Ryan McCollum Bio
Ryan McCollum is an American professional football center for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 to 2020. After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, McCollum signed with the Houston Texans and later joined the Detroit Lions before finding his current home with the Steelers. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a consistent NFL roster player demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the sport of football.
Early Life and Background
Ryan McCollum was born on March 4, 1998, in Spring, Texas. He grew up in the Houston area and attended Klein Oak High School in Spring. During his high school career, McCollum developed into a standout offensive lineman, showcasing the size, strength, and footwork that would define his playing style. His performance at the high school level attracted attention from college programs across the country.
Initially, McCollum verbally committed to play college football at Oklahoma State in August 2015. However, he decommitted from Oklahoma State on December 2, 2015, and instead committed to Texas A&M on December 13, 2015. This decision marked the beginning of his journey with the Texas A&M Aggies program.
Path to American Football Professional Career
McCollum arrived at Texas A&M in 2016 and spent five seasons with the Aggies from 2016 to 2020. He appeared in 40 games during his college career, earning 22 starts along the offensive line. His progression through the Aggies program saw him develop into a reliable interior blocker. College coaches recognized his work ethic and football intelligence, which helped him earn increasing responsibilities each season.
In 2019, McCollum appeared in eight games and received the Offensive Unselfish Leadership Award at the teams annual banquet. His senior season in 2020 proved to be his best, as he served as a team captain in five games. He was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance during the week ending December 7, 2020. After the season concluded, McCollum declared for the 2021 NFL Draft on January 6, 2021.
Ryan McCollum Career
Early Career (2021)
Despite a solid college career at Texas A&M, McCollum went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 14, 2021, he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, earning an opportunity to compete for a roster spot at the professional level. He joined the Texans organization during their offseason program and OTAs, aiming to prove himself as a viable NFL player.
McCollum did not remain with the Texans for long. On October 6, 2021, the Detroit Lions signed him off the Texans practice squad, providing him with a fresh opportunity. This move demonstrated that NFL teams saw potential in the young offensive lineman worth developing.
Detroit Lions (2021-2022)
Joining the Lions gave McCollum a chance to learn under a new coaching staff and system. He continued to develop his skills on the practice squad before earning a promotion to the active roster. On December 12, 2021, McCollum made his first career NFL start, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. This achievement validated his persistence after going undrafted and demonstrated his readiness for increased responsibilities.
McCollum re-signed with the Lions on March 10, 2022, indicating the team wanted to retain him for the upcoming season. However, his time in Detroit ended when the Lions waived him on August 15, 2022. The experience gained with the Lions, including his first career start, became invaluable building blocks for his continued NFL journey.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-Present)
McCollum joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 16, 2022, when they claimed him off waivers from Detroit. He experienced several roster moves during his inaugural season with the Steelers. He was waived on August 30 and signed to the practice squad the following day. He was subsequently released by Pittsburgh on September 30 before re-signing to the practice squad on October 4. McCollum signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 10, 2023, securing his place on the roster for the 2023 season.
The 2023 season saw McCollum continue his role with the Steelers organization. He was released on August 29, 2023, before re-signing to the practice squad on September 13, 2023. He signed another reserve/futures contract on January 17, 2024, demonstrating the Steelers continued confidence in his abilities. The 2024 season proved to be a breakthrough for McCollum with Pittsburgh. On October 20, 2024, he made his first start with the Steelers, transitioning from a practice squad and backup role to an active roster starter. McCollum has continued with the Steelers into 2025, maintaining his position on the roster as a center and valuable member of the offensive line.
Playing Style and Strengths
McCollum plays the center position, aligning him at the heart of the offensive line. His listed height of 6 feet 5 inches and weight of 300 pounds provide him with the size necessary to match up against interior defensive linemen. His four years of college experience at Texas A&M polished his technique and football IQ, while his years in the NFL have added professional-level refinement to his game. His versatility and experience across multiple teams have equipped him with the adaptability needed to succeed in different schemes and locker rooms.
Notable Events and Milestones
McCollum achieved a significant career milestone on October 20, 2024, when he made his first start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This moment represented the culmination of years of persistence since going undrafted in 2021. From practice squad player to starting center, McCollum has demonstrated the perseverance that characterizes successful NFL players. His journey continues with the Steelers as he aims to build upon this breakthrough season.
Ryan McCollum Career Wins
Ryan McCollum has competed in the NFL since 2021, appearing in games with the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His career statistics include 47 games played and 4 games started across five seasons. While he has not yet achieved championship titles at the NFL level, McCollum has established himself as a professional football player capable of contributing at the highest level of the sport. His ability to remain on NFL rosters for multiple seasons speaks to his reliability and value as an offensive lineman.
Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, McCollum has appeared in 47 games with 4 starts. His first career start came with the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2021. His first start with the Pittsburgh Steelers occurred on October 20, 2024. These milestones mark his progression from undrafted rookie to consistent NFL player. As he continues his career, McCollum aims to accumulate additional starts and contribute to team success.
College Career Highlights
During his time at Texas A&M from 2016 to 2020, McCollum appeared in 40 games with 22 starts. He earned recognition for his leadership and performance, including being named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week in 2020. His consistency and football IQ helped him develop into a professional prospect despite not being drafted.
Ryan McCollum Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Ryan McCollum grew up in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston. His athletic abilities emerged during his high school years at Klein Oak High School, where he developed into a college football prospect. The support system in his hometown provided a foundation for his eventual pursuit of a professional football career.
Personal Life
McCollum married Maddie Douglas in July 2020. Maddie was a former Texas A&M volleyball player. Their daughter was born in June 2023. The McCollum family maintains a relatively private life away from the football field.
2025 Season Performance
Ryan McCollum continued his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 season. He remained a valued member of the offensive line rotation, bringing experience and depth to the position. The Steelers organization continued to rely on McCollum for his professionalism and understanding of the center position. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a dependable NFL player exemplifies his dedication to football. McCollum has proven that persistence and hard work can lead to lasting success in professional sports.