History of Colt McCoy in Timeline
Colt McCoy is a former NFL quarterback who played for 13 seasons. He had a successful college career at the University of Texas, leading the Longhorns to numerous victories and earning several accolades. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, he also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals, primarily serving as a backup quarterback.
1944: First Texas Freshman Quarterback to Start and Win a Season Opener Since Bobby Layne
Colt McCoy became the first Texas freshman quarterback to start and win a season-opening game since Bobby Layne achieved this feat in 1944.
1956: Historical Context of 1956 Season
The 1956 season held historical significance for the Longhorns, as it was the last time the team experienced an 0-2 start in conference play before 2007. This season predated Darrell Royal's tenure as head coach, highlighting a period of change and transition for the team.
1984: Historical Significance of the 1984 Season
The year 1984 marked the last time the Texas Longhorns held the prestigious #1 ranking in the AP poll before Colt McCoy led them back to the top spot in 2008. This gap in time underscores the significance of McCoy's accomplishment and his impact on the program's history.
1985: Victory over Kansas
On 1985, Colt McCoy led the Longhorns to a 35-7 win against Kansas, marking the team's eighth consecutive season with ten or more wins. This tied them with Miami for the second-longest streak of all time.
September 5, 1986: Birth of Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy was born on September 5, 1986.
1994: Previous Passing Touchdown Record
Before Colt McCoy's achievement, the record for most touchdown passes in a game for Texas was held by James Brown, who set the record in 1994 against Baylor.
1997: Dominating Victory Against Iowa State
In a game against Iowa State in 1997, the Cyclones faced their most crushing defeat. Though Colt McCoy wasn't playing at this time, this game is referenced to emphasize the magnitude of the Longhorns' victory in a later game against Iowa State.
1998: NCAA Freshman Passing Touchdown Record
David Neill of Nevada set the NCAA freshman record of 29 touchdown passes in 1998, a benchmark Colt McCoy matched in the 2006 Alamo Bowl.
2001: Previous Passing Touchdown Record
Prior to Colt McCoy's record-breaking performance, Chris Simms shared the record for most passing touchdowns in a game for Texas, set in 2001 against Oklahoma State.
2002: Began Church Youth Group Involvement
In 2002, Colt McCoy started actively participating in a church youth group. His involvement included various community service activities such as landscaping, visiting nursing homes, and assisting with meal delivery programs.
2003: High School State Championship Game
In 2003, Colt McCoy and his Jim Ned High School football team played in the Texas 2A State Championship game against the San Augustine Wolves, ultimately losing 28-7.
2005: Redshirt Year at University of Texas
Colt McCoy redshirted during his freshman year (2005) at the University of Texas, practicing with the scout team and preparing for his future role as the Longhorns' quarterback.
2005: Competition for Starting Quarterback at Texas
In 2005, a competition for the starting quarterback position at the University of Texas ensued between Colt McCoy and Jevan Snead, ultimately won by McCoy.
2005: High-Scoring Season
The Texas offense scored 550 points in 2005, ranking third in UT All-Time season scoring.
May 29, 2006: Heroic Act
On May 29, 2006, Colt McCoy swam 300 yards across a lake to save Ken Herrington, who was experiencing a seizure on a dock.
October 14, 2006: Record-Breaking Performance Against Baylor
Colt McCoy etched his name in Texas football history on October 14, 2006, by throwing a remarkable six touchdown passes against Baylor, surpassing the previous record of five.
October 25, 2006: Nationally Ranked Quarterback
By October 25, 2006, Colt McCoy's exceptional performance on the field earned him a national ranking of 9th with a quarterback rating of 165.4.
November 11, 2006: Shoulder Injury During Kansas State Game
On November 11, 2006, Colt McCoy sustained a stinger shoulder injury while scoring a rushing touchdown against Kansas State, leading to his replacement by Jevan Snead for the rest of the game, which Texas unexpectedly lost.
November 24, 2006: Return for the Texas A&M Game
Despite uncertainty surrounding his shoulder injury, Colt McCoy was cleared to play in the highly anticipated game against Texas A&M on November 24, 2006.
