30 Facts About Josh McCown

Early Life and College Career

Josh McCown's journey to the NFL began in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he was born and raised. His early years set the foundation for a career marked by resilience and adaptability.

1. Josh McCown was born on July 16, 1977, in Greenwood, South Carolina. Growing up in a small town, he developed a passion for football early on.

2. He attended Greenwood High School. Here, he showcased his talent as a quarterback, earning recognition and setting the stage for his future career.

3. McCown played college football at Sam Houston State University. At Sam Houston State, he became a standout quarterback, setting multiple records.

4. In 2001, he completed 259 of 429 passes for 3,481 yards and 32 touchdowns. This impressive performance earned him All-American honors.

NFL Draft and Early Career

McCown's entry into the NFL was marked by a series of transitions as he adapted to different teams and roles.

5. McCown was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He was one of the top quarterback prospects that year.

6. He played for the Cardinals from 2002 to 2005. Initially a backup, he became the team's primary starter in 2004, throwing for 2,511 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

7. In 2006, McCown signed with the Detroit Lions. He played only two games for the Lions before being released.

8. McCown joined the Oakland Raiders in 2007. He started nine games, throwing for 1,151 yards with 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Mid-Career Transitions

McCown's career saw him moving between several teams, each time bringing his experience and leadership to new environments.

9. In 2008, McCown was traded to the Carolina Panthers. He played only two games before being released.

10. He signed with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (UFL) in 2010. This move marked a brief departure from the NFL.

11. McCown had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. He served as a backup quarterback before being released.

12. He joined the Chicago Bears in 2011. McCown played as a backup quarterback until 2013, throwing for 1,829 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception in eight games.

Later Career and Notable Achievements

Despite not always being a starter, McCown's later career was marked by significant achievements and memorable performances.

13. In 2014, McCown signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He became the team's primary starter but struggled and was released after underperforming.

14. McCown joined the Cleveland Browns in 2015. He started eight games, throwing for 2,109 yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions.

15. In 2016, McCown served as a backup quarterback for the Browns. He played only five games, throwing for 1,100 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

16. McCown signed with the New York Jets in 2017. He became the team's primary starter, setting single-season career highs in several categories.

17. In 2018, McCown served as a backup quarterback for the Jets. He played only four games, throwing for 539 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.

18. After retiring from the NFL, McCown came out of retirement to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in August 2019. He played as a backup quarterback during the 2019 season.

19. In the Wild Card Round of the 2019-2020 NFL playoffs, McCown replaced an injured Carson Wentz. At 40, he became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to make his postseason debut.

Career Statistics and Records

McCown's career statistics reflect his adaptability and consistent performance across various teams.

20. Throughout his career, McCown completed 1,584 of 2,633 passes for 17,731 yards. He also recorded 98 touchdowns and 82 interceptions.

21. His highest passer rating was achieved in 2013 while playing for the Chicago Bears. He threw for 1,829 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception in eight games.

22. McCown's highest completion percentage was 67.3 in 2017 while playing for the New York Jets. This marked a career high in accuracy.

23. His highest single-season passing yards were achieved in 2017 with 2,926 yards. This was also while playing for the New York Jets.

24. McCown's highest single-season touchdown passes were also achieved in 2017 with 18 touchdowns. This performance highlighted his ability to lead the team.

25. His lowest single-season interception total was one in 2013 while playing for the Chicago Bears. This demonstrated his careful decision-making.

Off-Field Activities and Legacy

Beyond his on-field achievements, McCown has made significant contributions off the field, influencing the next generation of players.

26. McCown has rushed for 429 yards in his career. His highest single-season rushing yards were 175 yards in 2000 while playing for Sam Houston State.

27. He has rushed for three touchdowns in his career. His highest single-season rushing touchdown was one in 2001 while playing for Sam Houston State.

28. McCown has played for nine teams in his career. These include the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets.

29. He has played in 102 games over his career, starting 76 of them. This extensive experience has made him a seasoned veteran.

30. After retiring from the NFL, McCown joined ESPN as an NFL analyst. He also coaches high school football and participates in various charitable activities.

McCown's Remarkable NFL Journey

Josh McCown's NFL career is a testament to his grit and adaptability. From his early days at Sam Houston State to playing for nine different NFL teams, McCown has shown resilience and leadership. His ability to step in as a reliable backup quarterback, often in critical moments, has earned him respect across the league. Notably, his 2017 season with the New York Jets saw him achieve career highs in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. Beyond the field, McCown's involvement in coaching high school football and his role as an NFL analyst at ESPN highlight his ongoing passion for the game. His legacy isn't just about stats; it's about his unwavering dedication and the inspiration he provides to younger players. Josh McCown's journey through the NFL is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep love for football.