Colt McCoy, the standout quarterback who made his mark in college football with the Texas Longhorns before enjoying a 12-season NFL career across five teams, is officially retiring from football and stepping into the broadcast booth.
“Thank you, football,” McCoy shared on social media with a video highlighting his career. “I’m excited for the next chapter.”
At 37, McCoy was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist at Texas, where he set an NCAA Division I record by winning 45 games as a four-year starter from 2006 to 2009. He led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship game in 2010 after guiding them to a 12-0 regular season and a Big 12 title.
Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, McCoy compiled an 11-25 record in 36 starts with the Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals, where he last played during the 2022 season. Over 56 NFL games, McCoy threw for 7,975 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions, completing 60.7% of his passes.
McCoy will now serve as an analyst for NBC, covering Big Ten games. His debut is scheduled for September 7, during the Colorado-Nebraska game.
Colt McCoy’s Five Best Games In NFL
5. Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (November 7, 2021)
Stat Line: 22/26 completions, 249 yards, 1 touchdown
With Kyler Murray injured, McCoy stepped in as the starter and delivered an impressive performance against the 49ers. McCoy showed precision by completing 84.6% of his passes and kept his cool under pressure. His efforts led the Cardinals to a 31-17 win, helping them maintain their dominance in the NFC West. This victory highlighted McCoy’s ability to excel in crucial situations. He was always ready to lead his team to win, even as a backup.
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4. Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints (October 24, 2010)
Stat Line: 9/16 completions, 74 yards; 3 rushes, 16 yards
In his second NFL start, McCoy led the Cleveland Browns to an improbable 30-17 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. While his passing numbers were modest, McCoy managed the game maturely, making intelligent decisions and protecting the football. His leadership on the field was evident, as he helped orchestrate one of the biggest upsets of the 2010 season, showing his potential as a starting quarterback in the league.
Also read: Arizona Cardinals Are Already Having Some Serious Worries About Rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
3. Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots (November 7, 2010)
Stat Line: 14/19 completions, 174 yards; 3 rushes, 20 yards
In his rookie season, McCoy faced off against the powerhouse New England Patriots and their future Hall of Fame quarterback, Tom Brady. McCoy didn’t flinch, leading the Browns to a commanding 34-14 victory. He completed 73.7% of his passes and added crucial rushing yards to keep the chains moving. This game showed McCoy’s composure under pressure and ability to outperform expectations against top-tier competition.
2. Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys (October 27, 2014)
Stat Line: 25/30 completions, 299 yards; 1 rushing touchdown, 1 interception
Starting for the first time in three years, Colt McCoy returned to the field with a statement game against the Dallas Cowboys, his childhood favorite team. McCoy was nearly flawless, completing 83.3% of his passes and adding a key rushing touchdown. His poise in the pocket and ability to lead a game-winning drive in overtime sealed the 20-17 victory. This performance was a testament to McCoy’s ability to rise to the occasion in the most pressure-packed moments.
1. New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks (December 6, 2020)
Stat Line: 13/22 completions, 105 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
While his stats might not stand out, the context and significance of this game make it McCoy’s greatest NFL performance. Thrust into the starting role for the New York Giants against a formidable Seattle Seahawks team, McCoy led the Giants to a stunning 17-12 upset victory. The Seahawks were heavily favored, but McCoy’s leadership and timely plays helped secure the win.
This victory was pivotal for the Giants, keeping their playoff hopes alive and earning McCoy his first win as a starter in six years. It epitomized McCoy’s career—quietly effective, resilient, and capable of delivering when it mattered most.
Each game highlights different aspects of McCoy’s career, from his ability to manage games effectively to his knack for stepping up in critical moments. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and playing for multiple teams, McCoy consistently proved that he was more than just a backup quarterback—a leader who could inspire his team to victory when it mattered most.
