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Small-Town Georgia Native Overcomes Adversity, Shines in NFL Debut
7 Aug
Summary
- Malaki Starks, a 21-year-old rookie safety for the Ravens, had a difficult upbringing in a small Georgia town
- Starks faced homelessness and personal tragedies but remained focused on his dream of playing in the NFL
- Starks is already impressing his teammates and coaches, with one comparing him to a former Pro Bowl linebacker

Malaki Starks, a 21-year-old rookie safety for the Baltimore Ravens, has already made a significant impact in the NFL, just three months into his professional career. Starks, who hails from the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, has faced numerous hardships throughout his life, including a period of homelessness and the tragic loss of his cousin in a double murder-suicide.
Despite these challenges, Starks never lost sight of his dream to play in the NFL. He excelled in high school, leading his football and basketball teams to state championships, and continued his success at the University of Georgia, where he started as a freshman. Now, with the Ravens, Starks is already being compared to former Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, with his coaches and teammates praising his athleticism, coverage skills, and leadership abilities.
Starks' journey to the NFL has been anything but easy, but his resilience and determination have been the driving forces behind his success. As he prepares to make his NFL debut, Starks remains focused on continuing to improve and making the most of his opportunity, all while honoring the memory of his cousin and inspiring others who may be facing similar adversity.