McCallan Castles

McCallan Verona Castles Bio

McCallan Verona Castles is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. Born on December 3, 1999, in South Lake Tahoe, California, Castles began his football journey at South Tahoe High School before advancing through a notable college career at three different programs. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Castles signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and has since developed into a reliable presence at the tight end position. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 244 pounds, he brings impressive physical attributes to the field. His collegiate achievements include First-team All-Big Sky honors in 2020 and two Second-team All-Big Sky selections, establishing him as a distinguished player at the FCS level.

Early Life and Background

Castles spent his early years growing up in Berthoud, Colorado, where he attended Berthoud High School. His family’s relocation to South Lake Tahoe, California, occurred after his sophomore year of high school, prompting a transfer to South Tahoe High School. This move marked a significant transition in his athletic development. At South Tahoe High School, Castles emerged as a standout receiver, demonstrating the skills that would define his future career. During his two seasons with the Vikings, he recorded 102 receptions for 2,027 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make an impact at the high school level.

Path to American Football

Following his impressive high school career, Castles committed to continue his football journey at the collegiate level. He accepted an opportunity to play for the California Golden Bears, joining their program in 2018. His performance during his true freshman season earned him a redshirt, though he managed to appear in three games and record one reception, a 15-yard catch in Cal’s 10-7 victory over TCU during the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. Castles departed the Golden Bears after just two games into his sophomore season and entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking a new opportunity. He ultimately transferred to UC Davis, joining the Aggies program and immediately making an impact. His transition to the FCS level allowed him to showcase his talents against different competition, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.

McCallan Verona Castles Career

UC Davis Aggies Years (2020-2022)

Castles became a key contributor for UC Davis after his transfer, adapting to the Aggies’ offensive system and establishing himself as a reliable receiving target. His first season with UC Davis was played in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he responded with an exceptional campaign, earning First-team All-Big Sky Conference honors after catching 12 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. The following season saw Castles build on his success, as he was named Second-team All-Big Sky after recording 27 receptions for 387 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating improved consistency and production. In his redshirt senior season, Castles continued to be a dependable weapon in the passing game, finishing with 30 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns. His three consecutive years of All-Conference recognition highlighted his reliability and skill at the FCS level.

Tennessee Volunteers Season (2023)

Capitalizing on the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played during the 2020 pandemic season, Castles entered the transfer portal once more and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. This move represented a significant step up in competition, as Tennessee competes in the SEC, one of college football’s premier conferences. Castles adapted successfully to the increased level of play, appearing in all 13 games during the 2023 season. He finished his Volunteers career with 22 receptions for 283 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute in a major college football program. His final collegiate season provided valuable experience against top-tier competition and further developed his skills as a professional prospect.

Professional Career (2024-Present)

Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Castles attracted interest from NFL teams and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024. His professional journey began with the Eagles, though he was also selected by the Memphis Showboats in the ninth round of the 2024 UFL Draft, indicating recognition of his talent from multiple professional leagues. Castles was waived by the Eagles in early August 2024, but quickly found an opportunity. On October 15, 2024, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, continuing his development within an NFL organization. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 13, 2025, indicating the team’s confidence in his potential. However, his tenure with the Chargers ended when he was waived on August 6, 2025.

Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers (2025)

Castles continued his journeyman path in the NFL when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams on August 11, 2025. This opportunity allowed him to remain in the league and compete for a roster spot with another organization. Following his time with the Rams, Castles signed with the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad on November 4, 2025. Joining the Packers, one of the NFL’s historic franchises, represented a new chapter in his professional career. He was later placed on the practice squad’s injured reserve list on January 1, 2026, before signing a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 12. This contract extension demonstrated the Packers’ interest in his continued development heading into future seasons.

