This is My Story –Markus Golden
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Markus Golden was a record-setting running back and linebacker at Affton High School in St. Louis, Missouri. A dominant force on both sides of the ball, he left an unforgettable legacy in the school’s athletic history.
As a senior, Markus rushed for a school-record 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also recording 108 tackles and 10 sacks on defense. The year prior, he set another school record with 168 tackles and 16 sacks, adding 1,139 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns to his stat sheet. A natural leader, he served as team captain during his final two seasons.
In recognition of his impact, Affton High School retired his jersey number (#2) in May 2015—an honor reserved for only the most outstanding athletes. Staying true to his roots, Markus continues to invest in his hometown community by hosting an annual free youth football camp in St. Louis, providing mentorship, inspiration, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes.
COLLEGE CAREER
Markus Golden had an outstanding college career, playing three seasons at the University of Missouri after transferring from Hutchinson Community College. Known for his intensity, versatility, and big-play ability, he developed into one of the SEC’s top defensive threats.
At Hutchinson (2010), Golden made an immediate splash, posting 90 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions as a freshman.
In his first season at Missouri in 2012, he played in 12 games and contributed 10 tackles and a forced fumble after transferring from Hutchinson Junior College. He redshirted in 2011 to focus on academics.
During his junior season in 2013, Golden made the transition from linebacker to defensive end, where he made an immediate impact with 55 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 8 passes defensed.
As a senior in 2014, Golden was voted team captain by his teammates and started all 13 games. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors from the league's coaches after racking up 78 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He capped off his college career with a dominant performance in the Citrus Bowl, earning MVP honors after recording a game-high 10 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
At Missouri, Golden appeared in 39 games with 13 starts, totaling 143 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. A playmaker throughout his time at Mizzou, he returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown in 2014 and ran back his lone career interception 70 yards for a score in 2013.
ARIZONA CARDNIALS
ARIZONA CARDINALS CAREER
Markus Golden made an immediate impact with the Arizona Cardinals, emerging as one of the team's most dynamic pass rushers. In a breakout season, he led the Cardinals with 12.5 sacks, finishing third in the entire NFL. Alongside Chandler Jones (11.0 sacks), the duo became the first pair of Cardinals teammates to record double-digit sacks in the same season since 1984, combining for an impressive 22.5 total sacks.
After a stint with the New York Giants, Golden returned to Arizona on October 23, 2020, via a trade for a 2021 sixth-round draft pick. He made his return debut with the Cardinals in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, where he quickly made his presence felt with his recorded sack.
Golden’s consistent energy, veteran leadership, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback have made him a key figure in the Cardinals’ defense across multiple seasons.
NEW YORK GIANTS CAREER
During his time with the New York Giants, Markus Golden delivered a standout season that etched his name into franchise history. In 2019, he led the Giants with 10.0 sacks, while also recording 72 total tackles (37 solo), 27 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, and 1 defensive touchdown, starting all 16 games.
Golden became the first Giants player to post double-digit sacks since Jason Pierre-Paul (12.5 in 2014) and the first Giants linebacker to reach that mark since the legendary Lawrence Taylor (10.5 in 1990), putting him in elite company within the organization.
His high-energy play, durability, and ability to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks made him a key defensive leader during his tenure in New York.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS CAREER & RETIREMENT
On May 24, 2023, Markus Golden signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining one of the NFL’s most storied defenses. The move reunited him with former University of Missouri teammate and roommate Denzel Martin, who now serves as the Steelers' outside linebackers coach.
Golden made an immediate contribution, recording his first sack as a Steeler in a divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns, bringing veteran leadership and tenacity to the field throughout the season.
Following a successful nine-year NFL career, Markus Golden announced his retirement from professional football, closing the chapter on a legacy built on perseverance, passion, and performance. From his record-setting high school days in St. Louis to his impact at Mizzou and standout seasons in the NFL, Golden leaves the game respected as a relentless competitor, locker room leader, and inspiring role model on and off the field.
Affton High School
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Markus Golden was a record-setting running back and linebacker at Affton High School in St. Louis, Missouri. A dominant force on both sides of the ball, he left an unforgettable legacy in the school’s athletic history.
As a senior, Markus rushed for a school-record 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also recording 108 tackles and 10 sacks on defense. The year prior, he set another school record with 168 tackles and 16 sacks, adding 1,139 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns to his stat sheet. A natural leader, he served as team captain during his final two seasons.
In recognition of his impact, Affton High School retired his jersey number (#2) in May 2015—an honor reserved for only the most outstanding athletes. Staying true to his roots, Markus continues to invest in his hometown community by hosting an annual free youth football camp in St. Louis, providing mentorship, inspiration, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes.