Anthony McFarland Bio
Anthony McFarland Jr. (born March 4, 1998) is an American professional football running back. He first rose to national attention as a player for the Maryland Terrapins before being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Listed at 5 ft 8 in and around 197 lb, McFarland has built a professional career that spans the National Football League and the United Football League, where he is recognized for his quickness as a ball carrier.
Throughout his career, McFarland has suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the San Antonio Brahmas, the Miami Dolphins, and, as of January 2026, the Birmingham Stallions. He continues to compete at a high level as a running back in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Anthony McFarland Jr. was born on March 4, 1998, in Hyattsville, Maryland. He grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and attended Ernest Everett Just Middle School in Lake Arbor before continuing his education in Hyattsville. Coming of age in a region with strong high school football traditions, McFarland was introduced to the sport early and developed into one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country.
He attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, a program well known for producing college and NFL talent. At DeMatha, he was a teammate of defensive end Chase Young, who went on to be selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team. Despite missing his senior season due to injury, McFarland was still honored as an Under Armour All-American, underscoring the talent he had already shown on the field.
Path to Professional Football
Coming out of high school as one of the nation’s top running back prospects, McFarland committed to the University of Maryland to play college football for the Maryland Terrapins. He joined a Big Ten program with a long tradition of producing professional players, giving him a clear pathway to higher-level competition.
McFarland redshirted his first year at Maryland in 2017, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the college game. After two years away from live action, he returned to the field in 2018 and quickly established himself as a featured back, starting five of twelve games and rushing for 1,034 yards on 131 carries with four touchdowns. In 2019, he followed up with 614 rushing yards on 114 carries and eight touchdowns, showing his ability to contribute both as a rusher and as a scoring threat.
Following his junior season, McFarland decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and entered the 2020 NFL Draft. His combination of production, acceleration, and pass-catching ability made him an attractive prospect, and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fourth round with the 124th overall pick.
Anthony McFarland Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
McFarland made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Houston Texans. In that game, he registered six carries for 42 rushing yards and helped the Steelers to a 28–21 victory, providing an early glimpse of the burst and vision that had defined his college career.
His second NFL season was disrupted by injury. On September 1, 2021, McFarland was placed on injured reserve to begin the year, limiting him to a developmental role. He was activated on October 27, 2021, and continued to work into the Steelers’ backfield rotation as he returned to full health.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2020–2023)
McFarland spent his first four professional seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his time in Pittsburgh, he contributed as a change-of-pace back, contributing carries, receptions, and special teams value, while also developing his understanding of pro-level run schemes and pass protection.
His tenure with the Steelers was marked by movement between the active roster and the practice squad. On August 30, 2022, McFarland was waived by the Steelers and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 12, 2023. In 2023, he was placed on injured reserve on September 18 with a knee injury, activated on November 6, and later released on December 21 before being re-signed to the practice squad. After his practice squad contract expired, he became a free agent.
San Antonio Brahmas Era (2024)
On February 6, 2024, McFarland signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL), opening a new chapter of his career in spring professional football. He finished the 2024 season with 337 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns in seven games, quickly emerging as one of the league’s most productive offensive players.
His strong UFL performance drew NFL interest. His Brahmas contract was terminated on August 19, 2024, to allow him to sign with an NFL team. Although that NFL window proved brief, his play in San Antonio reinforced his value as a dynamic, dual-threat running back.
Miami Dolphins and Return to San Antonio (2024–2025)
McFarland signed with the Miami Dolphins on August 19, 2024. His time with the Dolphins was short, as he was waived on August 27, re-signed to the practice squad, and released a day later as final roster cuts played out across the league.
On March 6, 2025, McFarland re-signed with the San Antonio Brahmas, returning to the UFL after his brief Dolphins stint. He re-established himself as a featured offensive weapon for the Brahmas heading into the 2025 UFL season.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2026–Present)
On January 13, 2026, McFarland was selected by the Birmingham Stallions in the 2026 UFL Draft, marking his move to one of the league’s most decorated franchises. The Stallions have built a strong tradition of postseason success, and McFarland joined a competitive running back room as he continued his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
McFarland is a compact, explosive running back whose game is built on acceleration, vision, and reliable hands as a pass catcher out of the backfield. His smaller stature has not limited his role, as his ability to change direction and finish runs makes him an effective complementary back at both the NFL and UFL levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of McFarland’s career are his 1,000-yard rushing season at Maryland in 2018, his fourth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, his NFL debut against the Houston Texans in 2020, and his productive 2024 UFL campaign with the San Antonio Brahmas that featured 337 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
Anthony McFarland Career Wins
Anthony McFarland Jr. has accumulated his professional wins and accomplishments across both the NFL and the UFL. While comprehensive headline statistics are not all publicly consolidated, his verified production includes a 1,034-yard college rushing season in 2018, an NFL career that spanned the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins, and a productive 2024 UFL season with the San Antonio Brahmas.
San Antonio Brahmas Highlights
During the 2024 UFL season, McFarland established himself as a central figure in the Brahmas offense, totaling 337 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns in seven games. His dual production on the ground and through the air highlighted his value as a versatile running back in the spring league.
Other Wins and Performances
McFarland’s NFL regular season work with the Pittsburgh Steelers included 146 rushing yards on a 3.5-yard average, 11 receptions for 87 receiving yards, and 237 return yards. He also added a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and returned to the Brahmas in 2025 before joining the Birmingham Stallions in 2026.
Anthony McFarland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Anthony McFarland Jr.’s immediate family beyond his parents and upbringing in Hyattsville, Maryland, is limited. He grew up in a supportive environment in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., where his family backed his path from youth football through high school and into a Division I college career at the University of Maryland.
Personal Life
McFarland has largely kept his personal life private. Details about a spouse, partner, or children have not been publicly confirmed, and he is primarily known through his accomplishments on the football field.
2025 Season Performance
Anthony McFarland Jr. headed into the 2025 campaign after re-signing with the San Antonio Brahmas on March 6, 2025. After a productive 2024 season that featured 337 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns in seven games, he entered the year as a central offensive weapon for the Brahmas.
His role with the Brahmas gave him a clear opportunity to refine his pass-catching workload and third-down skills while helping shape a young UFL offense. The combination of a familiar scheme and a featured role positioned him to build on his 2024 production.
McFarland’s 2025 performance in San Antonio helped set the stage for his January 13, 2026 selection by the Birmingham Stallions in the 2026 UFL Draft, reinforcing his standing as a reliable professional running back.
