Chad Muma Bio
Chad Tyler Muma is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 18, 1999, in Denver, Colorado, Muma has built his career through persistence and athletic versatility, overcoming a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis during middle school to become a standout collegiate player at the University of Wyoming and a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. His journey reflects determination through adversity, from his early days playing through injury at Legend High School to establishing himself as a reliable NFL linebacker with experience across three franchises in just four professional seasons.
Early Life and Background
Muma grew up in Lone Tree, Colorado, where he attended Legend High School. During his seventh-grade year, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after losing 30 pounds, a health challenge that would require ongoing management throughout his athletic career. Despite this diagnosis, Muma continued pursuing athletics with vigor. He initially played defensive back during his high school career and wore jersey number 19 out of respect for his father, who also played football.
During his junior year at Legend High School, Muma suffered a broken clavicle while playing 7-on-7 football. After surgery, he made an impressive comeback and played throughout the entire season. As a senior, he earned second-team Class 5A All-State honors after recording 77 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, despite missing half the season due to a seventy-percent torn patella. Muma was also a multi-sport athlete at Legend, competing in basketball where his team reached the 2017 CHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship Tournament, and track and field, where he competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, and long jump events. He committed to play college football at the University of Wyoming, following in the footsteps of his father, Ty Muma, and maternal grandfather, Rick Desmarais, who both played for the Cowboys.
Path to American Football
Muma’s path to becoming a professional linebacker included valuable experience across multiple sports at the high school level. His basketball and track background contributed to his agility, footwork, and overall athleticism that would later serve him well on the football field. The multi-sport approach helped him develop coordination and body control that translated directly to his defensive position.
Receiving scholarship offers from Colorado State, Hawaii, and Nevada before choosing Wyoming, Muma prioritized the family connection and the opportunity to play for a program with historical significance in the Mountain West Conference. His selection of Wyoming set the stage for a standout collegiate career that would catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Chad Muma Career
College Career (2018–2021)
Muma played for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2018 to 2021. As a true freshman in 2018, he appeared in all 12 of Wyoming’s games, primarily contributing on special teams while learning the defensive scheme at the collegiate level. His sophomore season marked his transition to more significant defensive playing time, as he finished the year with 51 total tackles showing increasing comfort and production in the middle of the defense.
His junior season in 2020 represented a breakthrough, as Muma led the Cowboys with 71 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks. His disruptive play earned him first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. For his senior season in 2021, Muma doubled his tackle output to 142 while maintaining eight tackles for loss, adding 1.5 sacks, three interceptions for 45 return yards, and a fumble recovery. His outstanding performance earned him second consecutive first-team All-Mountain West honors, third-team All-American recognition, and a finalist selection for the prestigious Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker. Muma also showcased his talents at the 2022 Senior Bowl, a key pre-draft event for NFL prospects.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2022–2024)
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Muma in the third round with the 70th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Interestingly, the Jaguars reportedly selected Muma after learning that the Denver Broncos were planning to draft him 75th overall. Jacksonville used a selection acquired from the Carolina Panthers to make the pick, and Muma became the fourth inside linebacker selected in that draft class and the second inside linebacker chosen by the Jaguars after they drafted Devin Lloyd in the first round.
In his rookie season, Muma appeared in 16 regular season games and made two starts, finishing with 1.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, and one pass defended. The 2023 season saw him appear in 17 games with two starts, recording 15 tackles and two passes defended. The Jaguars’ decision to permanently feature Devin Lloyd as the primary inside linebacker limited Muma’s opportunities on defense. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 17 games with three starts, compiling 32 tackles before his departure from the organization.
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
On August 26, 2025, the Jaguars waived Muma as part of their final roster cuts. The following day, he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts. Muma made five appearances for Indianapolis, recording five combined tackles before being waived by the Colts on November 1. He subsequently re-signed to the Colts’ practice squad, maintaining his connection to the organization while seeking another opportunity.
New England Patriots (2025–Present)
On December 16, 2025, the New England Patriots signed Muma to their active roster from the Colts’ practice squad. This move provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a franchise known for its strong defensive tradition. As of his arrival, Muma brings experience from 50 career NFL games and the versatility to contribute on special teams and as a backup linebacker in the Patriots’ defensive system.
Playing Style and Strengths
Muma’s playing style emphasizes instincts and tackling ability in the middle of the defense. His experience playing multiple positions in college and his background in special teams contribute to his football intelligence and versatility. His collegiate production, particularly his senior season with 142 tackles, demonstrates his ability to be a reliable tackler and find the football. His experience at the Senior Bowl and recognition as a Butkus Award finalist indicate his standing among the top linebacker prospects in recent years.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Muma’s career came during the 2022 NFL Draft when the Jaguars selected him in the third round. The revelation that Jacksonville moved up to select him before the Broncos could draft him added an interesting narrative to his entry into the NFL. His senior season at Wyoming, which included 142 tackles and third-team All-American honors, represents his peak collegiate achievement and the foundation of his professional career.
Chad Muma Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Muma has accumulated 103 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 pass deflections across 50 career regular season games. His rookie season represented his most extensive defensive contribution, while subsequent seasons have seen him primarily contribute on special teams and in limited defensive situations.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 16 | 2 | 47 | 1.5 | 1 |
| 2023 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 17 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 17 | 3 | 32 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Indianapolis Colts | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | New England Patriots | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs deep in the Muma family. Chad’s father, Ty Muma, played college football at Wyoming, as did his maternal grandfather, Rick Desmarais. This family legacy influenced Chad’s decision to attend Wyoming and continue the family’s tradition with the Cowboys program. The intergenerational connection to the university represents a meaningful part of Chad’s identity as a player.
Chad’s younger sister, Payton Muma, played collegiate basketball at Gonzaga University from 2021 to 2024 before transferring to the Wyoming Cowgirls basketball team. His younger brother, Jaxon Muma, currently plays football at the University of Sioux Falls, keeping the family’s athletic tradition alive in the next generation.
Personal Life
Muma is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Alyssa Huey. He proposed to her on May 28, 2023, in Saint Augustine, Florida. The couple shares their home with a Goldendoodle named Ollie. Beyond football, Muma learned to play piano during his childhood and performed Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire” at a school event, revealing unexpected musical talents alongside his athletic abilities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition for Muma, who began the year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts and ultimately signing with the New England Patriots. This sequence of moves tested his resilience and adaptability as he navigated the business side of professional football while continuing to prepare for opportunities.
With the Patriots, Muma joined a defensive unit that values versatility and special teams contributions from its depth players. His signing in December 2025 gave him limited game action with his new team, recording four tackles in his initial appearance. The experience of playing for three teams in a single season demonstrates his ability to quickly integrate into new systems and contribute when called upon.