Cade Montgomery Mays Bio
Cade Montgomery Mays, born on April 26, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is an American professional football center in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 325 pounds, Mays plays the offensive interior and is recognized for his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence. As of 2026, he is a member of the Detroit Lions after agreeing to a three-year contract worth $25 million in March 2026.
Mays played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers before being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Across his professional career, he has played for the Carolina Panthers, the New York Giants, and the Detroit Lions, taking on roles as both a depth piece and a starting center.
Early Life and Background
Cade Montgomery Mays was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he attended Knoxville Catholic High School. Growing up in a household with a strong football tradition, Mays was exposed to the game at a young age. His father, Kevin, played as an offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1991 to 1994, giving young Cade a direct connection to the program’s culture and expectations.
His younger brother, Cooper, also pursued football as a lineman for Tennessee, playing from 2020 to 2024. The family background created a clear pathway into the sport, with both brothers following their father’s footsteps through the same college program. Mays developed his frame and technique during his high school years at Knoxville Catholic, where he earned recognition as one of the top offensive line prospects in the state.
Path to American Football
Mays began his college career at the University of Georgia, joining the Bulldogs as a highly regarded recruit. As a freshman in 2018, he earned Freshman All-American honors and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, an impressive start that signaled his potential at the collegiate level. During his two seasons in Athens, Mays started games at multiple positions along the offensive line, demonstrating rare positional flexibility for a young player.
Following the 2019 season, Mays transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he played two seasons for the Volunteers, primarily at right tackle. In 2021, he was recognized as a second-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press and conference coaches. After the 2021 season, Mays declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Carolina Panthers selected him in the sixth round with the 199th overall pick.
Cade Montgomery Mays Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
Mays was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, going 199th overall. He made his NFL debut in Week 7 of the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and earned his first career start in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos. In his rookie season, Mays appeared in 11 games and made two starts, gaining valuable experience while adjusting to the professional level.
In 2023, Mays appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and made five starts, further establishing himself as a reliable rotational piece on the offensive line. On August 28, 2024, the Panthers released Mays, opening the door to a new chapter in his professional journey.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2024-2025)
After a brief stop with the New York Giants, Mays returned to the Carolina Panthers on October 8, 2024, when he was re-signed off the Giants practice squad. On March 12, 2025, the Panthers placed an original-round tender on Mays, signaling their continued investment in his development. During the 2025 season, Mays was named the starting center in Week 3 following an injury to Austin Corbett and went on to start 12 games, establishing himself as a full-time starter at the position.
Detroit Lions Era (2026-Present)
On March 9, 2026, Mays signed with the Detroit Lions on a three-year contract worth $25 million, marking the most significant move of his professional career. The contract reflected his growth into a dependable starting center and his value as an experienced interior lineman. As of 2026, Mays is an active member of the Lions roster and wears jersey number 64.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mays is known for his positional versatility, having started at multiple spots along the offensive line during his time at Georgia. His combination of size, footwork, and football intelligence has allowed him to transition from a developmental prospect into a starting-caliber center in the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Mays earned Freshman All-American honors in 2018, was named second-team All-SEC in 2021, and signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Detroit Lions in 2026. Through the 2025 season, he has played in 52 NFL games and made 27 starts.
Cade Montgomery Mays Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cade Montgomery Mays comes from a family with deep ties to the University of Tennessee football program. His father, Kevin, played as a lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1991 to 1994, while his younger brother, Cooper, also suited up as a lineman for the Volunteers from 2020 to 2024. The multi-generational connection to Tennessee football has been a defining element of the Mays family story.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Mays is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys fishing and hunting, and he collects turkey stones as a personal hobby. These interests reflect his Tennessee roots and his appreciation for the outdoors.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a turning point in Mays’ career, as he transitioned from a rotational player into a full-time starting center for the Carolina Panthers. After the team placed an original-round tender on him in March 2025, Mays was elevated to the starting role in Week 3 following an injury to Austin Corbett. He started 12 games on the season, anchoring the middle of the offensive line.
His steady play at center helped solidify the Panthers’ interior line and demonstrated his readiness for a larger role. The strong finish to the 2025 campaign set the stage for his free agency and eventual signing with the Detroit Lions in March 2026.
Heading into the 2026 season, Mays joins a Lions team looking to build on its recent success, bringing veteran leadership and starting experience to the offensive line room.
