Jeremy McNichols

Jeremy McNichols's Biography

Born on December 26, 1995, in the heart of Los Angeles, Jeremy Theron McNichols’ journey is a story marked by resilience, tenacity, and an undying love for American football. Today, he is a successful professional running back for the Washington Commanders in the prestigious National Football League (NFL). Yet, his journey to becoming a celebrated athlete is punctuated with twists and turns, highs and lows, and a host of memorable moments.

McNichols’ first brush with football kicked off at Lakewood High School in California. Attending school in the same suburb that bore sport icons like Billie Jean King and Shaquille O’Neal, McNichols quickly found his place on the football field. His senior year saw a location shift as his family moved to Rancho Santa Margarita, leading him to change schools as well. Santa Margarita Catholic High School bolstered his skills further, enabling him to build a reputation for his playing prowess.

Off the school grounds, McNichols and his friend John Ross had the chance to participate in youth football leagues. A particularly memorable one was organized by the famed American rapper, Snoop Dogg, in Long Beach, California – an experience that ended up further fueling his passion for football.

Jeremy had a knack for both running back and wide receiver positions in high school, and his versatility on the field earned him the nickname “McWeapon”. His high school career statistics were impressive as he rushed for 877 yards with nine touchdowns and had 72 receptions for 934 yards and ten touchdowns. This robust performance got him noticed and led to his initial commitment to play for the University of Utah.

However, destiny had other plans and McNichols, in a surprising turn, decided to commit to Boise State University. He enrolled in the institution in August 2014 and, although his initial plan involved a redshirted season, McNichols was seen active on the field, playing in nine games during the 2014 season as a true freshman. He carried his positive momentum into his sophomore year, starting 12 games and recording impressive statistics with 1,337 yards on 240 carries and 20 touchdowns.

Collateral to his running prowess, Jeremy proved himself a reliable option in the passing game, with 51 receptions marking 460 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His commendable collegiate performance caught the eyes of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. As the 17th running back selected in that year’s draft, Jeremy was faced with heightened expectations.

A series of setbacks marked McNichols’ journey post his selection in the NFL draft. Released by the Buccaneers in September 2017, he found himself being signed to the practice squad of San Francisco 49ers just days later. However, his time with the 49ers too was marred by a series of releases and re-signings, as he struggled to find footing as an active roster player. A similar pattern followed his stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars as he found himself playing majorly for the practice squads with brief periods of elevation.

Despite the challenges, McNichols never lost his spirit. After a round of trials and re-signings in 2020 under the Titans, he broke records for his team with over 50 rushing yards, contributing to the franchise’s milestone of 601 offensive yards–the highest in their history. During the season, McNichols played all 16 games, making 47 carries for 204 yards and a touchdown, alongside 12 receptions for 55 yards.

Following the Titans, McNichols went through brief periods with several other teams including the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and another run with San Francisco 49ers, primarily on their practice squads.

Today, McNichols dazzles the field as a Washington Commander, a team he signed with in April 2024, making significant contributions to their gameplay. Among his many momentous games, a standout was the week 4 face-off against the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded 8 carries for 68 yards and two well-earned touchdowns. At the age of 28, Jeremy McNichols stands as a testament of sheer determination and a shining beacon reflecting the power and beauty of American football. His journey may have been lined with hurdles, but every movement, every decision he made, has added to his legacy and sparked a new chapter in his NFL career.