Mayor Baraka to Present NFL Star and Newark Native Al-Quadin Muhammad the Key to the City

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the City of Newark will honor NFL defensive end and city native Al-quadin Muhammad by presenting him with the Key to the City. The ceremony will occur on Friday, July 12, at 12:30 p.m. at the Prudential Lounge at 165 Mulberry Street in downtown Newark. Doors will open at noon. Members of the media interested in attending must RSVP to PressOffice@ci.newark.nj.us. 

An eight-year NFL veteran, Mr. Muhammad was born and raised in Newark, the son of Vailsburg High track star and later teacher Michelle Epps. He began playing football in Newark Pop Warner. He played at the University of Miami on a full scholarship and was drafted in the sixth round for the Saints round in 2017 b. He played for them in 2017, the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021, and the Chicago Bears in 2022. He re-joined the Colts in 2023.

Throughout his NFL career, Mr. Muhammad has returned regularly to Newark to talk to city youth and organize community camps.

The Key to the City is Newark’s highest honor. The concept dates back to ancient Rome, when cities were walled, and keys represented the power to unlock the gates. Bestowing the key to a city was a nature that signaled the recipient’s high esteem. While cities are no longer fortresses, tradition and honor have continued significantly. The Key to the City of Newark is shaped like a municipality map.

Who: Mayor Ras J. Baraka
NFL Defensive End and Newark native
Al-quadin Muhammad

What: Mayor Baraka will present Mr. Muhammad with the Key to the City for his Excellence as an NFL star supporting Newark youth and community activities.

When: Friday, July 12
12:30 p.m.

Where: Prudential Lounge
165 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov