Jaleel McLaughlin Bio
Jaleel McLaughlin is an American professional football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame College Falcons and Youngstown State Penguins and is the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher. McLaughlin was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has established himself as a dynamic dual-threat running back known for his elusiveness and breakaway speed.
Early Life and Background
Jaleel McLaughlin was born on September 13, 2000, in Marshville, North Carolina. One of four children, he grew up facing significant adversity, including periods of homelessness and poverty. His mother raised him largely on her own, and during middle school the family experienced unstable housing, moving between hotels, motels, and relatives’ homes. At one point, after the death of his grandmother who had been a role model, McLaughlin and his family lived briefly in a car outside a McDonald’s before eventually moving in with a relative.
At Forest Hills High School, McLaughlin excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track. He helped his basketball team win a state championship and achieved several track titles, including second place in the 400-meter dash at the state championships. On the football field, he totaled 1,401 rushing yards on 167 attempts with 16 touchdowns in just 12 games, averaging over eight yards per carry. Despite his impressive production, he received limited college interest, with most Division I programs overlooking him due to his small stature. Notre Dame College was among the few schools willing to give him an opportunity at his preferred position of running back.
Path to Professional Football
McLaughlin’s journey from being overlooked by major programs to becoming a professional athlete demonstrates remarkable resilience. His small size of 5 feet 7 inches created doubts among college recruiters, but his talent was undeniable on the field. He ultimately committed to play for Notre Dame College, a Division II program, where he could prove himself at the collegiate level while pursuing his dream of playing professional football.
Jaleel McLaughlin Career
College Career (2018–2022)
From his very first game at Notre Dame College, McLaughlin announced himself as a special talent. In his collegiate debut, the freshman ran for a school-record 302 rushing yards, which also became the all-time Division II record for most yards by a player in his first game. Several weeks later, he broke his own record by posting 340 yards and three touchdowns against West Liberty, doing so in just three quarters of play. By the fifth game of the season, he was the leading Division II rusher with 1,091 yards, nine touchdowns, and an average of 9.3 yards per carry.
He finished his freshman year with 2,421 rushing yards on 378 carries with 19 touchdowns, leading the entire NCAA in that category. McLaughlin became the first true freshman ever to earn first-team All-American honors at Notre Dame College and placed third in voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy as the top Division II player. As a sophomore, he led Division II in rushing, scoring, and yards with 2,316 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. He was the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy and earned All-American honors for the second consecutive year.
McLaughlin transferred to play with the Youngstown State Penguins for his junior season. In his first year at Youngstown State, he earned second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors while running for 691 yards and five scores in seven games. During the fall season, he ran for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning first-team All-MVFC and third-team All-American recognition. In his final season, he totaled 1,588 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging over seven yards per carry.
Entering the second-to-last game of his college career, McLaughlin needed 219 rushing yards to set the all-time college football record. He accomplished this by gaining 227 yards against Missouri State. He finished his career as college football’s all-time leading rusher, breaking the record previously held by Nate Kmic, with 8,166 yards on 1,250 attempts with 79 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
Despite his record-setting college career, McLaughlin went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was subsequently signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. After a standout preseason performance, he made the team’s final 53-man roster. He scored his first career NFL touchdown on a five-yard rushing attempt against the Washington Commanders in Week 2 of the 2023 season. In Week 4, he ran for 72 yards on just seven carries, averaging 10.3 yards per carry, while also catching three passes for 32 yards and another touchdown, earning the game ball for his performance.
As a rookie, McLaughlin appeared in all 17 games and made three starts. He finished the 2023 season with 76 carries for 410 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 31 receptions for 160 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. His versatility and big-play ability made him a valuable weapon in the Broncos’ offense despite his small stature. The Broncos re-signed him to a one-year contract in March 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Despite his relatively small frame at 5 feet 8 inches and 187 pounds, McLaughlin compensates with exceptional speed, elusiveness, and vision. His low center of gravity allows him to make sharp cuts and navigate through tight spaces. His background in track and field contributes to his breakaway speed, while his experience playing multiple sports developed his overall athleticism and body control. He has demonstrated the ability to contribute effectively both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
McLaughlin’s career has been defined by breaking records at every level. He set the Division II single-game rushing record in his debut game and followed it by breaking his own record weeks later. Most significantly, he surpassed the NCAA Division II all-time rushing record set by Nate Kmic during his final collegiate season, cementing his legacy as the most prolific rusher in college football history. In the NFL, he has shown consistent big-play potential, with his Week 4 performance against the Commanders standing out as a highlight of his rookie campaign.
Jaleel McLaughlin Career Highlights
Throughout his football career, McLaughlin has accumulated numerous accolades at both the college and professional levels. His achievements span Division II and FCS competition, demonstrating his ability to excel at every level of football.
College Awards and Honors
At Notre Dame College, McLaughlin earned MEC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2019 along with first-team DII All-American selections in both 2018 and 2019. He was also named first-team All-MEC in those same two seasons. After transferring to Youngstown State, he earned MVFC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 along with first-team FCS All-American recognition. He earned first-team All-MVFC honors in both 2021 and 2022, along with second-team All-MVFC recognition in 2020.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, McLaughlin has accumulated 226 rushing attempts for 1,093 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver with 59 receptions for 263 yards and four receiving touchdowns, demonstrating his value as a dual-threat back in the Broncos’ offensive scheme.
Jaleel McLaughlin Personal Life
McLaughlin’s journey from poverty and homelessness to the NFL serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. He grew up facing significant challenges, including his family living in various places for short periods and eventually in a car. The loss of his grandmother, who had been a role model and caregiver, added to his difficulties during his formative years. McLaughlin has spoken about these experiences as shaping his character and fueling his determination to succeed. His story exemplifies how perseverance and dedication can overcome significant obstacles.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a significant chapter in McLaughlin’s professional career as he enters the final year of his current contract with the Broncos. He has established himself as a versatile offensive weapon capable of contributing in multiple ways. His combination of speed, elusiveness, and reliable hands makes him a valuable asset in various offensive packages. The Broncos coaching staff has continued to find ways to utilize his unique skill set, deploying him both as a traditional running back and in receiving situations.
Throughout the 2025 season, McLaughlin has remained a consistent contributor in the Broncos’ backfield rotation. His ability to gain yards after contact and break long runs has provided the offense with explosive playmaking ability. The team has relied on his versatility to create mismatches against opposing defenses, particularly in third-down situations where his receiving skills shine. His relationship with the coaching staff and offensive scheme has allowed him to continue developing as a complete running back.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin’s trajectory suggests he will remain a valuable piece of the Broncos’ offense for years to come. His proven ability to produce at the highest levels of college football and translate that success to the professional ranks positions him well for continued growth. The 2025 season has reinforced his reputation as a player who maximizes his physical tools through intelligence, effort, and determination.