Gerald McCoy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gerald McCoy

McCoy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012
No. 93
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1988-02-25) February 25, 1988 (age 37) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	300 lb (136 kg)
Career information
High school:	Southeast (Oklahoma City)
College:	Oklahoma (2006–2009)
NFL Draft:	2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3
Career history
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010–2018) Carolina Panthers (2019) Dallas Cowboys (2020)* Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Pro (2013) 2× Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2016) 6× Pro Bowl (2012–2017) 2× First-team All-American (2008, 2009) Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2007) 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 334 Sacks: 59.5 Pass deflections: 24 Forced fumbles: 6 Fumble recoveries: 4
Player stats at PFR

Gerald Keith McCoy Jr. (born February 25, 1988) is a former American professional football player. He was a powerful defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). McCoy played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was recognized as one of the best college players in the country. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose him as the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. McCoy was selected to the Pro Bowl six times. He was also named a First-team All-Pro once.

Early Life and High School Football

Gerald McCoy was born in Oklahoma City to Gerald McCoy Sr. and Patricia McCoy. He went to Southeast High School in Oklahoma City. There, he played for the Southeast Spartans high school football team. He also competed in track and field.

As a junior in 2004, McCoy made 83 tackles. This included 23 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. He earned honors like All-area, all-state, and all-metro. In his senior year, he had 82 tackles, 20 sacks, and recovered nine fumbles.

McCoy received many awards, including the 2005 National Defensive Player of the Year from USA Today. After his senior season, he played in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Track and Field Achievements

In track & field, McCoy was a top performer in the shot put. His best throw was 16.90 meters.

Becoming a Top Recruit

Experts at Rivals.com saw McCoy as a five-star recruit. He was ranked the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in his class. He was also the highest-ranked defensive tackle since Haloti Ngata in 2002. Many major colleges wanted to recruit him. McCoy visited schools like Notre Dame and Southern California. He chose to play for his home-state team, the Oklahoma Sooners.

College Football Career

McCoy attended the University of Oklahoma. He played for head coach Bob Stoops's Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2006 to 2009.

2007 Season: Freshman Year Success

McCoy did not play in 2006, saving a year of eligibility (called "redshirting"). In 2007, he had high expectations. The Big 12 named McCoy the Defensive Freshman of the Year. He finished the season with 19 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. He started and played in 13 games.

2008 Season: Sophomore Standout

In his second season, McCoy led Oklahoma's interior defensive linemen with 30 tackles. He was second on the team with 6.5 sacks. He also had a career-high two sacks against Texas. His first career interception came in the BCS title game against Florida. After the season, he was named a First-team All-American by Sporting News. He was also named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

2009 Season: All-American Again

Many thought McCoy would enter the 2009 NFL draft. However, he decided to return to Oklahoma for his junior season. Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 2 defensive tackle in college football in 2009.

McCoy played in 15 games, making 35 tackles (15.5 for losses). He also had six sacks, two passes broken up, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The Walter Camp Foundation voted him First-team All-American. McCoy became the 37th Sooner player to earn All-America honors in more than one season. He was also a finalist for the 2009 Lombardi Award.

At the University of Oklahoma, McCoy was a team captain twice. He started all 40 games during his college career (2007–2009).

College Statistics

Professional Football Career

McCoy was seen as one of the top players for the 2010 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a key defensive player.

Joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted McCoy in the first round. He was the third player chosen overall in the 2010 NFL draft. This was a big moment for the Oklahoma Sooners. Three of their players were picked among the first four in the draft. McCoy signed a five-year contract with the Buccaneers on July 31, 2010.

2010 Season: Rookie Year

McCoy played his first NFL game on September 12, 2010, against the Cleveland Browns. He made three tackles and forced a fumble, helping the Buccaneers win. He was one of only five defensive rookies to start for the Buccaneers on opening day since 1995.

McCoy got his first NFL sack on November 21, 2010, against the San Francisco 49ers. A week later, he sacked quarterback Joe Flacco twice against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, McCoy tore his left biceps in December and missed the last three games. Despite this, he finished tied for third on the team with 3.0 sacks.

2011 Season: Injury Challenges

In his second NFL season, McCoy again faced injuries. He played in only 11 games. He tore his right biceps in November and was placed on injured reserve. This was the second year in a row his season ended early due to an arm injury.

2012 Season: First Pro Bowl

McCoy had a great comeback season in 2012. He helped the Buccaneers have a top-ranked defense against running plays. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection, playing a full season without injury. "I just wanted to play a full season," McCoy said. "This is definitely a gift from God." He finished the year with 30 tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

2013 Season: All-Pro Recognition

McCoy started the 2013 season strong. He had 2 sacks and a fumble recovery by Week 4. He continued his excellent play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10. He recorded 5 tackles and sacked Miami Quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

In Week 11, McCoy had his best game yet against the Atlanta Falcons. He made 6 tackles, 3 sacks, and deflected a pass. This tied a team record for sacks by a defensive tackle. McCoy was voted to his second straight Pro Bowl. He finished the season with 50 total tackles and 9 sacks. He was named first-team All-Pro.

2014 Season: Big Contract and More Pro Bowls

In 2014, McCoy played under a new head coach, Lovie Smith. He continued to be a strong leader for the Buccaneers' defense. On October 25, 2014, McCoy signed a big 7-year contract extension. It was the largest contract ever for a defensive tackle at that time.

During Week 15, McCoy injured his knee and missed the rest of the season. Despite the injury, he was chosen for his third straight Pro Bowl.

2015 Season: Consistent Performance

Even with hand and shoulder injuries, McCoy had a good 2015 season. He made 34 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks. This earned him his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection. His fellow players ranked him 63rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 list.

2016 Season: Another All-Pro Year

In 2016, McCoy recorded seven sacks, 34 tackles, and five passes defended. He also forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. He was named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro. He was ranked 52nd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

2017 Season: Sixth Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, McCoy was named to his sixth straight Pro Bowl. He finished the 2017 season with six sacks and 47 tackles in 15 games.

2018 Season: End of an Era in Tampa Bay

In 2018, McCoy finished with six sacks and 28 tackles. He was ranked 75th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019. After nine seasons, the Buccaneers released McCoy on May 20, 2019.

Carolina Panthers

McCoy with the Panthers in 2019

On June 3, 2019, McCoy signed with the Carolina Panthers. In Week 6, he sacked his former teammate Jameis Winston 2.5 times in a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished the 2019 season with five sacks and 37 tackles.

Dallas Cowboys

On March 31, 2020, McCoy signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. However, he suffered a serious quadriceps injury in practice. He was released by the Cowboys on August 18, 2020, due to an injury clause in his contract.

Las Vegas Raiders

On August 4, 2021, McCoy signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He suffered a season-ending left knee injury in the first game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve on September 15, 2021. He was also suspended for six games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Retirement from Football

After not playing in 2022, Gerald McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL on April 14, 2023. He later joined NFL Network as a football analyst in September 2023.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Gerald McCoy studied human relations at the University of Oklahoma. In May 2012, he received the Pop Warner Little Scholars 'Inspiration to Youth' Award. This award recognizes people who inspire young people. In September 2012, McCoy helped donate $100,000 to build a new football field in Clearwater, Florida. He also led football drills for local kids there.

Gerald McCoy is married to Ebony McCoy, and they have five children. McCoy also appeared in an episode of The League. This TV series is about a fantasy football league.

See also

In Spanish: Gerald McCoy para niños