History of Greg McElroy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 17, 2025

Greg McElroy is an American football commentator and former NFL quarterback. He played college football at the University of Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 14-0 season in 2009, winning both the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship. Before college, he achieved success in high school, winning a Texas 5A state championship. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2011 NFL Draft after a successful college career. After retiring from the NFL, McElroy transitioned into a career as a football commentator.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 10, 1988: Greg McElroy's birth

On May 10, 1988, Gregory Vincent McElroy Jr. was born. He later became an American football commentator and former quarterback in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1998: Move to Southlake, Texas

In 1998, when Greg McElroy was 10 years old, his family moved to Southlake, Texas, after his father was hired by the Dallas Cowboys.

2003: Graham Harrell's record

In 2003, Graham Harrell achieved 67 touchdowns in a single football season. McElroy ranks second all-time in Texas high school football history.

2005: Texas 5A State Championship

In 2005, during his first season as a starter, Greg McElroy led his team to a 16–0 season, winning the Texas 5A state championship. He passed for 4,636 yards and 56 touchdowns.

2008: First career interception

In 2008, Greg McElroy threw his first career interception against Arkansas. Ramon Broadway returned the ball to the Alabama 34-yard line.

2009: Cracked Ribs during SEC Championship Game

During the 2009 SEC Championship game, Greg McElroy suffered two cracked ribs. This led to a shift from a passing to a rushing game for the team.

2009: MVP of the SEC Championship Game

In 2009, Greg McElroy led Alabama to a 32-13 victory over Florida in the SEC Championship Game, securing a spot in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. He was named the game's MVP.

2009: Starting Quarterback for Crimson Tide

In 2009, Greg McElroy was confirmed as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His first start was in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Virginia Tech. He and Mark Ingram II were named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

2009: SEC Championship and BCS National Championship

In 2009, as a junior, Greg McElroy led the Alabama Crimson Tide to an undefeated 14–0 season, including the 2009 SEC Championship and BCS National Championship.

September 2010: Smartest Athlete in Sports

In September 2010, Greg McElroy was named the 20th-smartest athlete in sports by Sporting News.

December 7, 2010: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

On December 7, 2010, Greg McElroy was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a National Football Foundation scholar/athlete.

December 2010: Master of Science degree

In December 2010, Greg McElroy obtained a Master of Science degree in sports management with a 4.0 GPA.

2010: 2010 BCS National Championship

In 2010, Greg McElroy led the Crimson Tide to victory in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game versus the Texas Longhorns.

February 2011: Wonderlic Test

In February 2011, Greg McElroy scored a 43 out of 50 on the Wonderlic Test of intelligence during the NFL Combine.

July 29, 2011: Four-year contract with the Jets

On July 29, 2011, Greg McElroy agreed to a four-year contract with the New York Jets.

August 15, 2011: Preseason Debut

On August 15, 2011, Greg McElroy made his preseason debut against the Houston Texans, completing 23 of 39 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown.

2011: Capital One Bowl win

In 2011, Greg McElroy led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a 10–3 record which included a 49–7 win over Michigan State in the 2011 Capital One Bowl.

December 2, 2012: NFL Debut

On December 2, 2012, Greg McElroy made his NFL debut, replacing Mark Sanchez and throwing his first career touchdown pass to Jeff Cumberland. The Jets won the game 7-6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

December 18, 2012: Starting Quarterback for the Jets

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

August 9, 2013: Ankle Injury

On August 9, 2013, Greg McElroy went 11-for-19 for 135 yards and a touchdown in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions, but suffered an ankle injury.