Conor McDermott

Conor McDermott Bio

Conor Francis McDermott (born October 19, 1992) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins from 2012 to 2016 and was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 211th overall pick. McDermott has since played for several NFL teams, including the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, a return stint with the Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and most recently the Houston Texans. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he brings significant size to the offensive tackle position, where he specializes in protecting quarterbacks from defensive pass rushers.

Early Life and Background

McDermott was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Kevin Sr. and Deborah McDermott. He grew up in a family with strong athletic connections. His father, Kevin Sr., played college basketball for South Dakota State University. McDermott has an older brother, Kevin Jr., who also pursued football at the collegiate level. The McDermott household clearly valued athletics, as both brothers went on to play college football together at UCLA, with Kevin Jr. serving as the starting long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings later in his career.

During his formative years, McDermott attended The Ensworth School in Nashville, where he quickly established himself as a versatile and talented athlete. He played multiple positions for the Tigers football team, including tight end, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle. His senior year in 2010 proved particularly successful, as McDermott and his teammates captured the State championship, and he earned All-Conference team honors. By the time he graduated from high school, McDermott had helped the Ensworth Tigers compile an impressive 39-8 win-loss record over his four-year career.

Away from football, McDermott also excelled on the basketball court. From 2009 to 2011, he served as team captain for the Tigers basketball team and helped them win a state championship in 2009. During his senior basketball season, McDermott averaged 15.2 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game, earning Division II-AA and All-Mid-State first team selection honors. His team was ranked No. 1 in the state during his final high school season in 2011.

Path to the NFL

McDermott’s combination of size, athleticism, and academic achievement made him an attractive prospect for college football programs. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of California, Los Angeles, joining the UCLA Bruins football team in 2012. Interestingly, his older brother Kevin Jr. was in his final season with the Bruins that same year, making their time in Westwood a family affair. McDermott earned a spot on the UCLA Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll during his freshman year, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the classroom as well as on the field.

After spending his first two seasons primarily on the offensive tackle depth chart without seeing game action, McDermott finally took the field in 2014. He appeared in the final seven games of that season, transitioning to the tight end position and earning his first collegiate starts. The following year marked McDermott’s breakthrough, as he started 12 games at offensive tackle and established himself as a consistent performer on the Bruins’ offensive line. His stellar play continued into his senior season in 2016, where he started another 12 games, this time as the left tackle, protecting the quarterback’s blind side.

McDermott’s standout performances during his final two seasons earned him recognition at the conference level. He was named Second-team All-Pac-12 in both 2015 and 2016, solidifying his reputation as one of the top offensive line prospects in the conference. While at UCLA, McDermott pursued studies in Political Science, rounding out his college experience with both athletic and academic accomplishments that would serve him well in his professional career.

Conor McDermott Career

New England Patriots (2017)

Following his successful college career at UCLA, McDermott entered the 2017 NFL Draft. His combination of size, experience, and multiple All-Conference honors made him an intriguing developmental prospect for NFL teams. The New England Patriots selected McDermott in the sixth round with the 211th overall pick, signaling their belief in his potential to develop into a contributing offensive lineman. However, his first tenure with the Patriots was brief, as he was waived during final roster cuts before the regular season began.

Buffalo Bills (2017–2019)

McDermott’s professional career truly began when the Buffalo Bills claimed him off waivers on September 3, 2017. Joining the Bills provided him with his first real opportunity to prove himself at the NFL level. Over the next two seasons, McDermott worked to establish himself within the Bills’ offensive line rotation, learning the nuances of professional football while adapting to the increased speed and physicality of the NFL game. His tenure with Buffalo lasted until early October 2019, when the Bills waived him. Despite the change in teams, McDermott continued to hone his craft and remained committed to earning a permanent role in the league.

New York Jets (2019–2022)

Almost immediately after being waived by the Bills, McDermott joined the New York Jets when they claimed him off waivers on October 4, 2019. This move proved significant, as McDermott would spend the next several seasons as a member of the Jets organization. On November 20, 2020, he signed a one-year contract extension, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. The 2021 season saw McDermott placed on injured reserve on September 1 before being activated later in the year.

One of the defining moments of McDermott’s career came during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 26, 2021. In a memorable play that showcased his versatility, McDermott caught a pass from quarterback Zach Wilson and scored his first career NFL touchdown, extending the Jets’ lead in the game. This unexpected scoring contribution demonstrated that his skills extended beyond just blocking, though his primary role remained protecting the quarterback. McDermott re-signed with the Jets in March 2022 but was waived during final roster cuts that August. He was later released and re-signed to the practice squad before eventually earning his way back to the active roster.

