Tristin McCollum Bio
Tristin McCollum is an American professional football safety for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Sam Houston Bearkats and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent after the 2022 NFL draft. McCollum has established himself as a reliable defensive back with versatility on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Tristin McCollum was born on May 3, 1999, in Galveston, Texas. His father Cory Carr had a stint with the Chicago Bulls basketball team, and his twin brother Zyon also played defensive back. Both brothers attended Ball High School in Galveston, Texas, with Tristin being ranked a two-star recruit by 247Sports and the 40th-best player at his position in state. They both initially committed to play college football for the Utah Utes but later re-committed to Sam Houston.
Path to American Football
McCollum began his football journey at Ball High School where he developed his fundamental skills as a defensive back. His twin brother Zyon also played defense alongside him, creating a competitive environment that helped both brothers excel. Their shared passion for football led them to continue their athletic careers together at the collegiate level, choosing Sam Houston State University over multiple other offers.
Tristin McCollum Career
Early Career (2022)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, McCollum signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent. He was released during final roster cuts but re-signed to the practice squad. Despite his efforts to stick with the team, the Texans released him from the practice squad in January 2023. This brief stint with the Texans provided McCollum with his first exposure to professional football and helped him understand the expectations of the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles Breakthrough (2023-2024)
Two days after being released by the Texans, McCollum was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Philadelphia Eagles. He had an “outstanding” training camp and preseason according to reports but was waived on final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad. Due to injuries, the Eagles elevated McCollum to the active roster for their Week 4 game against the Washington Commanders in 2023, where he made his NFL debut on 20 special teams snaps. McCollum signed a reserve/future contract in January 2024 and won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, McCollum is known for his physical presence on special teams and his ability to make open-field tackles. His size and athletic ability make him a versatile defensive back who can contribute in multiple roles. His work ethic and preparation have been key factors in his ability to adapt to different systems and maximize his contributions on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of McCollum’s most notable moments came during his time with the Eagles when he appeared against his twin brother Zyon, who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This marked a rare occurrence of twins facing each other in an NFL game. Additionally, his Super Bowl victory in 2024 represents a significant milestone in his professional career, validating his journey from an undrafted free agent to a champion.
Tristin McCollum Career Wins
Throughout his professional football career, Tristin McCollum has developed into a reliable defensive back with significant contributions on special teams. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a Super Bowl champion demonstrates his perseverance and adaptability in the competitive NFL environment.
NFL Highlights
McCollum’s most significant professional achievement was winning a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. His contributions on special teams and his ability to step up when called upon were instrumental to the team’s success. While his statistics may not show dominant individual numbers, his value as a team player and his ability to perform in crucial situations have made him a valuable addition to every roster he has been part of.
Other Wins & Performances
During his college career at Sam Houston, McCollum was part of the national championship team in the 2020-21 season and was named second-team All-Southland Conference. He repeated as a second-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2021. He finished his collegiate career with 229 total tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, and three interceptions, demonstrating his versatility as a defensive back.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Football | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| NFL Special Teams | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Tristin McCollum Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tristin McCollum comes from an athletic family background. His father Cory Carr played professional basketball for the Chicago Bulls, giving Tristin a firsthand look at the demands of professional sports at an early age. His twin brother Zyon McCollum is also a professional football player, currently playing cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The McCollum brothers represent a rare case of twins both achieving success in the NFL, competing against each other during their respective careers.
Personal Life
Tristin McCollum maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram where he shares insights into his professional life and personal interests. Despite his professional commitments, he maintains close connections to his hometown of Galveston, Texas, where he attended high school. His relationship with his twin brother Zyon remains strong, even as they compete against each other in the NFL, with both brothers expressing pride in each other’s accomplishments.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Tristin McCollum joined the Las Vegas Raiders after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles in late August. Early in the season, McCollum became involved in a notable incident during Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts when he collided with kicker Spencer Shrader on an extra-point attempt, resulting in Shrader suffering a season-ending knee injury. The collision highlighted McCollum’s aggressive playing style on special teams and his impact on games beyond traditional defensive contributions. As the season progresses, McCollum continues to develop his role within the Raiders’ defensive scheme while providing valuable contributions on special teams units.