Alim McNeill (born May 11, 2000) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack, and was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early life McNeill attended Jesse O. Sanderson High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. He played linebacker and running back in high school. McNeill committed to North Carolina State University to play college football. He also played baseball in high school.
College career McNeill played at NC State from 2018 to 2020. During his career, he had 77 tackles, 10 sacks, one interception and one touchdown. As a junior, he was named an All-American by The Athletic and Pro Football Focus as well as earning All-ACC honors. After that season, he entered the 2021 NFL draft.
Professional career
McNeill was drafted 72nd overall by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021.
McNeill entered the 2023 season as the Lions starting defensive tackle. In Week 8, he recorded two sacks, his first career multi-sack game, and a pass deflection in a 26–14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He suffered a knee injury in Week 13 and was placed on injured reserve on December 5, 2023. He was activated on January 6, 2024.
On October 15, 2024, McNeill signed a four-year, $97 million contract extension with the Lions. In Week 6's 47–9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, McNeill recorded two sacks. In Week 15, McNeill tore his ACL in the 48–42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. Prior to the injury, McNeill recorded 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.
After spending the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list, McNeill was activated for his season debut on October 20, 2025.
NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high +Regular season Year Team Games Tackles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL PD FF 2021 DET 17 6 39 15 24 2.0 3 1 0 2022 DET 17 17 41 17 24 1.0 6 0 0 2023 DET 13 13 32 17 15 5.0 6 1 1 2024 DET 14 14 25 17 8 3.5 7 1 1 2025 DET 10 10 14 5 9 1.0 2 1 1 Career 71 60 151 71 80 12.5 24 4 3
+Postseason Year Team Games Tackles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL PD FF 2023 DET 3 3 4 1 3 1.0 1 0 0 Total 3 3 4 1 3 1.0 1 0 0
References
External links
Detroit Lions bio NC State Wolfpack bio