Malik Heath is an American professional football wide receiver who has established a reputation as a reliable depth contributor and special teams player in the National Football League. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Heath has recorded 31 receptions for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns across 37 regular-season games. His career trajectory is marked by a significant tenure with the Green Bay Packers before transitioning to the Atlanta Falcons late in the 2025 season.

This report provides a granular analysis of Malik Heath’s statistical output, situational efficiency, and collegiate foundation that paved his way to the professional ranks.

Overview of Malik Heath’s NFL Production

The professional career of Malik Heath began with a standout training camp in Green Bay, leading to an active roster spot despite his undrafted status. His production has remained steady, primarily operating as a WR4 or WR5 on depth charts while contributing significantly to special teams units.

Career Statistical Summary (Regular Season)

Year Team GP GS REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2023 Green Bay Packers 13 1 15 125 8.3 16 1
2024 Green Bay Packers 13 1 10 97 9.7 41 2
2025 GB / ATL 11 0 6 86 14.3 37 0
Total 37 2 31 308 9.9 41 3

2023 Season: Breaking the Undrafted Mold

The 2023 season was a milestone year for Malik Heath. Entering the NFL out of Ole Miss, Heath defied the odds by making the Green Bay Packers' initial 53-man roster. In a historic turn of events, he started the season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 10, 2023. This achievement marked him as the first undrafted rookie wide receiver to start a Week 1 game for the Packers since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

During his rookie campaign, Heath appeared in 13 games. His first career reception occurred on November 19, 2023, a 7-yard gain from quarterback Jordan Love during a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. As the season progressed, his role expanded. On December 11, 2023, during a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants, Heath caught a 6-yard touchdown pass that briefly gave the Packers a late fourth-quarter lead. He finished the season with 15 receptions for 125 yards, averaging 8.3 yards per catch.

2024 Season: Red Zone Efficiency and Big Play Potential

In 2024, Heath continued to serve as a vital rotational piece in Matt LaFleur’s offense. While his total reception count dropped to 10, his efficiency in key moments increased. He recorded two touchdowns, doubling his rookie total, and improved his average yards per catch to 9.7.

A significant highlight of the 2024 season occurred in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. Heath posted a career-high 53 receiving yards on three catches. This performance was anchored by a career-long 41-yard reception on a critical third-and-21 situation in the fourth quarter. This specific play showcased his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and provide a vertical threat when called upon.

Statistically, Heath's 2024 season was defined by "clutch" contributions:

  • Third Down Efficiency: Three of his 10 catches resulted in first downs on third-down plays.
  • Touchdown Conversion: He caught touchdown passes against San Francisco (Nov 24) and Minnesota (Dec 29), proving to be a reliable target in the red zone during divisional and high-stakes games.

2025 Season: Transition to the Atlanta Falcons

The 2025 season represented a period of transition for Heath. He began the year with the Green Bay Packers, appearing in 11 games. During this stretch, he displayed an improved vertical presence, averaging a career-high 14.3 yards per reception. His longest gain of the season was a 37-yard catch against the Washington Commanders in Week 2.

On December 6, 2025, the Green Bay Packers waived Heath to make room on the roster for returning players. His stint on the waiver wire was short-lived, as the Atlanta Falcons claimed him on December 8, 2025. This move suggests that the Falcons' front office valued his experience in a sophisticated offensive system and his proven capability on special teams.

Detailed Situational Split Analysis

To understand Malik Heath’s value beyond the aggregate numbers, it is necessary to examine his performance based on field position, timing, and environmental factors. Data from the 2024 season provides the most detailed insight into these splits.

Performance by Field Position

Heath has been utilized across all sectors of the field, though his efficiency peaks in the "Own 21-50" yard line range.

  • Own 21-50 Yard Line: 5 receptions for 52 yards (10.4 AVG). This area of the field is where Heath is often used to move the chains during mid-drive sequences.
  • Red Zone (Opp 1-19 Yard Line): While his volume is low (1 reception for 7 yards), that single reception resulted in a touchdown, highlighting his utility in condensed spaces.
  • Deep Territory (Own 1-20 Yard Line): 1 reception for 8 yards, used primarily as a safety valve in early-drive situations.

Performance by Game Half and Quarter

Analysis of Heath's production by time suggests he is more frequently targeted in the first half of games as teams establish their offensive rhythm.

  • First Half: 7 receptions for 68 yards (9.7 AVG).
  • Second Half: 2 receptions for 15 yards (7.5 AVG), though one of these was a touchdown.
  • First Quarter: 4 receptions for 38 yards (9.5 AVG).
  • Fourth Quarter: This is where his highest-impact plays occur, including his career-long 41-yard catch in the final minutes of divisional games.

Stadium Surface and Venue Splits

Heath’s performance metrics show a slight preference for artificial surfaces, which may be attributed to his playing style and route-running mechanics.

  • Turf Surfaces: 9 receptions for 83 yards (9.2 AVG) and 1 touchdown.
  • Grass/Natural Surfaces: Lower volume, reflecting the stadium configurations of many of his away matchups.
  • Home vs. Road: In 2024, Heath recorded 4 receptions for 39 yards at home and 5 receptions for 44 yards on the road, indicating a consistent level of play regardless of the hostile environment.

