Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath has officially found a new home with the Atlanta Falcons after being cut by the Packers right before Week 14 against the Chicago Bears. However, behind this move is a heartbreaking story about family responsibility, as Heath revealed that he was forced to choose the path that provides a more stable salary to care for his father who is battling a serious heart disease.

Heath, 24 years old, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent from the Ole Miss Rebels and has played three seasons with the Packers. In 37 games, he accumulated 308 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and 15 first downs on 31 receptions. In the 2025 season, Heath participated in 11 games with 86 yards on six receptions, but with the return of stars like Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and rookie Matthew Golden after injuries, he became the “odd man out” in the wide receiver room and was cut.

According to sources from the Packers, the team had prepared a plan to re-sign Heath to the practice squad (PS) right after cutting him to retain the young talent with a salary of about $13,000 per week (equivalent to $234,000 for 18 weeks, according to NFL 2025 regulations for players with less than two years of experience). This would allow Heath to continue developing without leaving Green Bay. However, the Atlanta Falcons quickly claimed him off waivers, placing Heath on the official 53-man roster – where he can earn a significantly higher salary, up to about $1,030,000 for the 2025 season under his current contract.

As a result, there is no reunion with the Packers as expected. Heath will now don the Falcons jersey, joining a team that needs more depth at the wide receiver position under head coach Raheem Morris. “We are very excited about Heath’s potential,” a Falcons spokesperson said. “He brings dynamism and can contribute immediately.”

Nevertheless, Heath has spoken out to apologize to the Packers and fans via social media X. In an emotional post, he revealed the reason behind his decision not to appeal to return to PS: “I apologize to the Packers for not being able to stay. My family is going through a difficult period. My father is fighting heart disease, and medical costs are increasingly high. I need a better salary from the active roster to cover living expenses and support my dad. Thank you Green Bay for everything, but I have to choose this path for my family. I love Green Bay very much, but I am forced to make this difficult decision. I know the Packers still value me and want me to develop here, but I need to cover my life and take responsibility to repay my parents as a son. I hope one day I can return to this place.”

Heath’s story highlights the financial pressures in the NFL, where practice squad salary (about $234,000 per year) is much lower than the active roster (can be up to over $1 million for players like Heath). With his father suffering from heart disease – a disease that requires high treatment costs – Heath is forced to prioritize financial stability. Packers fans express sympathy, while the Falcons hope he will shine in Atlanta.

This incident once again shows the harshness of the NFL, where personal decisions are often influenced by off-field factors. Heath is expected to debut with the Falcons next week, and his story may inspire many other young players.