Karson Sharar (born March 7, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Early life and high school
Sharar attended Iowa Falls-Alden High School in Iowa Falls, Iowa, and committed to play college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.[1]
College career
As a freshman in 2021, Sharar played in four games, using the season to redshirt.[2] In 2022, he played in seven games before suffering a season-ending injury.[3] During the 2023 and 2024 season, Sharar combined to play in 24 games, notching 20 tackles with one and a half being for a loss, and a fumble recovery.[4] In week 13 of the 2025 season, Sharar notched ten tackles with three being for a loss, and a sack in a victory over Michigan State Spartans.[5] He finished his 2025 season with 83 tackles with 12 going for a loss, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection.[6] After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sharar declared for the 2026 NFL draft. He was invited to participate in the 2026 NFL scouting combine.[7][8]
Professional career
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | Wingspan | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1+1⁄2 in (1.87 m) |
231 lb (105 kg) |
31+1⁄8 in (0.79 m) |
10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) |
6 ft 4+1⁄4 in (1.94 m) |
4.56 s | 1.59 s | 2.65 s | 4.20 s | 6.98 s | 40.0 in (1.02 m) |
10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) |
13 reps |
| All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[9][10] | ||||||||||||
Sharar was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 6th round with the 183rd overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.[11]
References
- ^ Dochterman, Scott (December 15, 2020). “LB commit Karson Sharar and the Iowa lineage of underrecruited success stories”. The New York Times. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Corcoran, Mitchell. “Iowa LB Karson Sharar Could Be Popular Late-Round NFL Draft Pick”. Iowa Hawkeyes On SI. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ McGowan, Matt (September 18, 2025). “Iowa football’s Jaden Harrell, Karson Sharar carry on linebacker legacy”. The Daily Iowan. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ “Karson Sharar”. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Miller, Jackson (November 22, 2025). “Iowa linebacker Karson Sharar shines in Kinnick Stadium finale”. The Daily Iowan. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Donald, Riley (April 13, 2026). “Iowa football LB tabbed top NFL draft sleeper by ESPN”. Hawkeyes Wire. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Woods, Kory. “Iowa prospects aim to mirror Lions LB’s consistency, leadership”. MLive.com. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Lawrenz, Jordon. “Iowa Linebacker Shows Out at NFL Combine”. Iowa Hawkeyes On SI. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ “Karson Sharar Draft and Combine Prospect Profile”. NFL.com. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ “Karson Sharar College Football Profile”. DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
- ^ Gershman, Zach (April 25, 2026). “On Draft’s Final Day, Cardinals Take WR Reggie Virgil, LB Karson Sharar, OT Jayden Williams”. AZCardinals.com. Retrieved April 27, 2026.