For the first time in almost ten years, a former high school player from West Sound is officially on the cusp of becoming a full-time NFL player. Bremerton’s own Malcolm DeWalt IV, an Olympic High School grad from 2020, just landed a spot on the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season! This is huge for our local area, proving that hard work from our own backyard can absolutely make it to the big leagues.
From Undrafted to Unstoppable: DeWalt’s Climb to the NFL
Seriously, this is a story that makes you stand up and cheer. DeWalt, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Akron, got the news on Sunday, August 30, that he survived the cut. You know how intense those roster days are, right? His immediate reaction, posted on X, said it all: “GOD IS GOOD, THANK YOU GOD.” He confirmed it with the Kitsap Sun, sharing that moment with his friends, old teammates, and coaches. Olympic High School football coach Sal Quitevis Jr. nailed it when he heard, simply saying, “What a journey! So proud!” It shows just what a moment this is, not just for Malcolm, but for everyone who followed his path from West Sound.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Physical Traits and a Steal of a Contract
This isn’t some fluke, folks. DeWalt, a 6-foot-2, 197-pound defensive back, is the first local guy to hit an NFL team since John Fullington back in 2017. He was only a two-star recruit out of Olympic after breaking his collarbone during his senior year in 2019. But he grinded through Snow College and Butte College before finishing at Akron in 2025. And check out his Pro Day numbers from March: a blazing 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a sick 36-inch vertical, and 14 reps of 225 pounds on the bench. The Falcons signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 25, and Spotrac says he’s on a three-year, $3,120,000 deal. That’s a steal for someone with that kind of raw talent and drive.
Now, DeWalt is in prime position to be on the active roster when Atlanta kicks off their season. Mark your calendars: September 13, on the road against Pittsburgh. The whole West Sound will be watching to see our guy Malcolm DeWalt IV out there, ready to prove he belongs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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