The Collegiate Foundation

Heath’s journey to the NFL was paved by a productive, if nomadic, college career. He played for three different institutions, gaining exposure to various offensive schemes and high-level competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Copiah-Lincoln Community College (2018–2019)

Heath began his post-high school career at "Co-Lin," where he immediately became a primary target.

  • 2018: 28 receptions, 333 yards, 4 touchdowns.
  • 2019: 33 receptions, 502 yards, 3 touchdowns. His 15.2 yards per catch in his sophomore year attracted the attention of major FBS programs.

Mississippi State University (2020–2021)

Transitioning to the SEC, Heath joined the Bulldogs. Over two seasons, he appeared in 21 games.

  • 2020: 37 receptions, 307 yards, 3 touchdowns.
  • 2021: 34 receptions, 442 yards, 5 touchdowns. At Mississippi State, Heath was known for his physicality. His five touchdowns in 2021 were a team-high for wide receivers, demonstrating his growth as a scoring threat against elite defensive backs.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (2022)

In his final collegiate season, Heath transferred to Ole Miss and delivered his most productive statistical year.

  • Receptions: 60 (Team Lead)
  • Receiving Yards: 971 (Team Lead)
  • Average: 16.2 yards per catch
  • Touchdowns: 5 Heath ranked third in the SEC in receiving yards in 2022. He set a school record for receiving yards in a bowl game with 137 yards and a touchdown against Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. This breakout season was the primary catalyst for his NFL opportunities.

Physical Profile and Scouting Attributes

Standing at 6'2" and weighing 213 lbs, Malik Heath possesses the ideal frame for a modern NFL "X" or "Z" receiver. His physical attributes allow him to play through contact and serve as an effective blocker in the run game.

Pre-Draft Measurables (2023)

  • Height: 6' 2 3/8"
  • Weight: 213 lbs
  • Arm Length: 32 1/2"
  • Hand Span: 9 1/8"
  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 34.0 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10' 4"

While his 40-yard dash time was not elite for the position, his 10-yard split (1.53s) showed sufficient burst for off-the-line releases. Scouts noted his "play strength" and "catch radius" as his primary assets. In the NFL, these traits have translated into his role as a reliable chain-mover and a special teams tackler.

Special Teams Contributions and Roster Value

For a player like Malik Heath, statistics in the box score only tell half the story. His longevity on NFL rosters is heavily tied to his contributions on special teams (ST).

  • 2023 ST Stats: 2 tackles on special teams units.
  • 2024 ST Stats: 1 tackle and consistent participation on kickoff and punt coverage units.
  • Snap Count Impact: Heath frequently plays between 15% and 30% of offensive snaps, but his special teams snap percentage often exceeds 40%. This versatility makes him a valuable game-day active player, as he provides depth at wide receiver while fulfilling a "core" ST role.

Future Outlook and Projected Role in Atlanta

Joining the Atlanta Falcons in December 2025 presents a new chapter for Heath. The Falcons' offensive scheme often prioritizes physical receivers who can assist in a run-heavy or play-action-based system. Heath’s experience in Green Bay—a system that demands high-level blocking from its receivers—makes him a natural fit for Atlanta’s roster requirements.

Analysts expect Heath to compete for a rotational role behind established starters. If he can maintain his 2025 trend of higher yards-per-reception (14.3), he may evolve from a pure possession receiver into a legitimate deep-threat option for the Falcons.

Summary of Malik Heath’s Professional Career

Malik Heath has proven that undrafted status is not a barrier to NFL longevity. Over three seasons, he has navigated the competitive rosters of two historic franchises.

  • Total NFL Receptions: 31
  • Total NFL Yards: 308
  • Total NFL Touchdowns: 3
  • Career Long Catch: 41 yards (2024 vs. Chicago)
  • College High: 971 yards (2022, Ole Miss)

His ability to adapt to new systems and contribute across multiple phases of the game ensures that his statistical profile will continue to grow as he enters the prime years of his career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Malik Heath’s career NFL stats?

As of late 2025, Malik Heath has recorded 31 receptions for 308 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. He has played in 37 regular-season games.

Which teams has Malik Heath played for in the NFL?

Heath played for the Green Bay Packers from 2023 until late 2025. He was then claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons in December 2025.

What is Malik Heath’s jersey number?

Malik Heath wore #18 for the Green Bay Packers. After joining the Atlanta Falcons, he was assigned jersey #86.

Where did Malik Heath go to college?

Heath had a collegiate career that spanned Copiah-Lincoln Community College (2018-2019), Mississippi State (2020-2021), and Ole Miss (2022).

What was Malik Heath’s best NFL game statistically?

His best statistical game occurred in Week 18 of the 2024 season against the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 3 catches for 53 yards, including a career-long 41-yard reception.

Is Malik Heath an undrafted free agent?

Yes, Malik Heath went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent.

How tall is Malik Heath and what is his weight?

Malik Heath stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 213 pounds.