Career Timeline of Colt McCoy: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Colt McCoy built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Colt McCoy is a former American football quarterback who played 13 seasons in the NFL. A standout college player for the Texas Longhorns, he won numerous awards and achieved the second-highest number of games won by an FBS quarterback during his senior year in 2009. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft, McCoy also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals, largely serving as a backup throughout his professional career.
2005: Joins Texas Longhorns
In 2005, Colt McCoy attended the University of Texas at Austin and played for the Texas Longhorns football team.
2005: Redshirt Year
In 2005, Colt McCoy was given a redshirt year and did not play during the team's national championship season, instead serving on the scout team.
May 29, 2006: Saved a life
On May 29, 2006, Colt McCoy swam 300 yards across a lake to help save the life of Ken Herrington who was having a seizure on a small dock that extended into the privately owned lake.
October 14, 2006: Record Six Touchdown Passes
On October 14, 2006, Colt McCoy threw a Texas record six touchdown passes in a game against Baylor.
December 21, 2006: McCoy Cleared to Start
On December 21, 2006, Colt McCoy was cleared to start in the Alamo Bowl.
2006: Longhorns Starter
From 2006 Colt McCoy was a four-year starter for the Longhorns.
2006: Single-Season Texas Record
In 2006, Colt McCoy threw his 27th passing touchdown of the season, giving him sole possession of the single-season Texas record.
2007: Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP
In the 2007 Holiday Bowl, Colt McCoy led the Longhorns to a 52-34 victory against Arizona State and won the offensive MVP award.
January 2, 2008: Leading Returning Rusher
On January 2, 2008, after Jamaal Charles decided to enter the NFL draft, Colt McCoy became the leading returning rusher for the 2008 Longhorns.
August 30, 2008: Rushing and Passing Record
On August 30, 2008, Colt McCoy passed for 222 yards and rushed for 103 yards against FAU, becoming the second player in school history to pass for 200 and rush for 100 yards in more than one game.
November 27, 2008: Consideration of NFL Draft
After a victory over Texas A&M on November 27, 2008, McCoy said that he still intended to come back for his senior year, but that it would be "foolish" for him not to ask the NFL to evaluate his draft prospects.
December 8, 2008: Decision to Return for Senior Year
On December 8, 2008, McCoy announced he would return to the team for his senior year, citing the desire to play for a national championship and develop young receivers.
2009: End of College Career
By 2009, Colt McCoy concluded his career playing football for the Texas Longhorns football team.
2009: Senior Year Accolades
In 2009, during his senior year, Colt McCoy won several awards and honors while playing college football for the Texas Longhorns.
2010: NFL Draft
In 2010, Colt McCoy was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the NFL draft.
April 1, 2013: Traded to 49ers
On April 1, 2013, the Browns traded McCoy and a 2013 sixth round pick to the San Francisco 49ers.
April 3, 2014: Signed with Redskins
On April 3, 2014, McCoy signed with the Washington Redskins.
October 19, 2014: Replaced Kirk Cousins
On October 19, 2014, McCoy replaced Kirk Cousins in a game against the Tennessee Titans, throwing a 70-yd touchdown pass on his first pass and leading the Redskins to victory.
October 27, 2014: First Start Since 2011
On October 27, 2014, McCoy was named the starter for the Redskins and had his first start since 2011 against the Dallas Cowboys, earning an overtime victory.
March 17, 2015: Re-signed with Washington
On March 17, 2015, McCoy re-signed with Washington.
March 9, 2016: Signed Contract Extension
On March 9, 2016, McCoy signed a three-year contract extension with Washington.
July 26, 2018: Signed One-Year Extension
On July 26, 2018, McCoy signed a one-year contract extension with Washington.
November 18, 2018: Replaced Injured Alex Smith
On November 18, 2018, McCoy replaced an injured Alex Smith against the Houston Texans, throwing a touchdown pass on his first throw.
December 27, 2018: Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 27, 2018, McCoy was placed on injured reserve.
March 26, 2020: Signed with the New York Giants
On March 26, 2020, Colt McCoy signed with the New York Giants, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.
March 30, 2021: Signed with the Arizona Cardinals
On March 30, 2021, Colt McCoy signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, adding depth to their quarterback roster.
March 14, 2022: Signed Contract Extension with Cardinals
On March 14, 2022, Colt McCoy signed a two-year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, securing his position with the team.
August 28, 2023: Released by the Cardinals
On August 28, 2023, Colt McCoy was surprisingly released by the Arizona Cardinals as part of final roster cuts, despite expectations of being the starting quarterback.
August 19, 2024: Announced NFL Retirement and Joined NBC Sports
On August 19, 2024, Colt McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL and simultaneously revealed his new role as a Big Ten Football analyst with NBC Sports, transitioning from player to media personality.