Playing Style and Strengths

Castles possesses the size and length typical of NFL tight ends, with his 6-foot-4 frame enabling him to be a reliable target in the red zone and across the middle of the field. His collegiate production, particularly at UC Davis where he earned multiple All-Conference honors, showcases his ability to make contested catches and contribute consistently as a receiving threat. His experience playing at three different college programs demonstrates adaptability and the mental toughness necessary to transition between systems and coaching staffs. At Tennessee, he proved he could compete at the SEC level, adding valuable experience to his skill set. His practice squad appearances with multiple NFL teams indicate that coaches have recognized his potential as a developmental player with the tools to contribute at the professional level.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Castles’ most significant career milestones is his First-team All-Big Sky selection in 2020, which recognized his standout performance during a uniquely challenging season played in the spring due to the pandemic. His consecutive All-Conference honors across three seasons at UC Davis established him as one of the more productive tight ends in the FCS level during that span. His journey from undrafted free agent to securing reserve/future contracts with NFL teams represents a testament to his persistence and dedication to earning an opportunity at professional football’s highest level. Playing in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl during his brief time at California provided him with postseason experience early in his collegiate career.

McCallan Verona Castles Career Highlights

Throughout his football career, Castles has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple levels of competition. His high school career at South Tahoe High School saw him amass over 2,000 receiving yards in just two seasons. At the collegiate level, his most productive stretch came during his three years at UC Davis, where he evolved into a reliable receiving option with increasing production each season. His transition to Tennessee in the SEC provided him with exposure to elite competition and helped prepare him for the professional game.

UC Davis Aggies Highlights

Castles’ tenure with the UC Davis Aggies represents the most productive phase of his football career. His standout season came in 2020 when he earned First-team All-Big Sky Conference honors while catching 12 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns during the spring 2021 season. He followed this with Second-team All-Big Sky recognition in both 2021 and 2022, recording a combined 57 receptions for 734 yards and six touchdowns across those two seasons. His consistent production and ability to find the end zone made him a valuable asset in the Aggies’ passing offense.

Tennessee Volunteers Highlights

At Tennessee, Castles appeared in all 13 games during the 2023 season, demonstrating his durability and ability to contribute immediately at a new program. His 22 receptions for 283 yards and five touchdowns showed his capability as a red-zone threat, with his five receiving touchdowns matching his career high. This season proved he could translate his FCS success to the SEC, the most competitive collegiate conference in the country.

Professional Career Summary

Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Castles has been associated with five different organizations, demonstrating both the challenges of making an NFL roster and his determination to continue pursuing his professional football dreams. His practice squad stints with the Chargers and Packers have provided him with continued development opportunities within NFL systems.

McCallan Verona Castles Family

Family Background and Early Influences

While specific details about Castles’ family background remain private, his journey through multiple high schools and colleges suggests a supportive family environment that enabled frequent transitions. The move from Berthoud, Colorado to South Lake Tahoe, California during his high school years indicates a significant family decision that ultimately shaped his football trajectory. His ability to successfully transfer between programs multiple times throughout his career reflects both his adaptability and the stability provided by his family unit.

Personal Life

Castles maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his official X account. His professional approach to football is evident in his career path, having navigated the challenges of being a multi-time transfer student-athlete while maintaining academic and athletic eligibility. As a young professional in the NFL, Castles continues to work toward establishing himself at the sport’s highest level while building on the foundation established during his collegiate career across three different programs.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Castles’ professional career as he navigated through multiple team affiliations within a single season. His journey began with the Los Angeles Chargers, with whom he started the year on the roster after signing a reserve/future contract in January. Despite showing promise during the offseason program, Castles was waived by the Chargers in August, reflecting the highly competitive nature of NFL roster construction. This experience underscored the challenges faced by undrafted players seeking to establish themselves in the league.

Following his release from the Chargers, Castles quickly signed with the Los Angeles Rams in August 2025, demonstrating his continued attractiveness as a player option in the league. His ability to immediately secure another opportunity reflected the value that teams placed on his developmental potential and positional versatility. The Rams stint, while brief, provided Castles with additional experience in a different defensive and offensive system, enhancing his overall football IQ.

Castles concluded the 2025 season by joining the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad in November, marking his fourth different NFL organization. This move to a storied franchise represented both a new challenge and opportunity for continued growth. Being placed on practice squad injured reserve in January 2026 temporarily interrupted his progress, though his subsequent reserve/future contract signing indicated the Packers’ continued interest in his long-term development. The 2025 season exemplified Castles’ resilience and determination to carve out a professional career despite the inherent obstacles faced by undrafted players in the NFL.