Alex McGough Bio
Alexander Lee McGough, born on November 19, 1995, in Tampa, Florida, is an American former professional football quarterback best known for his championship success with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 214 pounds, McGough built a steady career that bridged NFL practice squads and spring football stardom. Over the course of his professional journey, he spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers before cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated passers in modern spring football history.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Lee McGough grew up in Tampa, Florida, a region known for producing competitive quarterbacks and football talent. He attended Gaither High School, where he developed the arm strength and field awareness that would later define his college recruitment. Coming from a family with a strong football background, McGough was introduced to the game at an early age, learning the discipline and preparation required of a quarterback through local youth programs and high school competition.
His uncle, Kelly Goodburn, was a punter in the National Football League who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins, providing McGough with an inside look at the demands of professional play. McGough’s younger brother, Shane, also played as an offensive lineman for Florida International University, reinforcing the family’s deep ties to the sport. These influences shaped McGough’s work ethic and helped him earn a scholarship to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
McGough committed to Florida International University, where he played for the FIU Panthers from 2014 to 2017. As a true freshman in 2014, he stepped onto the field on August 30 against Bethune-Cookman and immediately made an impact, recording 117 passing yards and a touchdown. He finished his debut season with 1,680 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, signaling his potential as a future leader of the program.
During his sophomore year in 2015, McGough set several school records, completing 269 of 420 passes for 2,722 yards and 21 touchdowns. He continued developing his game in 2016 before suffering a wrist injury that forced him to miss the final three contests of the season. In 2017, he capped his senior campaign with a 65.3% completion rate and a 142.8 passer rating, both school records, while leading FIU to its first bowl appearance since 2011. His performance at FIU drew the attention of National Football League scouts, paving the way for his entry into the 2018 NFL draft.
Alex McGough Career
Early Career (2018)
The Seattle Seahawks selected McGough in the seventh round, 220th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft, making him the first quarterback drafted by the franchise since Russell Wilson in 2012. He signed his rookie contract on May 15, 2018, and entered a competitive quarterback room. Although he was waived on September 1, Seattle quickly re-signed him to its practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue developing within the organization.
McGough spent his rookie season refining his mechanics and learning the Seahawks’ offensive system. His time on the practice squad allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of professional-level preparation, even though he did not see game action. This foundation proved valuable as he transitioned to other organizations in the years that followed.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans Era (2019-2020)
On January 15, 2019, McGough signed a reserve and future contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was waived on August 31 of that year. He was quickly picked up by the Houston Texans on September 1 and added to their practice squad. Nine days later, the Texans promoted him to the active roster, marking his first official placement on a 53-man NFL roster.
McGough was waived by the Texans on October 16, 2019, and re-signed to their practice squad. He later signed a reserve and future contract with Houston on January 13, 2020, only to be waived again on August 31 before the regular season. He returned to the practice squad on September 14 and was released on October 12. Despite the constant movement, he continued to gain experience in multiple offensive systems and special teams units.
Seattle Seahawks Return and Transition (2020-2021)
On December 9, 2020, McGough returned to the Seattle Seahawks, signing with their practice squad. He signed a reserve and future contract on January 11, 2021, and spent the offseason working with the team’s coaching staff. McGough was waived on August 23, 2021, closing his second stint with the franchise.
Birmingham Stallions Breakthrough (2022-2023)
McGough’s career took a defining turn when the Birmingham Stallions selected him with the sixth overall pick of the 2022 United States Football League draft. After recovering from an ankle injury, he was reactivated and entered the 2022 USFL Championship Game as a relief for the injured J’Mar Smith. McGough completed seven of ten passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, helping Birmingham capture its first USFL title.
In 2023, McGough was named the starter following Smith’s season-ending injury in the first game. He went on to earn USFL Most Valuable Player honors, leading the league in passing touchdowns, passer rating, and completion percentage. McGough was also named to the All-USFL Team for his standout play. Under his leadership, the Stallions claimed their second consecutive USFL championship, cementing McGough’s reputation as one of the most consistent passers in the league’s modern era.
