Tanner Muse Bio
Tanner Muse (born September 6, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football at Clemson University, where he established himself as a standout safety and earned All-American honors. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Muse in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 100th overall pick. Throughout his professional career, Muse has played for multiple NFL teams while continuing to develop his skills at the linebacker position.
Early Life and Background
Tanner Muse grew up in Belmont, North Carolina, where he attended South Point High School. At South Point, Muse was a multi-sport athlete, playing center field on the baseball team while also competing as a running back, safety, and long snapper on the football team. His exceptional athletic ability was evident from an early age, demonstrating versatility across multiple sports.
During his senior year of high school, Muse recorded an impressive 150 tackles with four interceptions on defense while also rushing for 1,292 yards on offense. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-State honors. Rated as a four-star recruit, Muse received scholarship offers from several major college programs including Michigan, Louisville, and Northwestern before ultimately deciding to attend Clemson University to play both football and baseball.
Path to American Football
Muse committed to Clemson University going into his senior year of high school, choosing to play both football and baseball at the collegiate level. Upon arriving at Clemson, Muse redshirted his true freshman season and made the decision to no longer play baseball, instead choosing to participate in Clemson’s spring football practices. This choice allowed him to fully focus on developing his skills as a football player.
His dedication to football paid off as he quickly climbed the depth chart. The following season, Muse played in all 15 of Clemson’s games as a reserve safety and on special teams, making 24 total tackles. His contributions helped the Tigers win the 2016 National Championship, marking the beginning of his collegiate success.
Tanner Muse Career
Clemson Tigers (2015–2019)
Muse became a starter as a redshirt sophomore and immediately made an impact on the Clemson defense. He finished that season with 64 tackles, two tackles for loss, four passes broken up, and a 63-yard fumble return for a touchdown. His defensive instincts and playmaking ability were evident in his first season as a full-time starter.
As a redshirt junior, Muse continued to elevate his game. He recorded 76 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two sacks, and two interceptions during the season. His stellar performance earned him third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as the Tigers captured the 2018 National Championship, his second national title with the program.
In his redshirt senior season, Muse reached his peak performance level. He recorded 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, five passes broken up, and led the team with four interceptions. These exceptional numbers earned him first-team All-ACC honors and third-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press, solidifying his status as one of the top safeties in college football.
Las Vegas Raiders (2020)
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Tanner Muse in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 100th overall pick. His selection represented the culmination of his successful college career and the beginning of his professional journey. However, his rookie season was plagued by injury setbacks.
Muse was placed on injured reserve on September 7, 2020, with a foot injury. He underwent season-ending surgery on his toe on November 3 of that year. He was later placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 3 and moved back to injured reserve on December 22. Muse never took a regular season snap for the Raiders.
Seattle Seahawks (2021–2022)
On September 6, 2021, the same day as his 25th birthday, Muse was waived by the Raiders without ever playing a regular season game for the team. He was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on September 8, 2021. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 15, 2021, giving him his first opportunity to contribute on an NFL active roster.
The following season, on August 30, 2022, Muse was waived by the Seahawks and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was later signed to the active roster on September 14, 2022, continuing his journey in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2023)
On April 17, 2023, Muse signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with the storied franchise. However, on August 28, 2023, Muse was waived by the Steelers, ending his brief tenure with the team.
Los Angeles Chargers (2023)
On August 30, 2023, Muse was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers. This provided him with another opportunity to continue his NFL career and contribute to a new organization.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024)
On July 30, 2024, Muse signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad. Muse was later released by Jacksonville on November 5, continuing the journeyman path that has characterized his early professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tanner Muse is known for his versatility and instincts at the safety and linebacker positions. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to make plays in both run defense and pass coverage. Muse possesses good size for the position at 6 feet 2 inches and 227 pounds, allowing him to match up against larger receivers and tight ends while maintaining the speed and agility needed to cover ground in the secondary.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Muse has accumulated several notable accomplishments. He was a two-time College Football Playoff national champion with Clemson in 2016 and 2018. His senior season earned him third-team All-American honors and first-team All-ACC recognition. These achievements highlight his consistent high-level performance throughout his collegiate career at one of college football’s premier programs.
Tanner Muse Career Statistics
Muse has appeared in limited regular season games throughout his NFL career due to roster transactions and injuries. His career NFL statistics include 23 total tackles and one pass deflection as of the 2024 season.
College Highlights
At Clemson, Muse established himself as a key contributor and eventual team leader. He played in 47 games over five seasons, making 237 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, 14 passes broken up, and six interceptions throughout his collegiate career. His four-interception season in 2019 led the team and showcased his playmaking ability in the secondary.
Tanner Muse Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Tanner Muse comes from a football family with strong athletic ties. His younger brother, Nick Muse, followed in his footsteps by playing college football at the University of South Carolina. Nick Muse was drafted in the seventh round (227th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft, continuing the family’s presence in professional football.
Personal Life
Muse continues to maintain his connection to his North Carolina roots. His brother’s success in the NFL represents a continuation of the family’s athletic legacy. Both brothers have pursued careers in professional football, demonstrating the family’s commitment to the sport.
2025 Season Outlook
As of the 2025 season, Tanner Muse continues to pursue opportunities in the NFL. His journeyman career has seen him play for five different franchises, demonstrating his persistence and dedication to earning a permanent role in the league. Muse remains a versatile defensive player capable of contributing at both safety and linebacker positions. His experience at Clemson, combined with his professional tenure, provides him with a strong foundation to compete for roster spots. Teams value his versatility, football IQ, and special teams experience. Muse’s ability to adapt to different defensive systems and contribute in various roles makes him an attractive option for teams seeking depth at the linebacker or safety positions as they build their rosters for the upcoming season.