Colt McCoy

BIOGRAPHY

Daniel “Colt” McCoy, originally born in Hobbs, New Mexico, on September 5, 1986, is a former professional American football player who served as a reputable quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Following an exceptional college career, he entered a 13-season spell in the NFL, with various teams including the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. As the eldest of three children born to Steven Brad McCoy and Debra Kay (Woodruff) McCoy, he was first introduced to football in Tuscola’s Jim Ned High School, where he was coached under the guidance of his father. His youthful high school career was nothing short of impressive: he received the Associated Press 2A Offensive MVP twice and was selected for the First-team All-state.

McCoy fired 536 successful passes out of 849 attempts (63.1% accuracy), throwing for 9,344 yards and 116 touchdowns. Notably, his High School career positioned him as the all-time leading passer in Texas Division 2A, earning him the fourth place across all levels in Texas high school history. His participation did not merely limit him to the Quarterback position; he also served as the punter during his junior and senior years.

While at Jim Ned High School, McCoy also excelled as a free safety player, but after suffering a concussion, his father decided to reassign him. His presence influenced the school’s season as they lost the following two games during his concussion break. Despite the setback, McCoy continued demonstrating his athleticism, even leading his team to the 2003 Texas 2A State Championship.

Following his high school career, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. There he played for coach Mack Brown’s Texas Longhorns from 2005 to 2009 and made an indelible mark. During his tenure, he won and shared the team’s MVP across all four seasons, a unique feat in the university’s football history. His freshman year was a redshirt year, which meant he didn’t play during the university’s 2005 national championship-winning season. Nevertheless, he spent the time honing his skills, supporting the defense as a scout team’s quarterback.

Entering his sophomore year, seasoned players Young and Nordgren were no longer available, and the starting quarterback position was open for competition. Despite being a redshirt freshman, McCoy won the spot, besting true freshman Jevan Snead. Throughout the season, McCoy led the team to various victories and even managed to record his first win over a ranked team by leading the Longhorns over Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.

Following a successful sophomore year, McCoy went on to surpass numerous records, creating a legacy that few could match. His dedication and perseverance saw him being named as College Football News Big 12 Player of the Year and named to their “All Freshman Team”. This prestige and recognition led to immense media attention, with McCoy being listed as one of the nation’s top players of 2007. Due to his exceptional performance, he received multiple mentions in pre-season awards and Heisman watch lists.

During his tenure with the Longhorns, McCoy not only excelled individually but led the entire team to several victories, even leading an unranked Texas team to a 21-13 win over Arkansas. However, not all times were smooth sailing for McCoy. The game against the Kansas State Wildcats can be viewed as the worst match in his career, throwing for four interceptions and suffering a concussion. Notwithstanding the setback, McCoy bounced back, always ready to prove his worth.

After wrapping up his college career, McCoy transitioned into professional football, selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His substantial talent and raw commitment enabled him to carve a fruitful career, playing as a primary backup for various teams in the NFL.

From shining in high school leagues within the small town of Tuscola, Texas, to college stardom and, eventually, professional heights, Colt McCoy’s football journey mirrored his tenacious personality. Despite occasional setbacks, his extraordinary ability to rebound and adapt to evolving circumstances has lead to an enduring legacy in American football.