Green Bay Packers Era (2023-2024)
McGough signed with the Green Bay Packers on July 19, 2023, before being released on August 29. He returned to the team’s practice squad a day later and signed a reserve and future contract on January 22, 2024. On May 3, head coach Matt LaFleur announced that McGough would transition from quarterback to wide receiver, expanding his positional versatility.
He was released with an injury designation on July 19, 2024, before being re-signed to the Packers’ practice squad on November 20. His time in Green Bay allowed him to develop a broader understanding of the passing game from a receiver’s perspective, complementing his quarterback background.
Birmingham Stallions Return (2025)
On January 23, 2025, McGough re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, returning to the franchise where he had enjoyed his greatest professional success. He was placed on injured reserve on April 10 and again on June 2, limiting his on-field participation. McGough’s return was seen as a reunion between one of the UFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks and the league’s most decorated franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a quarterback, McGough has been recognized for his accuracy, poise under pressure, and ability to read defenses at multiple levels. His career 64% completion rate in the USFL and his league-leading passer rating of 99.4 in 2023 reflect a quarterback who thrives on rhythm passing and intermediate routes. He has shown comfort in play-action concepts and on-the-field communication with teammates, which has helped him develop strong rapport with offensive coordinators throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
McGough’s signature moments include leading the Birmingham Stallions to back-to-back USFL championships in 2022 and 2023, earning USFL Most Valuable Player honors in 2023, and setting several FIU school passing records during his college career. He was also the first quarterback drafted by the Seattle Seahawks since Russell Wilson in 2012, an achievement that underscored his early professional promise.
Alex McGough Career Wins
McGough’s professional win total is highlighted by two United States Football League championships with the Birmingham Stallions in 2022 and 2023, both of which were secured through his play in critical late-season moments. His championship performance in the 2022 title game, where he replaced an injured starter, marked one of the most efficient relief appearances in modern spring football history. The 2023 season elevated his status further, as his MVP-level play powered Birmingham to a second consecutive crown.
United States Football League Highlights
During his time with the Birmingham Stallions, McGough compiled 219 completions on 342 attempts for 2,565 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, earning a 99.4 passer rating. His first major USFL win came as a substitute in the 2022 Championship Game, while his most recent title came in 2023, when he was named league MVP. He was also selected to the All-USFL Team, recognizing his consistency and leadership throughout the season.
Other Wins and Performances
McGough’s college career with the FIU Panthers included standout performances against Conference USA opponents, where he set multiple school records and led the program to its first bowl appearance in six years. While he did not appear in regular-season National Football League games, his work on practice squads across multiple teams contributed to his development as a professional. His transition to wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers in 2024 added a unique chapter to his professional resume.
Alex McGough Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
McGough comes from a family with deep roots in American football. His uncle, Kelly Goodburn, played punter in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins, exposing McGough to the realities of professional play from a young age. His younger brother, Shane, played as an offensive lineman for Florida International University, the same program where McGough starred at quarterback.
Personal Life
McGough was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where he attended Gaither High School before continuing his football journey at Florida International University. He has spent much of his professional life balancing travel between National Football League cities and spring football markets. His dedication to his craft and family values have been central themes throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
McGough’s 2025 campaign with the Birmingham Stallions was interrupted by injuries, as he was placed on injured reserve on April 10 and again on June 2. Despite the setbacks, he remained part of one of the UFL’s most successful franchises during a season that continued to showcase the league’s growing competitive depth. His presence in the locker room and experience as a two-time USFL champion remained valuable to the team’s leadership group.
The 2025 season reflected the broader transition of McGough’s career, as he balanced veteran leadership with a reduced on-field role. While injuries limited his statistical impact, his history of clutch performances in 2022 and 2023 continued to define his standing within the organization. The Stallions remained a contender in the UFL, bolstered in part by McGough’s deep understanding of the team’s offensive philosophy.
Looking ahead, McGough’s future in professional football took a definitive turn on January 20, 2026, when it was reported that he retired from the sport. His career, marked by perseverance, positional versatility, and championship success, leaves a lasting legacy across both the National Football League and modern spring football.