Calvin Munson Bio
Calvin Christopher Munson (born December 27, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker who has played for multiple NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017. With experience spanning the New York Giants, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings, Munson has established himself as a reliable defender known for his physicality and football intelligence. His journey from an undrafted rookie to a seasoned veteran demonstrates his resilience and adaptability within professional football. Munson played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs and was signed by the New York Giants in 2017.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Munson was born on December 27, 1994, in St. Charles, Missouri, United States. He attended Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Munson was a standout linebacker, earning First-team All-State honors, First-team All-District recognition, and being named Missouri Defensive Player of the Year. His athletic abilities extended beyond football, as he also played baseball during his high school years.
During his baseball career with the Francis Howell Vikings, Munson demonstrated exceptional talent on the diamond. His performance attracted attention from Major League Baseball, and he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 31st round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Munson also earned recognition on the national level, being named to the ABCA/Rawlings High School All-America Baseball Second Team.
Path to American Football
Rather than pursuing professional baseball with the Cardinals organization, Munson made the decision to attend San Diego State University to focus on his football career. This choice proved pivotal in shaping his future trajectory in professional football. At San Diego State, Munson developed into one of the most dominant defensive players in the Mountain West Conference.
His collegiate career from 2013 to 2016 showcased consistent excellence and growth as a linebacker. Munson’s performance earned him recognition as the San Diego State Aztecs football Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons. He was also twice selected for the First-team All-Mountain West Conference team in 2015 and 2016, solidifying his reputation as an elite collegiate defender. These accomplishments positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.
Calvin Munson Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Despite going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Calvin Munson’s professional football aspirations continued when he signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. Munson worked hard to earn a spot on the Giants roster during training camp and preseason. His dedication paid off when he made the Giants 53-man roster for the 2017 season.
His opportunity came sooner than expected when starting middle linebacker B. J. Goodson suffered an injury. Munson was called upon to make his first career start at middle linebacker in Week 2 of the 2017 season, demonstrating the coaches’ confidence in his abilities. On September 1, 2018, the Giants waived Munson, but he was signed to the practice squad the following day. He was later released on September 13, 2018, opening the door for his next opportunity in the NFL.
New England Patriots First Stint (2018–2019)
On October 8, 2018, Munson was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad, joining one of the NFL’s premier franchises. This move proved to be a significant chapter in his career. Munson’s tenure with the Patriots culminated in the ultimate team achievement when he won Super Bowl LIII in February 2019, with the Patriots defeating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.
Following the championship victory, Munson signed a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on February 5, 2019, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the upcoming season. However, his time with New England for that season ended when he was released on August 31, 2019, during final roster cuts. He was signed to the practice squad the next day, maintaining his connection to the organization.
Miami Dolphins First and Second Stints (2019–2022)
On December 18, 2019, Munson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the New England Patriots practice squad, marking the beginning of his tenure with the franchise. He joined the Dolphins for the remainder of the 2019 season and continued with the team into 2020.
During training camp in July 2020, Munson was placed on the active/non-football injury list by the Dolphins. He was activated on August 9, 2020, and returned to full participation with the team. In March 2021, the Dolphins tendered Munson as an exclusive-rights free agent, and he signed his one-year contract on April 14, 2021. He was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Munson’s time with Miami continued through multiple stints. On October 27, 2021, he was signed by the New England Patriots off the Dolphins practice squad. After being waived by the Patriots in December 2021, Munson was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins on December 15, 2021, returning to the Miami roster. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2022, and was subsequently released on October 10, 2022.
New England Patriots Second and Third Stints (2022–2023)
On October 12, 2022, Munson returned to the New England Patriots by signing to their practice squad. He demonstrated continued dedication to his craft and earned a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2023. This signing indicated the Patriots valued his contributions and wanted to secure his services for the 2023 season.
However, his third stint with New England concluded on August 29, 2023, when he was waived by the Patriots. Munson was immediately re-signed to the practice squad following his release, maintaining his place within the organization. His ability to bounce back and remain with the team showcased his resilience and value as a depth player.
