Zack Bailey

Zack Bailey's Biography

Born on the 8th of November, 1995, Zack Bailey hails from Summerville, South Carolina and has carved out a noteworthy career in American professional football as an offensive lineman. While he is currently a free agent, his career spans multiple deals with prestigious teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Minnesota Vikings, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Washington Football Team, now known as the Commanders.

Bailey’s journey into football began at Summerville High School where he played under Coach John McKissick, a record holder for winning games in levels. Here, Bailey took up the position of left guard, significantly contributing to the team’s progression to the playoff’s second round during his senior year. Such was his prowess that he became a finalist for the “Mr. Football” state award. Evaluations by Rivals.com further cemented his reputation as they ranked him as a four-star prospect, the fifth-best offensive guard nationally, and the second-best player in South Carolina.

With the doors of opportunity wide open after finishing high school in 2015, Bailey selected the University of South Carolina to continue his football journey. Though young and a true freshman, he impressed both peers and coaches by appearing in 12 matches and starting in 5 during the 2015 season. With two positions at the left guard and other three as a center under his belt, he showed consistent improvement in the ensuing years.

Bailey’s hard work and commitment didn’t go unrecognized. Dubbed South Carolina’s “most consistent and highest performing offensive lineman” in 2016, he started every game at left guard, often as a team captain, and was awarded the Offensive Tenacity Award. Committed to his growth, Bailey explored a new position in the interior lineman right tackle during his junior year in 2017.

His progress was however halted by an injury he sustained during the third game of the season in 2017, which resulted in him missing four games. Nonetheless, he still managed to get selected for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Fall Academic Honor Roll, named by the league’s coaches as a third-team all-conference player.

As his senior year approached, Bailey faced the dilemma of joining the NFL Draft or returning for a final year to earn his degree. Opting for the latter, Bailey became the first member of his family to earn a degree at the end of 2018. After returning to his original position of left guard, he served as team captain and started 12 games, earning recognition as second-team all-conference by the Associated Press (AP) and the league’s coaches.

Despite his successful senior year, a broken fibula saw Bailey sitting out of the Belk Bowl. His injury also limited his participation in the NFL Scouting Combine. However, after going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bailey found fortune when he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the only undrafted rookie that year to make the final team. Unfortunately, he was unable to sustain this position and later experienced a stint of free agency.

During this period, Bailey had tryouts with the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and Minnesota Vikings, eventually sealing a deal with the Vikings’ practice squad. When the Vikings released him, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts, then the Washington Football Team, and was eventually picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers. Here, he achieved his NFL debut in a match against the Las Vegas Raiders.

However, in 2023, Bailey was waived by the Chargers, only to be re-signed to the practice squad and promoted to the active roster. An injury in December 2023 put him on the injured reserve, following which he was signed by the Atlanta Falcons in July 2024. Despite being waived in August of the same year, Bailey’s journey in professional football continues to unfold, fueled by the love of the sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has marked his career.