Zech McPhearson Bio
Zechariah McPhearson is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on March 21, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland, McPhearson has built a reputation as a versatile defensive player with a family legacy deeply rooted in athletics. He played college football at both Penn State University and Texas Tech University before entering the NFL Draft in 2021. McPhearson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round with the 123rd overall pick and has continued his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Early Life and Background
Zech McPhearson was born on March 21, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Riverdale Baptist High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he developed his skills as a football player. His upbringing in the Baltimore area provided him with a strong foundation for pursuing football at the next level.
McPhearson’s family background is exceptionally athletic. His father, Gerrick McPhearson, earned a tryout for the New England Patriots as a defensive back in 1988. His mother, Kim McPhearson, played in the National Women’s Football League. This family legacy of football excellence would become a defining influence on McPhearson’s career path.
Path to Professional Football
McPhearson’s journey to the NFL included stops at two major college football programs. He began his collegiate career at Penn State University, where he played during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. At Penn State, he appeared in a combined nine games and recorded 14 tackles before making the decision to transfer.
He transferred to Texas Tech University, joining the Red Raiders for the 2019 season. In his junior year, McPhearson played and started all 12 games, accumulating 51 tackles including 42 solo tackles. He also contributed two blocked kicks during that season. His senior year saw him appear in all 10 games, starting nine, with 53 tackles and four interceptions. His performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors from the conference coaches, Associated Press, and Phil Steele Magazine. He was also named third-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and First-team All-Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Zech McPhearson Career
Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2023)
McPhearson entered the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected in the fourth round with the 123rd overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Philadelphia on June 3, 2021, officially beginning his professional career. During his rookie season, he gained valuable experience in the Eagles’ defensive system while contributing on special teams.
His breakthrough moment came in Week 1 of the 2022 season when McPhearson was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He made two special teams tackles and recovered a surprise onside kick attempt during the Eagles’ 38–35 victory over the Detroit Lions. This performance made him the first Eagle to receive the award since Jake Elliott in 2021, establishing him as a significant contributor on special teams.
During the 2023 preseason, McPhearson suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a game against Cleveland, which ended his season. He was placed on injured reserve on August 19, 2023. The Eagles eventually waived him on August 27, 2024, bringing his tenure with the organization to a close.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024–Present)
Following his release from Philadelphia, McPhearson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on September 10, 2024. This move allowed him to continue his NFL career while rehabilitating from his injury. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Jacksonville, indicating the team’s commitment to his development.
McPhearson was placed on injured reserve on August 13, 2025, and subsequently released on August 19, 2025. Despite these recent roster moves, his journey in professional football continues as he works toward returning to the field.
Playing Style and Strengths
McPhearson has established himself as a reliable cornerback with solid coverage skills and exceptional special teams ability. His quick recognition and tackling form have made him a valuable asset on special teams units throughout his career. His experience playing multiple seasons in college and his versatility at the cornerback position provide him with the tools necessary to contribute at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of McPhearson’s career thus far came in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season when he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors following his performance against the Detroit Lions. His recovery of the surprise onside kick in a closely contested game demonstrated his awareness and instincts on special teams. His All-Big 12 Conference selection during his senior season at Texas Tech also stands as a significant collegiate achievement.
Zech McPhearson Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, McPhearson has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions, primarily on special teams and as a defensive backup. His career NFL statistics through the 2024 season include 30 total tackles, one sack, and two pass deflections.
Career Highlights
His most notable professional achievement remains the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award in Week 1 of the 2022 season. At the collegiate level, his senior season at Texas Tech with four interceptions and 53 tackles demonstrated his ability to make plays on the ball. His first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection highlighted his status as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference during his final college season.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Philadelphia Eagles | — | — | — |
| 2022 | Philadelphia Eagles | — | — | — |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles | — | — | — |
| 2024 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 30 | 1 | 2 |
Zech McPhearson Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
McPhearson comes from an extraordinarily athletic family with deep roots in football. His father, Gerrick McPhearson, earned a tryout for the New England Patriots as a defensive back in 1988, establishing the family’s NFL connection. His mother, Kim McPhearson, played professionally in the National Women’s Football League, making the McPhearson household one where athletics were valued and pursued at the highest levels.
McPhearson Siblings
The McPhearson family has produced multiple professional and collegiate athletes. His older brother Gerrick McPhearson played for the New York Giants. Another brother, Derrick McPhearson, played football at the University of Illinois before spending time in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball organization. Emmanuel McPhearson played football at the University of New Mexico, while Jeremiah McPhearson played at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Joshua McPhearson played football at Penn State, the same university where Zech began his college career. Matthew McPhearson was a fourth-round draft pick out of high school to the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. His sister Kimberly McPhearson played collegiate soccer. This remarkable concentration of athletic talent has made the McPhearson family a notable dynasty in American sports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented challenges for McPhearson as he worked to return from injury with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025, he aimed to compete for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. His experience and special teams ability remained valuable assets as he sought to contribute to the Jaguars’ defensive unit.
McPhearson was placed on injured reserve on August 13, 2025, and subsequently released on August 19, 2025. These roster moves marked a transitional period in his career as he continued his recovery and sought new opportunities in the NFL. His resilience and family legacy of overcoming challenges in athletics provide a strong foundation as he works toward his next chapter in professional football.