December 1, 2006: Jevan Snead's Departure From Texas
Texas confirmed on December 1, 2006, that backup quarterback Jevan Snead had decided to transfer to another school, raising concerns about the quarterback position for the upcoming bowl game if McCoy couldn't play.
December 21, 2006: Cleared to Start in Alamo Bowl
Colt McCoy received clearance to start in the Alamo Bowl on December 21, 2006, alleviating concerns about his availability following his injury.
2006: Reflecting on the Success of 2006
In comparison to the challenges faced in 2007, Colt McCoy's performance in 2006 was significantly stronger, with fewer interceptions thrown throughout the season. This contrast highlights the fluctuating nature of a young athlete's career.
2006: Record-Breaking Performance in UCF Game
In 2006, Colt McCoy led the Texas Longhorns in a game against the UCF Knights, marking the first ever game in UCF's new stadium. McCoy's performance was noteworthy, with 47 passing attempts, tying a Texas single-game record. His 32 completions set a new school record, surpassing previous records set by Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl and Major Applewhite in 1999.
2006: Breakthrough Season as Starting Quarterback
In 2006, Colt McCoy emerged as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, commencing a successful college football journey.
2006: Approaching NCAA Freshman Passing Touchdown Record
During the 2006 season, Colt McCoy's 27th touchdown pass put him within striking distance of the NCAA single-season record for freshman quarterbacks, highlighting his exceptional performance.
2006: Heisman Trophy Candidate
McCoy was considered a potential Heisman Trophy candidate in 2006.
June 2007: National Recognition and Preseason Honors
In June 2007, Colt McCoy's rising star power was evident as he graced the cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football alongside notable peers and received recognition as one of the nation's top quarterbacks.
June 26, 2007: Named to the Maxwell Award Watch List
Colt McCoy's outstanding performance earned him a spot on the prestigious Maxwell Award watch list in June 2007, signifying his potential as one of the nation's top players.
August 21, 2007: Added to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List
On August 21, 2007, Colt McCoy's name was added to the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, further solidifying his status as a top quarterback prospect.
2007: Tim Tebow's Endorsement
Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, expressed his support for McCoy as a potential candidate in 2008.
2007: Heisman Watch List
McCoy was included in the Athlon Sports pre-season Heisman watch list at the beginning of the 2007 season.
2007: Defeat in the 2007 Red River Shootout
The 2007 Red River Shootout, a game against the Oklahoma Sooners, saw Colt McCoy and the Longhorns facing another defeat. Despite a close game, the Sooners, led by freshman quarterback Sam Bradford, emerged victorious. McCoy, playing with an injured throwing arm, still managed to deliver a strong performance, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Longhorns. This marked the team's first 0-2 start in conference play since 1956.
2007: NCAA Freshman Passing Touchdown Record Broken
Sam Bradford of Oklahoma broke the NCAA freshman passing touchdown record in 2007, a record Colt McCoy had tied the previous year.
2007: Redemption and Leadership in the 2007 Season
Despite the earlier struggles in 2007, Colt McCoy showcased his resilience and leadership in subsequent games. His performance against Iowa State was particularly notable, leading the Longhorns to a decisive victory and earning praise from his coach, Mack Brown. McCoy's ability to bounce back from adversity and inspire his team demonstrated his growing maturity as a quarterback. However, the season remained inconsistent, with McCoy facing further challenges in games against Baylor, Nebraska, and Texas A&M, concluding the regular season with a mix of touchdowns and interceptions.
2007: Struggles and Disappointment in 2007 Season
Colt McCoy faced challenges during the 2007 season, including a concussion suffered during a game against Kansas State Wildcats. His performance was statistically less impressive compared to the previous year, with a significant increase in interceptions thrown. This led to criticism and analysis from sports commentators, who attributed the Longhorns' struggles to various factors, including McCoy's performance, the offensive line's inconsistency, and the team's lack of a strong leader like Vince Young.
2007: Victory and MVP Honors in the 2007 Holiday Bowl
Colt McCoy ended the 2007 season on a high note by leading the Longhorns to a resounding victory against Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl. His outstanding performance earned him the offensive MVP award, solidifying his position as a key player for the team and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
January 2, 2008: Jamaal Charles Enters the NFL Draft
On January 2, 2008, Jamaal Charles, Texas running back, made the significant decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2008 NFL draft. This decision had implications for the Longhorns, leaving a void in the running game and thrusting Colt McCoy into the position of the leading returning rusher for the upcoming season.
