Two prominent Alabama high school athletes, defensive tackle Marlon Davidson and cornerback Keenan Isaac, have successfully rejoined NFL rosters, marking significant comebacks as they commence training camp in anticipation of next week’s preseason openers. Their return underscores the perseverance required in professional football, offering a new chapter for these talented individuals.
Marlon Davidson, a formidable defensive tackle and alumnus of Auburn, has officially signed with the Houston Texans. Hailing from Greenville High School, Davidson distinguished himself early in his career, notably earning the title of Alabama’s Class 5A Lineman of the Year in 2015, showcasing his exceptional talent from a young age. His recent signing brings a renewed sense of potential to the Texans’ defensive line.
Davidson’s professional journey began as a second-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite playing in 19 games and starting one, his time with the Falcons was frequently interrupted by injuries and periods on the COVID-19 reserve list, limiting his on-field impact. During his tenure, he amassed 29 tackles, including one sack and one tackle for loss, demonstrating glimpses of his disruptive capability.
The 2024 NFL season saw Davidson sidelined on injured reserve, a testament to the physical toll of the sport. His return to the league follows a period of recovery and renewed determination, highlighted by his recent activities with the Tennessee Titans during a joint preseason practice with the Seattle Seahawks, paving the way for his opportunity with the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, Keenan Isaac, a talented cornerback and alumnus of Alabama State, has secured a spot with the Cleveland Browns. Isaac’s high school career at Midfield High School laid the foundation for his professional aspirations, and his latest signing adds depth and potential to the Browns’ secondary, an important step in his continued NFL aspirations.
Isaac’s path to the Browns has been marked by several challenging transitions. His 2024 season, in particular, got off to a convoluted start, but he arrives in Cleveland following a notable performance in the United Football League. In 2025, while playing for the Houston Roughnecks, Isaac started eight games and impressively intercepted two passes, proving his capabilities on the professional stage.
His undrafted rookie year in 2023 saw Isaac with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played in two games before being waived during preseason roster reductions. Subsequently, he was claimed by Carolina but waived again before their season opener. The Buccaneers later re-signed him for their active roster, only to waive him again, then sign him for the practice squad, promote him back to the active roster after five games, and ultimately waive him again in November, illustrating the volatility of early NFL careers.
The journey continued for Isaac when the Las Vegas Raiders signed him for their practice squad in November 2024, though he did not see further game action that season. His persistence eventually led him to the Cleveland Browns, offering a fresh start and an opportunity to solidify his position in the NFL. These NFL Roster Returns exemplify the resilience and dedication required to compete at the highest level of American football.
Both Marlon Davidson NFL and Keenan Isaac Browns stories highlight the challenging yet rewarding paths many Former Auburn Players and Alabama standouts undertake to achieve their dreams in the professional league. Their determination to overcome setbacks and secure new roles with prominent teams like the Houston Texans News and Cleveland Browns Updates provides inspiring narratives for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