New England Patriots (Second Stint: 2022–2023)

On November 22, 2022, McDermott returned to the New England Patriots, signing from the Jets practice squad. This homecoming proved to be a turning point in his career. The Patriots immediately inserted McDermott into the starting lineup as their right tackle, and he started the final six games of the 2022 season. His performance during this stretch caught the attention of the coaching staff and earned him a two-year contract extension signed on February 22, 2023.

However, the 2023 season brought challenges for McDermott. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023, and subsequently released before being re-signed to the practice squad in October. He was elevated to the active roster again in late November. After the season concluded, McDermott was released by the Patriots on April 29, 2024, ending his second tenure with the organization that originally drafted him.

Los Angeles Rams (2024)

Looking to continue his NFL career, McDermott signed with the Los Angeles Rams on August 6, 2024. The Rams provided him with an opportunity to join a new organization and compete for a spot on their offensive line. Unfortunately, his time with the Rams was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on August 28, 2024, ending his season before it truly began. The injury prevented him from showcasing his abilities with his new team.

Houston Texans (2025)

McDermott continued his NFL journey by signing with the Houston Texans on August 12, 2025. The Texans represented his fourth different NFL franchise and provided another opportunity to contribute at the professional level. However, like his brief stint with the Rams, his time with the Texans was short-lived, as he was released on August 26 during final roster cuts. This marked a challenging period in McDermott’s career, as injuries and roster fluctuations had limited his opportunities to establish himself with any single team.

Playing Style and Strengths

At 6 feet 8 inches and approximately 305 pounds, McDermott possesses the ideal frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His height provides him with excellent reach to engage edge rushers and prevent them from getting around the pocket. McDermott’s experience playing both tackle positions in college, including his senior year at left tackle, demonstrates his versatility and adaptability along the offensive line. His collegiate career at UCLA, one of the premier programs in the Pac-12 Conference, prepared him well for the technical demands of professional football.

Notable Events and Milestones

The most memorable moment of McDermott’s NFL career came on December 26, 2021, when he scored his first career touchdown for the New York Jets against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Catching a pass from quarterback Zach Wilson, McDermott’s unexpected contribution helped extend the Jets’ lead in what was otherwise a challenging season. This play demonstrated his hands and receiving ability, skills not typically associated with offensive linemen but valuable in certain game situations. McDermott’s journey through multiple NFL franchises, while challenging, has demonstrated his resilience and continued commitment to playing at the highest level of professional football.

Conor McDermott Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning multiple teams, McDermott has accumulated meaningful experience at the professional level. His career has been characterized by adaptability, as he has learned multiple offensive line schemes and contributed in various situations. While he has not accumulated the statistical totals of skill position players, his contributions as a blocker have been essential to the offensive success of the teams he has played for.

Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

McDermott comes from an athletic family with diverse sporting backgrounds. His father, Kevin Sr., played college basketball for South Dakota State University, passing on his competitive drive and athletic ability to his sons. This basketball background may contribute to Conor’s exceptional hand-eye coordination and footwork, skills that translate well to the offensive tackle position in football. The family’s emphasis on athletics continued through the next generation, as both Conor and his brother Kevin Jr. pursued football careers at the collegiate level.

Personal Life

Conor McDermott’s older brother, Kevin Jr., also carved out a successful football career. Like Conor, Kevin Jr. played college football at UCLA, where he served as the long snapper for the Bruins. Kevin Jr. went on to become the starting long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL, making him one of the few brothers to both reach the professional level in football. The McDermott brothers’ success at UCLA and beyond speaks to the family’s dedication to excellence in athletics.

During his time at UCLA, McDermott developed close friendships with teammates, including defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes. In a memorable moment during his senior season in 2016, McDermott amused fans and teammates alike by signing the back of Vanderdoes’ jersey during a fan appreciation event, showcasing his lighter side and team spirit. McDermott has also expressed admiration for former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, revealing his continued interest in basketball even as he pursued a career in football.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked another transitional year for McDermott as he joined the Houston Texans organization. Signed on August 12, 2025, McDermott competed for a spot on the Texans’ offensive line roster during training camp and the preseason. His experience from playing for five different NFL franchises provided him with valuable versatility and knowledge of multiple offensive schemes. The Texans, a team that has shown competitive improvement in recent seasons, represented an opportunity for McDermott to contribute to a rising organization.

Despite his experience and the team’s needs along the offensive line, McDermott was released on August 26 as part of the Texans’ final roster cuts. While disappointing, this outcome reflects the highly competitive nature of NFL rosters and the challenges that veteran players face in maintaining consistent roster spots. McDermott’s professional career, spanning from 2017 to 2025, has demonstrated his resilience and ability to overcome setbacks. Throughout his journey with multiple teams, he has maintained his commitment to football and his passion for the sport that runs in his family.