Maxwell Tooley Bio
Maxwell Tooley is an American professional football linebacker who was born on March 5, 1998, in Bountiful, Utah. He played college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars from 2018 to 2023, where he developed into a reliable defender. Tooley went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft but signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. He later joined the Minnesota Vikings practice squad in September 2024 before signing a reserve/future contract with Minnesota in January 2025. Tooley has been recognized for his consistent tackling ability and playmaking instincts throughout his football career.
Early Life and Background
Maxwell Tooley grew up in Bountiful, Utah, where he attended and played high school football at Bountiful High School. His performance on the field earned him a three-star recruit rating coming out of high school. Tooley’s local roots in Utah and his athletic abilities made him a notable prospect in the state’s high school football scene.
After completing high school, Tooley decided to continue his football career close to home. He committed to play college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars, choosing to stay in Utah for the next stage of his development as a player.
Path to American Football
Tooley’s journey to the professional level began with his commitment to BYU. At BYU, he played for the Cougars from 2018 to 2023, participating in 52 games over five seasons. His collegiate career showed steady growth and increasing production as he gained experience at the college level.
Maxwell Tooley Career
College Career (2018–2023)
Maxwell Tooley played five seasons at BYU from 2018 to 2023, appearing in 52 games total. In his freshman and sophomore seasons in 2018 and 2019, he recorded 50 tackles including two tackles for loss and two interceptions. His sophomore year showed promise for the developing linebacker.
During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Tooley tallied 44 tackles with three tackles for loss, one pass deflection, and one interception. He continued to develop his skills and earned increased playing time. In 2021, he posted 68 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three pass deflections, and one interception, establishing himself as a key defensive player for the Cougars.
Tooley’s 2022 season proved to be his most impactful. In the season opener against South Florida, he recorded five tackles and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in a 50-21 victory. He also had a standout 13-tackle performance against Notre Dame in week six. For the 2022 season, he finished with 57 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions, and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays.
In his final collegiate season in 2023, Tooley totaled 92 tackles with five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble. Over his entire BYU career, he accumulated 311 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and six interceptions.
Houston Texans (2024)
After not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tooley signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. He reported to rookie minicamp with the team and competed for a spot on the roster during training camp. He was waived in late August 2024 and subsequently joined the Texans practice squad. Tooley was released from the practice squad in mid-September 2024.
Minnesota Vikings (2024–Present)
On September 19, 2024, Tooley was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He remained on the practice squad for the remainder of the 2024 season, continuing to develop and refine his skills with the organization. In January 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings, securing his place on the roster for the 2025 season. Tooley was waived in late July 2025 but was re-signed by the Vikings in August 2025 before being waived again.
Notable Defensive Highlights
Tooley’s most memorable college performances came during his 2022 season when he returned two interceptions for touchdowns. His first career touchdown came on a pick-six against South Florida in the 2022 opener. He also delivered a standout 13-tackle performance versus Notre Dame that season. His ability to create turnovers and make impact plays distinguished him as a defensive player at BYU. Over five college seasons, he recorded six career interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, demonstrating a nose for the ball and the ability to change games.
College Statistics
Maxwell Tooley played 52 games across five seasons at BYU from 2018 to 2023. He finished his college career with 311 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and six interceptions. His consistent production and durability over five seasons demonstrated his reliability as a defensive player for the Cougars.
Maxwell Tooley Family
Personal Life
Maxwell Tooley is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his young adult years, he served a two-year mission for the church in London, England, United Kingdom. This missionary service took place between his high school graduation and his college football career at BYU. Tooley’s faith has been a significant part of his personal life throughout his journey.
2025 Season Performance
Maxwell Tooley entered the 2025 season in his second year of professional football. He began the 2025 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings organization, working to establish himself as a contributing member of the team’s defense. The Vikings have provided him opportunities to compete for a roster spot and prove his abilities at the professional level.
The Vikings signed Tooley to their roster during the 2025 season after initially waiving him earlier in the year. His continued involvement with the organization indicates the team sees value in his skills and potential contributions. As he continues to develop at the NFL level, Tooley aims to translate his college production into consistent defensive performances.