Roger Lee McCreary Bio
Roger Lee McCreary (born February 10, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). A native of Mobile, Alabama, McCreary played college football for the Auburn Tigers where he earned First-team All-American honors in 2021. The Tennessee Titans selected McCreary in the second round (35th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Titans before joining the Rams in 2025.
Early Life and Background
McCreary was born in Mobile, Alabama, where he attended Williamson High School. During his high school career, he established himself as a talented defensive back prospect. Upon completing high school, McCreary was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the 87th-best cornerback in his class nationally. He initially committed to play at the University of South Alabama before de-committing and ultimately choosing Auburn University to continue his football career.
His decision to attend Auburn marked a significant turning point in his development as a player. The SEC program provided McCreary with the competition level and coaching that would prepare him for the professional ranks. His journey from a three-star high school prospect to an NFL player exemplifies his dedication to the sport.
Path to the NFL
McCreary enrolled at Auburn University in 2018 and immediately began his collegiate career. He appeared in seven games as a true freshman in 2018, gaining valuable experience against college-level competition. His development continued through his sophomore season in 2019, when he played in all 13 games and recorded 36 tackles with one interception, demonstrating his ability to make plays on the ball.
The 2020 season marked McCreary’s emergence as a full-time starter in the Auburn secondary. In 10 games that year, he recorded 45 tackles and three interceptions, showcasing his growth as a coverage defender. His performance earned him recognition within the conference and set the stage for his breakthrough senior campaign.
Rather than entering the 2021 NFL Draft, McCreary returned to Auburn for his senior season. That decision proved pivotal, as he posted 49 tackles, two interceptions, and led the entire SEC with 14 pass breakups. His dominant performance earned him First-team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and ESPN, along with consensus First-team All-SEC recognition. His 2021 tape showcased the skills that made him an early-round NFL prospect.
Roger Lee McCreary Career
Tennessee Titans (2022–2025)
McCreary entered the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the top cornerback prospects available. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round with the 35th overall pick, making him the fifth cornerback selected in that draft class. His selection addressed a need in the Titans’ secondary and provided them with a press-coverage capable defender.
As a rookie, McCreary stepped into a significant role immediately. He started all 17 games during the 2022 season, finishing with 84 total tackles, one interception, and eight passes defensed. One of his most memorable plays came in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, when he leaped to deflect a pass thrown by Justin Herbert mid-air, tipping it directly to Joshua Kalu for an assisted interception that helped secure the victory.
McCreary transitioned to the nickelback position for the 2023 season. He played in 15 games with 11 starts, recording 86 tackles, two sacks, six passes defensed, one interception, and one forced fumble. His versatility to play both outside and in the slot added valuable flexibility to the Titans’ defensive backfield.
During the 2024 season, McCreary appeared in 15 games and recorded 50 tackles, one pass deflection, three pressures, and one sack. His consistent production demonstrated his reliability within the Titans’ defensive scheme across multiple seasons.
Los Angeles Rams (2025–Present)
On October 27, 2025, McCreary’s career with the Titans ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams sent a conditional fifth-round pick to Tennessee in exchange for McCreary and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. The trade reflected the Rams’ interest in strengthening their cornerback corps for their playoff push.
McCreary’s tenure with the Rams encountered challenges early on. He was placed on injured reserve on November 26 after suffering a hip injury during Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury sidelined him for several weeks, limiting his immediate impact with his new team. He was activated from injured reserve on December 29, ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, giving him an opportunity to finish the season on the field.
Playing Style and Strengths
McCreary has built his NFL reputation on excellent coverage ability and football instincts. He demonstrates strong technique in both man and zone coverage, showing the versatility to align in multiple positions across the secondary. His presnap awareness allows him to anticipate routes and break on throws effectively. At Auburn, he developed under coaches who emphasized technique and discipline, qualities that translated to his professional career.
Notable Moments
McCreary’s rookie season included a memorable turnover in Week 15 against the Chargers, a play that showcased his instincts and willingness to make clutch contributions. His 2021 college season remains his most decorated, as he dominated SEC competition en route to All-American recognition while leading the conference in pass breakups.
Roger Lee McCreary Career Wins
Throughout his career, McCreary has accumulated meaningful statistical production at both the collegiate and professional levels. His consistency as a starter in the NFL demonstrates his ability to perform at the sport’s highest level.
College Highlights
McCreary’s 2021 senior season at Auburn stands as the defining stretch of his collegiate career. He earned First-team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and ESPN, along with consensus First-team All-SEC recognition. His 14 pass breakups led the conference and highlighted his ability to disrupt catches. Across four seasons at Auburn from 2018 to 2021, he played in over 40 games and developed into one of the program’s most decorated defensive backs.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2024 season, McCreary has appeared in 47 NFL games with 43 starts, recording 220 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 passes defensed. His rookie season featured 17 starts and 84 tackles, while his 2023 campaign saw him record 86 tackles and two sacks from the nickel position. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories reflects his value as a versatile defensive back.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Passes Defensed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tennessee Titans | 84 | 1 | 8 |
| 2023 | Tennessee Titans | 86 | 1 | 6 |
| 2024 | Tennessee Titans | 50 | 0 | 1 |
Personal Life
McCreary has maintained a relatively private personal life since entering the NFL. His pregame routine has drawn attention, as he favors a distinctive meal of two plates of baked beans with eight packets of sugar. Details about his family or relationships remain private, as McCreary focuses on his professional career and athletic development.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for McCreary following his mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Rams. After spending three seasons establishing himself as a reliable starter with the Titans, he joins a Rams defense seeking to improve their secondary. A hip injury suffered in Week 12 against Tampa Bay limited his availability, but his activation for the season finale against Atlanta demonstrated his resilience and determination to return to the field.
As McCreary continues his recovery and works to establish himself within the Rams’ defensive scheme, he brings the experience of over 40 career NFL starts and the versatility to play both outside and in the slot. His blend of coverage skill, football intelligence, and competitive toughness positions him as a valuable asset for the Rams’ defensive backs room. The 2025 season provides him with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a new team and demonstrate his enduring value as a professional football player.