Bradley McDougald facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bradley McDougald

McDougald with the Tennessee Titans in 2021
No. 48, 49, 30, 22
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1990-11-15) November 15, 1990 (age 34) Dublin, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	Dublin Scioto (Dublin, Ohio)
College:	Kansas
Undrafted:	2013
Career history
Kansas City Chiefs (2013) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013–2016) Seattle Seahawks (2017–2019) New York Jets (2020) Tennessee Titans (2021) Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Big 12 (2012)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 492 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 4 Pass deflections: 43 Interceptions: 10
Player stats at PFR

Bradley McDougald (born November 15, 1990) is a former American football player. He played as a safety, a defensive position that helps stop big plays. Bradley played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks. He later joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 as an undrafted free agent. This means he wasn't chosen in the main player draft but was signed by a team afterward. He also played for several other NFL teams. These include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

College Football Journey

Bradley McDougald first planned to play for Ohio State University. He played wide receiver in high school at Dublin Scioto High School. Later, he decided to attend the University of Kansas instead. After his second year, Bradley made a permanent switch to play as a safety. This change helped him focus on his defensive skills.

McDougald with the Kansas team in 2012

Starting a Professional Career

Before the NFL draft, Bradley attended the NFL Scouting Combine. This is where college players show off their skills to professional teams. His performance there was not as strong as some other players. However, he worked hard to improve his results at a special "pro day." Experts thought he might be a late draft pick or an undrafted free agent. He was ranked as one of the top free safeties.

Time with the Kansas City Chiefs

Joining the Chiefs in 2013

In April 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Bradley McDougald. He signed a three-year contract, even though he wasn't drafted. During training camp, he worked hard to earn a spot on the team. He played well in preseason games, making many tackles.

He was released by the Chiefs briefly but then re-signed. He was listed as the fifth safety on the team's roster. Bradley made his first professional game appearance in October 2013. He was later released by the Chiefs again in November. He played in only one game for them.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Starting Fresh in 2013

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up Bradley McDougald in November 2013. They needed a safety because their starter was injured. Bradley played in three games for the Buccaneers, mostly on special teams. The team changed coaches at the end of the season.

Making an Impact in 2014

In 2014, Bradley competed for a backup safety spot. He made his first career tackle in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. Later that season, the Buccaneers traded their starting strong safety. This gave Bradley a chance to play more. He earned his first start in November 2014. He made a career-high 15 tackles in one game. In the final game of 2014, Bradley made his first career interception. He finished the season with 50 tackles and one interception.

Becoming a Starter in 2015

In March 2015, the Buccaneers offered Bradley a new contract. He signed a one-year deal. He then became the starting free safety for the team. In October 2015, he made another interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a great season, finishing with 87 tackles and two interceptions.

McDougald with the Buccaneers in 2015

Strong Performance in 2016

The Buccaneers changed coaches again in 2016. Bradley signed another one-year contract with the team. He continued as the starting free safety. He had a very strong season, making a career-high 91 tackles. He also had ten pass deflections and two interceptions. He played both strong safety and free safety, showing his versatility.

Moving to the Seattle Seahawks

Joining the Legion of Boom in 2017

In March 2017, the Seattle Seahawks signed Bradley McDougald. He signed a one-year contract. He started as a backup safety for the Seahawks. Later in the season, he became a starter due to injuries to other players. He played strong safety for the rest of the year. He finished 2017 with 75 tackles.

Key Player in 2018

In March 2018, the Seahawks re-signed Bradley to a three-year contract. In the first game of the season, he had an amazing performance. He recorded two interceptions in one game for the first time in his career. He continued to be a key player for the Seahawks defense.

McDougald with the Seahawks in 2018

Final Season with Seahawks in 2019

In 2019, Bradley continued to make big plays. He had an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he led his team with 11 tackles. He also sacked the opposing quarterback once.

Time with the New York Jets

In July 2020, Bradley McDougald was traded to the New York Jets. This trade involved several draft picks. He made his debut with the Jets in Week 1. He recorded 8 tackles and recovered a fumble in that game. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 7. This injury ended his season early.

Short Stints with Other Teams

Tennessee Titans in 2021

Bradley signed with the Tennessee Titans in August 2021. He was released shortly after but then re-signed to their practice squad. He was later promoted to the main team but was released again in September.

Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021

In December 2021, Bradley was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He was briefly promoted to the active roster in January 2022. He then returned to the practice squad.

NFL Career Statistics

These tables show Bradley McDougald's performance stats during his professional football career.

Regular season

Playoffs