31 Facts About Josh McCown

Early Life and Education

Josh McCown's journey to the NFL began long before he donned a professional jersey. Here are some interesting tidbits about his early years.

1. Born on July 4, 1979, in Jacksonville, Texas, Josh McCown shares his birthday with America's Independence Day.
2. Josh attended Jacksonville High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.
3. McCown played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU) before transferring to Sam Houston State University for his senior year.
4. At Sam Houston State, he led the Bearkats to the Southland Conference title and was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year in 2001.

NFL Career Beginnings

Josh McCown's NFL career spanned nearly two decades, filled with numerous teams and memorable moments.

5. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft, McCown was the 81st overall pick.
6. McCown made his NFL debut on October 6, 2002, against the Carolina Panthers.
7. In 2004, McCown started 13 games for the Cardinals, throwing for 2,511 yards and 11 touchdowns.
8. McCown's first career touchdown pass came on November 2, 2003, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Journeyman Quarterback

Known as a journeyman quarterback, McCown played for numerous NFL teams throughout his career.

9. After leaving the Cardinals, McCown signed with the Detroit Lions in 2006.
10. McCown played for the Oakland Raiders in 2007, starting nine games.
11. In 2008, McCown joined the Miami Dolphins but did not play in any games.
12. McCown spent the 2009 season with the Carolina Panthers, serving as a backup quarterback.
13. In 2011, McCown signed with the San Francisco 49ers but was released before the season started.
14. McCown joined the Chicago Bears in 2011, where he played until 2013.
15. In 2014, McCown signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
16. McCown played for the Cleveland Browns in 2015 and 2016.
17. In 2017, McCown joined the New York Jets, starting 13 games that season.
18. McCown signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, serving as a backup and mentor to younger quarterbacks.

Memorable Moments

Throughout his career, McCown had several standout performances and memorable moments.

19. On December 29, 2003, McCown threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Nate Poole, knocking the Minnesota Vikings out of playoff contention.
20. In 2013, McCown threw for 13 touchdowns and only one interception while filling in for an injured Jay Cutler with the Chicago Bears.
21. McCown set a career-high with 457 passing yards in a game against the New York Jets on December 1, 2013.
22. In 2017, McCown led the Jets to a surprising 5-11 record, exceeding expectations for the team.

Off the Field

Josh McCown's impact extends beyond the football field, as he has made significant contributions off the field as well.

23. McCown is known for his strong Christian faith and often speaks about the importance of his beliefs.
24. He has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
25. McCown and his wife, Natalie, have four children: Bridget, Owen, Aiden, and Aubrey.
26. In 2018, McCown wrote an article for The Players' Tribune titled "You Never Know," reflecting on his career and the lessons he learned.

Coaching and Mentorship

Even after retiring from playing, McCown has continued to contribute to the game through coaching and mentorship.

27. McCown served as a volunteer coach at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his sons played football.
28. In 2020, McCown was signed to the Houston Texans' practice squad as an emergency backup quarterback and mentor.
29. McCown has expressed interest in pursuing a coaching career in the NFL, leveraging his extensive experience and knowledge of the game.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Josh McCown that highlight his unique personality and interests.

30. McCown is an avid golfer and often plays in charity golf tournaments.
31. He once appeared in a commercial for the NFL's "Play 60" campaign, encouraging kids to stay active and healthy.

The Final Whistle

Josh McCown's career is a testament to perseverance and versatility. From his early days at Sam Houston State to his many stops in the NFL, McCown has shown that hard work and adaptability can lead to a long, successful career. He played for 12 different teams, proving his ability to fit into various systems and mentor younger players. Off the field, McCown's dedication to family and community stands out. He balanced a demanding career while being a devoted husband and father, even coaching high school football. His story isn't just about stats and touchdowns; it's about resilience, leadership, and heart. Whether on the gridiron or in life, McCown's journey inspires many. So next time you think of football, remember Josh McCown—a true example of what it means to never give up.