Zyon McCollum

Zyon McCollum's Biography

Zyon McCollum, a talented professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL), was born on May 3, 1999. With his impressive journey in the sport that began in Galveston, Texas, and culminated on the grandest stage of professional football, McCollum’s story is one of determination, resilience, and exceptional athletic ability.

Raised in Galveston, McCollum honed his early football skills at Ball High School. As he dazzled on the field, he attracted attention from college scouts. He and his twin brother, Tristin, initially committed to together forge a football career at Utah. However, as the brothers yearned for a game closer to their roots in Texas, they revised their choice and opted instead to demonstrate their prowess on the field at Sam Houston State. A change of heart that proved to be instrumental in shaping McCollum’s future career.

At Sam Houston State, McCollum made an instant impact. Even as a rookie, he was quickly initiated into the starting lineup at cornerback. His place in the team was cemented in his sophomore season when he achieved first-team All-Southland Conference accolades after recording 44 tackles, eight broken up passes, and three interceptions. Despite the missed opportunities in his junior season due to an injury, McCollum’s efforts were recognized as he was named in the second-team All-Conference.

His senior season came with its set of challenges, as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted sporting schedules. Even within a curtailed spring 2021 season, McCollum’s influence within the Bearkats could not be understated. He made 46 tackles, and his consistent performances were rewarded with first-team All-Southland honors as the Bearkats triumphed in the 2021 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. His impressive performances and resilience to fight against adversity provided him the confidence to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted in the wake of the pandemic and return to Sam Houston State for a fifth season. In his final hurrah, he recorded 50 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, and eight passes defended, earning him the first-team All-Western Athletic Conference title.

As the 2022 NFL Draft rolled around, Zyon McCollum was all set for the professional stage. His successive years of consistent performance in the collegiate league had primed him for a transition into the pros. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked him in the fifth round as the 157th overall pick. Despite being a rookie, his first year in the NFL was fruitful as he featured in 13 regular season games, starting three and registering 24 tackles and one defended pass.

Beyond the football field, Zyon McCollum’s life is equally interesting. His twin brother, Tristin, shares more than just a birthdate with Zyon; they share a passion for football and have both successfully turned Pro in the NFL. His father is none other than Cory Carr, a former player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), hinting at where some of the McCollum boys’ sporting talent comes from. Thus, in Zyon McCollum, we see not just an incredible football player, but a man of resolve, resilience, and a testament to sporting roots.