Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Greg McElroy

Discover the career path of Greg McElroy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Greg McElroy is a former NFL quarterback and current football commentator. He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 14-0 season in 2009, winning both the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship. McElroy was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Before his college career, McElroy achieved success in high school, winning a Texas 5A state championship and earning All-American honors.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Texas 5A State Championship

In 2005, as a senior and first season as a starter, Greg McElroy passed for 4,636 yards and 56 touchdowns, leading to a 16–0 season and the Texas 5A state championship.

2008: Limited action during the 2008 season

During the 2008 season, Greg McElroy made six appearances late in games, throwing his first career interception against Arkansas and his first touchdown pass against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The 34-yard strike to Marquis Maze was the final score of the game.

2009: SEC Championship Game MVP

In 2009, Greg McElroy led Alabama to a 32–13 victory over the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game and was named the game's MVP.

2009: SEC Championship and BCS National Championship

In 2009, Greg McElroy led the Alabama Crimson Tide to an undefeated 14–0 season, which included the 2009 SEC Championship and BCS National Championship.

2009: Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week

In 2009, Greg McElroy was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after leading Alabama to a 34–24 victory over Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

2010: Secured spot in 2010 BCS National Championship Game

In 2009, Greg McElroy led Alabama to a 32–13 victory over the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game and secured a spot in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.

2010: BCS National Championship Victory

In 2010, Greg McElroy led the Crimson Tide to a 37-21 victory versus the Texas Longhorns in the BCS National Championship Game. He later revealed he had suffered cracked ribs during the 2009 SEC Championship game.

July 29, 2011: Four-Year Contract with Jets

On July 29, 2011, Greg McElroy came to an agreement with the New York Jets on a four-year contract.

August 15, 2011: Preseason Debut Against Texans

On August 15, 2011, Greg McElroy made his preseason debut against the Houston Texans, completing 23 of 39 pass attempts for 208 yards and a touchdown after Mark Brunell was declared out with a finger injury.

2011: Capital One Bowl Win

In 2011, Greg McElroy led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a 10–3 record, including a 49–7 win over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. His senior season began with a 5–0 start.

2011: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2011, Greg McElroy was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

December 2, 2012: NFL Debut and Touchdown Pass

On December 2, 2012, Greg McElroy made his NFL debut for the Jets against the Arizona Cardinals, replacing Mark Sanchez. He threw his first and only career touchdown pass to Jeff Cumberland.

December 18, 2012: Named Starting Quarterback

On December 18, 2012, Greg McElroy was named the starting quarterback for the Jets.

2012: Return and Preseason Play

In 2012, Greg McElroy returned to play in the Jets' first preseason game against the Bengals, completing 4 of 6 pass attempts. He played in the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles and scored the team's lone touchdown.

August 31, 2013: Released by Jets

On August 31, 2013, Greg McElroy was released by the Jets with an injury designation.

September 1, 2013: Signed to Bengals Practice Squad

On September 1, 2013, Greg McElroy was signed to the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals.

March 21, 2014: Retirement from NFL

On March 21, 2014, Greg McElroy announced his retirement from the National Football League.

August 2014: College Football Analyst for ESPN's SEC Network

In August 2014, Greg McElroy announced he would become a college football analyst for ESPN's SEC Network.

2014: College Football Analyst for ESPN

In 2014, Greg McElroy retired from the NFL and started working as a college football analyst for ESPN.

2016: Calling Games from All Conferences on ESPN

In 2016, Greg McElroy began calling games from all conferences on ESPN.

2017: Hosting Thinking Out Loud on the SEC Network

Beginning with the 2017 College Football season, Greg McElroy began hosting Thinking Out Loud on the SEC Network with former LSU defensive end Marcus Spears.