August 30, 2008: Breaking Records and Leading the Longhorns
Throughout the 2008 season, Colt McCoy continued to etch his name into the Texas Longhorns' record books. On August 30, 2008, he achieved a rare feat by surpassing 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game against FAU, joining Vince Young as the only other player in school history to accomplish this multiple times. McCoy's performance throughout the season was nothing short of exceptional, leading the Longhorns to an impressive eight-game winning streak and achieving a #1 ranking in the national polls for a period. He concluded the 2008 season with numerous school records to his name, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Texas Longhorns history.
October 2008: Decision to Stay at Texas
In October 2008, McCoy announced his intention to remain at the University of Texas for his senior year, prioritizing his college career over entering the NFL draft.
November 25, 2008: Maxwell Award Finalist
On November 25, 2008, McCoy was named one of the finalists for the Maxwell Award, recognizing the top all-around player in college football.
November 27, 2008: NFL Draft Evaluation Request
Following a resounding victory against Texas A&M on November 27, 2008, McCoy expressed his desire to play for Texas for four years while acknowledging the importance of seeking an NFL draft evaluation.
December 8, 2008: Return for Senior Year
On December 8, 2008, McCoy confirmed his decision to return to Texas for his senior year, citing his aspiration to compete for a national championship and contribute to the development of young receivers.
2008: High-Scoring Season
The Texas offense scored 550 points in 2008, ranking third in UT All-Time season scoring.
2008: Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
In 2008, McCoy was recognized as the AP Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
2008: Record-Breaking Win
In 2008, McCoy achieved a record-breaking 31st win in his collegiate career. He rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more, completing 23 of 28 attempted passes.
2008: Victory Over Oklahoma and Rise to #1 Ranking
In 2008, Colt McCoy played a pivotal role in the Longhorns' victory against their rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners. This win was particularly significant as it propelled Texas to the #1 spot in the AP poll, a feat they hadn't achieved since 1984. This victory highlighted McCoy's leadership and ability to perform under pressure, further solidifying his legacy as a standout quarterback.
2008: Two-Time Heisman Trophy Finalist
Following his impressive performance in 2008, McCoy solidified his position as a top quarterback by becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second consecutive year.
2008: Heisman Trophy Contender
During his junior year in 2008, McCoy emerged as a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy, receiving recognition from analysts and voters.
2008: Heisman Trophy Finalist
In 2008, McCoy was among the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy, ultimately securing second place in the voting.
January 5, 2009: Fiesta Bowl Victory
On January 5, 2009, McCoy led the Longhorns to a 24-21 victory over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, earning him the Offensive Player of the Game title.
2009: Four-Year Starter and Consistent MVP
By 2009, Colt McCoy had established himself as a four-year starter for the Texas Longhorns, earning the team's MVP award or sharing it for each of those years, a unique feat in the school's history.
2009: Heisman Trophy Finalist
Despite facing stiff competition from previous Heisman winners in 2009, McCoy emerged as a strong candidate and was named a finalist for the prestigious award.
2009: Successful College Football Career at University of Texas
In 2009, Colt McCoy concluded his college football career with the Texas Longhorns, earning numerous awards and distinctions. Notably, he secured the second-place ranking for most wins by a quarterback in FBS history.
2009: Undefeated Regular Season and Big 12 Championship
In 2009, McCoy led the Texas Longhorns to an undefeated 12-0 regular season and a victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big 12 Championship.
2009: Potential NFL Entry
McCoy acknowledged the possibility of entering the 2009 NFL draft but remained committed to his education and collegiate football journey.
January 12, 2010: Engagement
Colt McCoy proposed to his girlfriend, Rachel Glandorf, a former athlete from Baylor University, on January 12, 2010. The proposal took place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, adding a special touch to the event.
July 17, 2010: Marriage
Colt McCoy and Rachel Glandorf were married on July 17, 2010. The couple later went on to have two daughters and a son.