Miami Dolphins Third Stint and Minnesota Vikings (2023–Present)
On December 9, 2023, Munson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the New England Patriots practice squad, marking his return to the franchise for a third time. This demonstrated the Dolphins’ continued interest in Munson’s services and his reputation as a reliable linebacker in the league.
On October 21, 2024, Munson signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, joining another NFL organization and continuing his journeyman career in professional football. His ability to remain in the league through multiple teams speaks to his persistence and adaptability as a professional player.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a linebacker, Munson brings physicality and football intelligence to the defensive unit. His experience playing multiple roles within linebacker schemes has made him a versatile asset for any team he joins. Munson’s ability to contribute on special teams has been instrumental in his ability to remain on NFL rosters throughout his career. His tackling ability and awareness in run defense have been highlighted throughout his professional journey.
Notable Events and Milestones
The pinnacle of Munson’s professional career came when he won Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots in February 2019. This championship victory, achieved when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3, represents the highest achievement in NFL competition. Additionally, his journey from being undrafted to playing for multiple NFL teams demonstrates his perseverance and determination to succeed at the highest level of professional football.
Calvin Munson Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 to the present, Calvin Munson has accumulated significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His career statistics include 89 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, demonstrating his contributions as a defensive player.
Professional Highlights
At the professional level, Munson’s most significant achievement came with the New England Patriots when he won Super Bowl LIII in the 2018 season. This championship victory represents the crowning achievement of his professional career. His ability to make an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent and contribute to a Super Bowl-winning team highlights his determination and skill as a professional football player. Munson’s journey through multiple organizations including the Giants, Patriots, Dolphins, and Vikings underscores his resilience and adaptability in the competitive NFL environment.
Collegiate Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Munson established himself as an elite collegiate defender at San Diego State University. He earned recognition as the San Diego State Aztecs football Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016. His most notable accomplishment at the collegiate level was being named First-team All-Mountain West Conference in consecutive seasons during 2015 and 2016. These achievements laid the foundation for his professional football career and demonstrated his ability to excel at a high level of competition.
| Competition Level | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | Super Bowl Champion (LIII) | 2019 |
| College | First-team All-Mountain West | 2015, 2016 |
| College | San Diego State Defensive Player of the Year | 2015, 2016 |
Calvin Munson Family
Family Background and Baseball Career
While detailed information about Munson’s immediate family is not publicly available, his athletic background suggests a strong sporting tradition. Before choosing football, Munson demonstrated exceptional baseball talent that attracted professional attention. His selection by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 31st round of the 2013 MLB Draft indicates his ability to compete at a high level in multiple sports. Despite receiving a professional baseball contract offer, Munson chose to pursue his football dreams at San Diego State University.
Personal Life
Calvin Munson maintains an active public profile through his Instagram account, where he shares glimpses of his professional and personal life with fans. Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, Munson has maintained connections to his hometown roots throughout his professional career. His decision to forgo professional baseball and focus on football demonstrates his commitment to his chosen career path in the NFL. Munson continues to work toward his goals as a professional football player in the league.
2025 Season Performance
As Calvin Munson enters the 2025 season, he continues his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings organization. Having signed with the Vikings practice squad in October 2024, Munson aims to secure a more permanent role with the franchise and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. His experience from playing with multiple teams throughout his career provides him with valuable versatility and adaptability.
Throughout his NFL journey, Munson has demonstrated persistence and resilience, moving between organizations and continuing to compete at the professional level. His ability to remain in the league since 2017 as an undrafted player speaks to his determination and work ethic. Munson’s contributions on special teams and as a depth linebacker have kept him employed in the NFL.
The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Munson to continue building on his professional career. With experience spanning multiple defensive systems and team cultures, Munson brings valuable flexibility to any organization. His goal for the upcoming season includes earning a more prominent role on the Vikings roster and making meaningful contributions to the team’s defensive unit. His journey exemplifies how dedication and persistence can lead to a lasting career in professional football.