Kansas City, Mo. — November 6, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again proving that loyalty runs deep in the Kingdom. Defensive end Malik Herring, a familiar face with championship DNA, is officially back — returning on a practice-squad deal that feels more like unfinished business than a simple roster move.
It’s not the flashy trade some fans expected, but it might be the kind of quiet, calculated decision that championship teams make when they know exactly who fits their culture.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Georgia product began the season on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster, appearing in two games before being waived to make room for veteran tackle Mike Pennel. Now, he’s back in red and gold, ready to fight for his spot once more.
Herring’s journey has never been easy. From a devastating ACL tear during the Senior Bowl to going undrafted in 2021, his NFL career began in silence — but his story since has been all about perseverance, trust, and proving people wrong.
“Every time they call me back, it reminds me that hard work speaks louder than hype. I’ve never needed headlines — just opportunities.”
That mindset earned him two Super Bowl rings as a key part of Steve Spagnuolo’s rotating defensive front. In 28 career games with Kansas City, Herring has logged 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, making his mark in moments that often go unnoticed but never unappreciated inside the locker room.
While some fans were hoping for a blockbuster trade, the Chiefs made a quieter statement: they value consistency, culture, and players who understand what it takes to win in January and February.
Herring joins a strong practice-squad group featuring Tyeke Smith and Ethan Downs, giving the Chiefs added flexibility and familiarity on the defensive line heading into the second half of the season.
For Herring, this isn’t just another return — it’s a reminder that the path back to the top often starts at the bottom, and he’s no stranger to climbing.
He’s still only 26, with fresh legs, experience in championship pressure, and an unshakable belief that his best football is yet to come.
The move reinforces Kansas City’s defensive depth as the team eyes another deep postseason run. And if history is any guide, don’t be surprised if Malik Herring finds his way back onto the field when it matters most — under the brightest lights.
Because in a franchise built on trust and grit, true champions never really leave — they just find their way home again.