2010: NFL Draft Preparation
After sustaining an injury during the BCS title game, McCoy opted to focus on recovery and preparation for the NFL draft by participating in the University of Texas pro workout day instead of attending the NFL Combine.
2010: BCS National Championship Game Injury
In 2010, during the BCS National Championship Game against Alabama, McCoy suffered a right shoulder injury and was replaced by Garrett Gilbert. Alabama won the game 37-21.
2010: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns
In 2010, Colt McCoy was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 85th overall pick in the third round. The Browns had traded Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders to acquire this pick. Despite criticisms about his size and hand size, McCoy expressed excitement about joining the Browns.
2010: Drafted into the NFL
Colt McCoy was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional football journey.
2011: Last Start Before 2014
Colt McCoy's start against the Dallas Cowboys on October 27, 2014, was his first start since 2011.
2012: Backup for Brandon Weeden
Colt McCoy served as the backup quarterback to rookie Brandon Weeden for the Cleveland Browns in 2012. He played briefly against the Denver Broncos when Weeden was injured.
April 1, 2013: Traded to the San Francisco 49ers
On April 1, 2013, the Cleveland Browns traded Colt McCoy to the San Francisco 49ers along with a sixth-round pick in exchange for the 49ers' fifth and seventh-round picks.
April 3, 2014: Signed with the Washington Redskins
Colt McCoy signed with the Washington Redskins on April 3, 2014.
October 19, 2014: Victory against the Tennessee Titans
Colt McCoy replaced Kirk Cousins in the second half and led the Redskins to a 19-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans on October 19, 2014, throwing a 70-yard touchdown pass on his first throw.
October 27, 2014: First start for the Redskins
Colt McCoy was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins and had his first start with the team on October 27, 2014, against the Dallas Cowboys. He led the team to an overtime victory.
2014: First Win Since 2014
In 2020, Colt McCoy, as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants, led the team to a victory over the Seattle Seahawks. This marked his first win since 2014.
March 17, 2015: Re-signed with Washington
Colt McCoy re-signed with the Washington Redskins on March 17, 2015.
March 9, 2016: Contract Extension
On March 9, 2016, Colt McCoy signed a three-year contract extension with the Washington Redskins.
2016: Limited Playing Time
Colt McCoy saw very limited playing time in the 2016 season as the backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins.
2017: Limited Playing Time
Colt McCoy had limited playing time as the backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins in the 2017 season, with only four offensive snaps.
July 26, 2018: One-Year Extension
Colt McCoy signed a one-year contract extension with the Washington Redskins on July 26, 2018.
November 18, 2018: Replaced Injured Alex Smith
On November 18, 2018, Colt McCoy came into the game against the Houston Texans after Alex Smith suffered an injury. His first pass was a touchdown.
December 27, 2018: Placed on Injured Reserve
Colt McCoy was placed on injured reserve on December 27, 2018, due to a leg injury sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
2019: Lone Start Against the Patriots
Colt McCoy started for the Redskins in Week 5 of the 2019 season against the New England Patriots, which was his only appearance of the season.
March 26, 2020: Signed with the New York Giants
Colt McCoy signed with the New York Giants on March 26, 2020.
March 30, 2021: Signed with the Arizona Cardinals
Colt McCoy signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals on March 30, 2021.
March 14, 2022: Contract Extension with the Cardinals
On March 14, 2022, Colt McCoy signed a two-year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals.
September 7, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve
Colt McCoy was placed on injured reserve by the Arizona Cardinals due to a calf injury on September 7, 2022.
August 28, 2023: Released by the Cardinals
On August 28, 2023, Colt McCoy was released by the Arizona Cardinals as part of the final roster cuts before the start of the 2023 season.
2023: Remains Unsigned
Despite being considered by other teams, Colt McCoy remained unsigned throughout the 2023-24 NFL season. He spent the time rehabbing from elbow surgery.
August 2024: Retirement and New Beginnings
In August 2024, Colt McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL and simultaneously shared his new role as a Big Ten Football analyst for NBC Sports.
2024: University of Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction
In 2024, McCoy was honored for his collegiate achievements with an induction into the University of Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
2024: Considering Future Options
In early 2024, Colt McCoy expressed that he was open to returning as a player but was also considering coaching or a career in politics.