined tackles during their 26–20overtime victory over theGreen Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional round. The following game, he made seven combined tackles as the Cardinals were routed 49–15 in theNFC Championship to theCarolina Panthers. He finished his rookie season with 31 combined tackles (21 solo), four sacks, and two forced fumbles in 15 games and six starts.[21]
Golden entered training camp competing with Alex Okafor for the role as the starting outside linebacker.[22] He was named the starting weakside linebacker to begin the regular season, opposite newly acquired teammateChandler Jones.[23]
He started the Cardinals' season-opener against the Patriots and made two solo tackles and sackedJimmy Garoppolo in their 23–21 loss.[24] In Week 3, he made his first official start of the season and collected six combined tackles and 1 sack onBuffalo Bills quarterbackTyrod Taylor during a 33–18 loss.[25] On October 6, 2016, Golden recorded a career-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) and made two sacks onBlaine Gabbert as the Cardinals defeated theSan Francisco 49ers 33–21.[26] It marked Golden's first career multi-sack game. In week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks, he sackedRussell Wilson twice in the 34–31 victory. On January 1, 2017, he made four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and a season-high 2.5 sacks onJared Goff, as the Cardinals routed theLos Angeles Rams 44–6. Golden finished the season with 51 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pass deflection in 16 games and three starts.[27]
He led the Cardinals with 12.5 sacks and finished third in the entire league. Golden and Chandler Jones became the first Arizona Cardinals duo to both finish with a double-digit sack total since 1984. Chandler Jones had 11 sacks and they combined for 22.5 total sacks.[28] The Cardinals did not receive a playoff berth after finishing with a 7–8–1 record and ended their season second in the NFC West in 2016.
Golden entered 2017 slated as the starting weakside linebacker after having a stellar season in 2016. On September 17, 2017, Golden recorded a season-high four combined tackles in a 16–13 victory at theIndianapolis Colts. On October 1, 2017, Golden collected three solo tackles before leaving the game due to injury as the Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18–15. The following day, it was discovered Golden had suffered atorn ACL and was ruled out for the season.[29] He finished the season with 11 solo tackles in four games and four starts. The Cardinals finished third in the NFC West with an 8–8 record.[30]
In 2018, Golden started 11 games, recording 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
On March 14, 2019, Golden signed a one-year deal worth $3,750,000 contract with theNew York Giants.[31]In week 3 against theTampa Bay Buccaneers, Golden recorded 2 sacks onJameis Winston in the 32-31 win.[32]In week 6 against the Patriots, Golden recovered a fumble forced by teammate Lorenzo Carter onTom Brady and returned the ball for a 42 yard touchdown in the 35–14 loss.[33] He finished the year with 10.0 sacks, the most by any Giants linebacker sinceLawrence Taylor in 1990.
On April 27, 2020, the Giants placed the unrestricted free agent tender on Golden, meaning if he remained unsigned by July 22, he could only sign with the Giants for the 2020 season. If he signed with another team, the Giants would have received a compensatory draft pick.[34] On July 22, 2020, Golden's exclusive signing rights reverted to the Giants.[35] He signed the one-year tender on August 4, 2020.[36] In Week 7 against thePhiladelphia Eagles onThursday Night Football on October 22, 2020, Golden recorded his first sack of the season onCarson Wentz during the 22–21 loss.[37]
On October 23, 2020, Golden returned to the Cardinals after he was traded by the Giants for a 2021 sixth-round draft pick.[38]
Golden made his debut with the Cardinals in Week 9 against theMiami Dolphins. During the game, Golden recorded a sack onTua Tagovailoa during the 34–31 loss.[39]In Week 12 against the Patriots, Golden recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown byCam Newton during the 20–17 loss.[40]In Week 14 against his former team, the Giants, Golden recorded a strip sack onDaniel Jones that he also recovered during the 26–7 victory.[41]
On March 15, 2021, Golden signed a two-year extension with the Cardinals.[42] He entered the season as a starting pass rusher alongside Chandler Jones. He played in 16 games with five starts, recording 48 tackles, four forced fumbles, and led the team with 11.0 sacks.
On September 9, 2022, Golden signed a one-year contract extension with the Cardinals. He was released on March 10, 2023.[43]
On May 24, 2023, Golden signed with the Steelers.[44]
Golden signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on August 1, 2024, but announced his retirement a week later.[45][46]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2015 | ARI | 15 | 6 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | ARI | 16 | 3 | 51 | 41 | 10 | 12.5 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | ARI | 4 | 4 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | ARI | 11 | 11 | 30 | 25 | 5 | 2.5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | NYG | 16 | 16 | 72 | 37 | 35 | 10.0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 1 |
| 2020 | NYG | 7 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ARI | 9 | 8 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 3.0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 0 | |
| 2021 | ARI | 16 | 5 | 48 | 33 | 15 | 11.0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | ARI | 17 | 14 | 48 | 22 | 26 | 2.5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | PIT | 16 | 0 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 4.0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 127 | 68 | 343 | 220 | 123 | 51.0 | 68 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 72 | 1 | ||
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2015 | ARI | 2 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | ARI | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | PIT | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | 3 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 2.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
