Career Timeline of Khalil Mack: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Khalil Mack, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Khalil Mack is a professional football linebacker currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He was drafted fifth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2014 after a successful college career with the Buffalo Bulls. Known for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities and overall defensive prowess, Mack has established himself as one of the league's premier defensive players. He has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and Defensive Player of the Year awards throughout his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: 100th Career Sack

In the December 31 game against Denver, Khalil Mack recorded his 100th career sack, becoming the 19th player (since sacks were officially recorded in 1982) to reach the mark in his first ten seasons.

2010: Dominant Sophomore Season

In 2010, Khalil Mack had a dominant sophomore season, leading the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. He was named first-team All-MAC.

2013: CFPA Linebacker Trophy & MAC Defensive Player of the Year

In 2013, Khalil Mack won the CFPA Linebacker Trophy and was named the 2013 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Bull to win the award in Buffalo's history within the MAC.

2014: Drafted by Oakland Raiders

In 2014, Khalil Mack was drafted by the Oakland Raiders as the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft.

2014: Projected as High First-Round Pick

Leading up to the 2014 NFL draft, Khalil Mack was projected as a high first-round pick in many mock drafts.

2015: First-Team All-Pro at Two Positions

In 2015, Khalil Mack became the first player in NFL history to be selected first-team All-Pro at two different positions, defensive end and outside linebacker, in the same season.

2015: First 3+ Sack Outing

In 2015, prior to being traded, Khalil Mack had his first three-plus-sack outing since Week 14 of that season.

2016: Playoff Appearance, Pro Bowl, All-Pro & Defensive Player of the Year

In 2016, Khalil Mack helped lead the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since 2002, was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

December 19, 2017: Named to Third Straight Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Khalil Mack was named to his third straight Pro Bowl.

September 1, 2018: Traded to Chicago Bears

On September 1, 2018, Khalil Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears and signed a six-year extension, becoming the highest-paid defender in NFL history.

September 9, 2018: Bears Debut: Sack, Forced Fumble, Interception, and Touchdown

On September 9, 2018, Khalil Mack made his Bears debut, recording a strip-sack, an interception returned for a touchdown. He became the first player since 1982 to record a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, interception, and touchdown in one half.

2018: Traded to Chicago Bears and Signed Extension

In 2018, Khalil Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears and signed a six-year, $141 million extension, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.

December 17, 2019: Named a Starter for 2020 Pro Bowl

On December 17, 2019, Khalil Mack was named a starter for the 2020 Pro Bowl.

2020: Brother Joins Bears

In 2020, LeDarius Mack joined his brother, Khalil Mack, on the Bears as an undrafted free agent, and was later signed to the practice squad.

2021: Season-ending foot surgery

In 2021, Khalil Mack played in seven games before undergoing season-ending foot surgery and being placed on injured reserve on November 19. He finished the 2021 season with 19 tackles and six sacks.

2021: Named to Pro Bowl and Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2021, Khalil Mack was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth consecutive season and was ranked 23rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

March 16, 2022: Traded to the Chargers

On March 16, 2022, the Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Chargers, reuniting him with coach Brandon Staley. The Chargers also received a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft (Scott Matlock) in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft (Jaquan Brisker).

2022: Traded to the Los Angeles Chargers

In 2022, Khalil Mack was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers.

2023: Finished Season with 17 Sacks

Khalil Mack finished the 2023 season with 17 sacks, 74 tackles, 10 passes defended, and five forced fumbles. He also earned the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.