Former OSU Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez Stars for Detroit Lions in NFC Championship

A former Cowboy fell short in his quest for the Super Bowl but made an impact in the playoffs.

Malcolm Rodriguez, a linebacker at Oklahoma State from 2017-21, entered the spotlight in the Detroit Lions’ NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. After playing sparsely throughout the season, injuries to other Lions led to Rodriguez getting playing time on Sunday.

He wasted no time coming up with the biggest play of his NFL career. In the second quarter, with the Lions holding a seven-point lead, Rodriguez picked off 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy to set up another Lions score.

The former OSU standout finished the game with six tackles, including a tackle for loss.

While San Francisco scored 27 unanswered in the second half to advance to the Super Bowl, the game was still a highlight for Detroit’s young linebacker. It was also a familiar sight for him to pick off Purdy.

In 2019, Rodriguez was one of the anchors of the OSU defense going into a game on the road against Iowa State. With the score tied at 27 midway through the fourth quarter, Rodriguez intercepted Purdy and returned it for a touchdown for the game-winning score.

Like his big play Sunday, that was Rodriguez’s first interception at that level. While he finished his time in Stillwater with only two interceptions, he had a knack for forcing fumbles.

In 2020, he forced seven fumbles, which was good for the most in the NCAA. With 13 throughout his college career, Rodriguez has the most in the Big 12 and fourth-most in the NCAA since 2005.

The Lions selected him with the 188th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Including 15 starts as a rookie, Rodriguez has played in 33 games and tallied 108 tackles as a Lion.

Although his playing time decreased in 2023, Rodriguez’s interception in the conference championship likely secured him a role in Detroit’s 2024 campaign.