History of Gerald McCoy in Timeline

Gerald McCoy Jr. is a retired American football player. He was a defensive tackle in the NFL, most notably for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him third overall in 2010. During his NFL career, he earned six Pro Bowl selections and one First-team All-Pro honor. McCoy also played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, receiving All-American recognition.

1980: First Buccaneers Win in Candlestick Park Since 1980

McCoy contributed to the Buccaneers' 21-0 victory over the 49ers on November 21, 2010, marking their first win in Candlestick Park since 1980.

1986: Highest Drafted Sooners Defender Since Tony Casillas

Gerald McCoy's selection in the 2010 NFL Draft marked the highest a Sooners defender had been drafted since Tony Casillas was picked by the Atlanta Falcons in 1986

February 25, 1988: Birth of Gerald McCoy Jr.

Gerald Keith McCoy Jr. was born on February 25, 1988.

1995: Fifth Defensive Rookie Starter Since Warren Sapp

Gerald McCoy's debut in 2010 marked him as the fifth defensive rookie to start for the Buccaneers since Warren Sapp in 1995.

2002: Top Defensive Tackle Prospect

In 2002, Haloti Ngata, a highly touted defensive tackle prospect, was ranked No. 2 overall.

2004: High School Success

As a junior in 2004, Gerald McCoy had a standout year at Southeast High School, recording 83 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks.

2005: National Defensive Player of the Year

In 2005, McCoy's exceptional senior year earned him the title of National Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today.

2006: Redshirt Year

After being redshirted in 2006, Gerald McCoy entered the 2007 season with heightened anticipation surrounding his debut.

2006: Redshirted Season at Oklahoma

Gerald McCoy joined the Oklahoma Sooners football team in 2006 but was redshirted, giving him an extra year to develop his skills and learn the playbook.

2006: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Gerald McCoy participated in the prestigious 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, showcasing his skills among the nation's top high school football players.

2007: Two-Time Team Captain

During his time at the University of Oklahoma (2007-2009), Gerald McCoy was recognized for his leadership by being named a two-time team captain.

2007: Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year

Gerald McCoy's impressive performance as a freshman in 2007 earned him the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year award.

2008: All-American Honors

Gerald McCoy's outstanding performance in 2008 earned him All-American recognition from The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.

2009: Return for Junior Season

Despite being projected as a top prospect, Gerald McCoy decided to return to Oklahoma for his junior season in 2009.

2009: Completion of College Football Career

Gerald McCoy concluded his college football journey with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of talent and dedication.

July 31, 2010: Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On July 31, 2010, Gerald McCoy officially signed a five-year, $63 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

September 12, 2010: NFL Debut

Gerald McCoy made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns on September 12, 2010.

November 21, 2010: First NFL Sack

Gerald McCoy recorded his first NFL sack against the San Francisco 49ers on November 21, 2010.

November 28, 2010: First Multi-Sack Game

On November 28, 2010, McCoy achieved his first multi-sack game against the Baltimore Ravens, sacking quarterback Joe Flacco twice.

December 12, 2010: Season-Ending Injury

Gerald McCoy's promising rookie season was cut short on December 12, 2010, when he suffered a torn left biceps.

2010: Solid Rookie Season Despite Injury

Despite missing the final three games of his rookie season in 2010, McCoy finished tied for third on the Buccaneers with 3.0 sacks, tied for fourth with 6.0 tackles for loss, and ranked second with 17 quarterback pressures.

2010: Top Prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft

Gerald McCoy entered the 2010 NFL Draft as a highly sought-after prospect, projected as a potential 4-3 three-technique defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end.

2010: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gerald McCoy was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

November 7, 2011: Season-Ending Biceps Tear

Gerald McCoy's 2011 season was prematurely ended on November 7th when he tore his right biceps during a game against the New Orleans Saints.

2011: Struggles and Coaching Change

The Buccaneers endured a challenging 2011 season, concluding with a ten-game losing streak and the subsequent dismissal of head coach Raheem Morris.

May 2012: Gerald McCoy Receives Pop Warner Little Scholars 'Inspiration to Youth' Award

In May 2012, Gerald McCoy was honored with the Pop Warner Little Scholars 'Inspiration to Youth' Award at their annual All-American Scholastic Banquet in Orlando, Florida.

September 2012: Gerald McCoy Participates in Community Event

In September 2012, Gerald McCoy participated in a community event where he helped present a $100,000 check to support the construction of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Field in Clearwater's North Greenwood community. During this event, McCoy and his teammates also engaged with local youth by leading them through football drills.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection and Impact on Rushing Defense

In 2012, Gerald McCoy made a strong comeback from injury, becoming a key contributor to the Buccaneers' top-ranked rushing defense and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

2013: Career-Best Performance and Accolades

Gerald McCoy had a standout year in 2013, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and being recognized as the NFL's Best Defensive Tackle by Pro Football Focus. He also received first-team All-Pro honors alongside teammate Lavonte David.

October 25, 2014: Gerald McCoy Signs 7-Year Contract Extension with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On October 25, 2014, Gerald McCoy signed a 7-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, worth $98 million, with $51.5 million guaranteed. It was the biggest contract ever for a defensive tackle at the time.

2016: Gerald McCoy Earns 4th Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection

Despite battling hand and shoulder injuries throughout 2016, McCoy still managed to record 34 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks, earning him his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

2016: Gerald McCoy Receives Fifth Pro Bowl Selection and Second-Team All-Pro Honors

In 2016, McCoy was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl and received second-team All-Pro recognition.

December 19, 2017: Gerald McCoy Selected to Sixth Straight Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Gerald McCoy was honored with his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

2017: Gerald McCoy Ranked 52nd on NFL Top 100 Players

McCoy's performance in the previous season earned him a ranking of 52nd on the NFL Top 100 Players list in 2017.

May 20, 2019: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Gerald McCoy

After nine seasons with the team, Gerald McCoy was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 20, 2019.

June 3, 2019: Gerald McCoy Signs with Carolina Panthers

Gerald McCoy signed with the Carolina Panthers on June 3, 2019.

March 31, 2020: Gerald McCoy Signs with Dallas Cowboys

On March 31, 2020, Gerald McCoy signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

August 18, 2020: Dallas Cowboys Release Gerald McCoy

Due to a ruptured quadriceps injury sustained during practice, Gerald McCoy was released by the Dallas Cowboys on August 18, 2020, through an injury waiver clause in his contract.

August 4, 2021: Gerald McCoy Signs with Las Vegas Raiders

Gerald McCoy signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on August 4, 2021.

September 15, 2021: Gerald McCoy Placed on Injured Reserve

Following a season-ending left knee injury in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Gerald McCoy was placed on injured reserve on September 15, 2021.

September 29, 2021: Gerald McCoy Suspended for Violating NFL's Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances

On September 29, 2021, Gerald McCoy received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He served this suspension without pay while on the team's reserve/injured list.