Patrick Allen McMorris Bio
Patrick Allen McMorris is an American professional football safety who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on October 18, 2001, in Santa Ana, California, McMorris has built a reputation as a reliable defensive back through his collegiate career at San Diego State and California, followed by his professional journey through multiple NFL franchises. His path from a standout high school player to an NFL draft pick demonstrates his dedication to the sport of football.
Early Life and Background
McMorris grew up in Santa Ana, California, where he attended Godinez Fundamental High School. During his junior season at Godinez, he helped the school win an Orange Coast League title. His impressive performance caught attention, leading him to transfer to Santa Ana High School for his senior year to further develop his skills against stronger competition.
As a high school player, McMorris showcased his dual-threat abilities on the ground. At Godinez Fundamental, he accumulated 2,287 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His senior year at Santa Ana High School proved even more dominant, as he carried the ball 141 times for 1,801 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging an exceptional 12.8 yards per carry. Defensively, he recorded 99 tackles that season. His three-star recruiting ranking reflected his status as a promising collegiate prospect.
Path to Professional Football
McMorris committed to play college football at San Diego State University, joining the Aztecs program as a defensive back recruit. His journey from a three-star high school prospect to a professional athlete began with his transition to the collegiate level, where he would face significantly stronger competition and develop his skills under collegiate coaching.
His performance at San Diego State positioned him for a successful collegiate career that would ultimately lead to NFL attention. The experience he gained at the Mountain West Conference level provided him with the foundation needed to compete at the highest amateur tier before pursuing his professional ambitions.
Patrick Allen McMorris Career
College Career at San Diego State (2019–2022)
McMorris began his collegiate career at San Diego State in 2019, appearing in nine games as a true freshman. He recorded one tackle during his debut season while adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. The following year, he appeared in seven games with one start, accumulating 10 tackles and one pass breakup as he continued developing his defensive skills.
The 2021 season marked McMorris’s breakthrough. He won the starting safety position and started all 14 games, emerging as a defensive leader for the Aztecs. He led the team with 90 tackles and four interceptions while also contributing nine pass breakups. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. He repeated this accomplishment in 2022, starting all games and recording 61 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception while serving as a team captain. Over his four seasons at San Diego State, he established himself as one of the conference’s top defensive backs.
Transfer to California (2023)
Following his standout seasons at San Diego State, McMorris decided to transfer to the University of California for his final collegiate season. The move to the Pac-12 Conference represented a significant step up in competition level. At California, he continued his productive play, making 90 tackles to rank second on the team, along with two fumble recoveries and one interception.
McMorris concluded his collegiate career having appeared in 55 games with 40 starts, compiling 252 total tackles, 23 pass breakups, and six interceptions. His consistency across both programs demonstrated his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and maintain high performance levels. He received invitations to the Hula Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, validating his status as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Professional Career (2024–Present)
McMorris entered the 2024 NFL Draft as a safety with extensive experience and proven production at the collegiate level. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the sixth round with the 198th overall pick, adding him to their defensive backfield. His selection represented the culmination of his journey from Santa Ana high school player to draftable NFL talent.
During his rookie season with the Dolphins, McMorris faced the challenges of transitioning to the professional level. He was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, which limited his first-year opportunities. He was later activated from injured reserve on November 26, 2024, but his rookie campaign provided limited statistical output with one tackle recorded.
Journeyman Seasons (2025)
The 2025 season saw McMorris move through multiple organizations as he sought to establish himself in the NFL. On August 26, 2025, the Dolphins waived McMorris as part of final roster cuts. He subsequently signed with the New York Giants practice squad on August 28, 2025, but was released less than a month later on September 16. McMorris then joined the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on September 23, 2025, though his tenure was brief as he was released on October 8.
McMorris returned to the Cardinals practice squad on December 16, 2025, but was again released on December 24. He found another opportunity when he signed with the New York Giants practice squad on December 26, 2025. His perseverance paid off when he signed a reserve/future contract with the Giants on January 5, 2026, securing a spot on the roster for the 2026 season. However, he was released by the Giants on April 6, 2026.
San Francisco 49ers (2026–Present)
McMorris continued his professional journey by signing with the San Francisco 49ers on April 28, 2026. This move represented a new opportunity with a franchise known for its strong defensive tradition. Joining the 49ers provided McMorris with a fresh start and the chance to compete for a roster spot with a different organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
McMorris projects as a safety who can contribute in multiple defensive roles. His collegiate experience at both safety and defensive back positions demonstrates versatility in coverage schemes. His tackling ability, evidenced by his 252 career collegiate tackles, suggests he can be effective against both the pass and the run. His six career interceptions and 23 pass breakups reflect his ball skills and ability to make plays on the ball.
Notable Events and Milestones
Two of McMorris’s most significant career milestones remain his consecutive first-team All-Mountain West selections in 2021 and 2022. These honors recognized him as one of the top defensive backs in the conference during his San Diego State career. His selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, while in the sixth round, represented his entry into professional football and the continuation of his athletic career at the highest level.
Patrick Allen McMorris Career Wins
McMorris’s career statistics reflect his role as a developing defensive player at the professional level. His most productive collegiate seasons came at San Diego State, where he appeared in 55 total games across his college career. At the professional level, his 2024 rookie season resulted in limited game action due to time spent on injured reserve.
College Career Highlights
McMorris’s college career was highlighted by his exceptional performance at San Diego State. His two consecutive first-team All-Mountain West selections in 2021 and 2022 stand as his most notable achievements. In 2021, he led the Aztecs with 90 tackles and four interceptions while starting all 14 games. His 2022 campaign saw him serve as team captain while maintaining his high level of play. His transfer to California for the 2023 season added another dimension to his career, with 90 tackles in his lone season with the Golden Bears. His invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine validated his status among the top draft-eligible defensive backs.
Professional Career Notes
At the professional level, McMorris continues to develop as he gains experience in the NFL. His journey through multiple teams during the 2025 season demonstrates the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot. His signing with the San Francisco 49ers in April 2026 represents his current chapter in professional football.
Patrick Allen McMorris Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
McMorris comes from a family with deep roots in athletics, particularly within the California football program. His father is Patrick McMorris, and his mother is Lucy Guerrero. The family’s athletic tradition extends to his brothers, who also pursued collegiate athletics at the University of California.
Personal Life
McMorris’s brother Malik McMorris was a student athlete in the Cal football program for four seasons from 2015 to 2018. Malik also competed as a member of the Golden Bears track and field squad during the 2016-2019 campaigns. His other brother, Hakim McMorris, was also a member of the Cal track and field program for five seasons from 2019 to 2023. This family legacy of collegiate athletics at California reflects the competitive environment that shaped Patrick McMorris’s development as an athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a transitional year for McMorris as he navigated the challenges of maintaining an NFL roster spot. After being waived by the Miami Dolphins during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, he spent much of the season moving between practice squads with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. This journeyman experience tested his resilience and adaptability as he sought consistent opportunities at the professional level.
His brief stints with the Giants and Cardinals provided valuable experience in different defensive systems despite limited game appearances. His ability to be re-signed multiple times demonstrated his value as a practice squad player who teams trusted to develop. His signing of a reserve/future contract with the Giants in January 2026 indicated that at least one NFL organization saw potential for him to contribute in future seasons.
Looking ahead, McMorris faces the task of earning a more permanent role within an NFL organization. His move to the San Francisco 49ers in April 2026 offers a fresh opportunity with a franchise that has historically maintained competitive rosters. His continued development as a safety and his experience navigating the roster challenges of the 2025 season will serve him well as he competes for playing time in the years ahead.