Colton McKivitz Bio
Colton McKivitz is an American professional football offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 9, 1996, in Jacobsburg, Ohio, he has developed into a reliable starting lineman after entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2020. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and listed at 301 pounds, McKivitz plays with the size and mobility that have made him a long-term fixture on the 49ers offensive line.
Early Life and Background
McKivitz grew up in Belmont, Ohio, in the rolling Appalachian region near the Ohio-West Virginia border. He attended East Richland Christian High School before transferring to Union Local High School in Belmont, Ohio, shortly before his sophomore year, a move that shaped his athletic development. As a senior, he was named first-team All-Ohio, recognition that helped establish him as one of the top offensive line prospects in the state.
Union Local retired McKivitz’s jersey number in 2019, an unusual honor for a high school that reflects the lasting impression he left on the program. Rated as a three-star recruit, he initially committed to play college football at Miami of Ohio before switching his commitment to West Virginia. He also held scholarship offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Kent State, Marshall, and Toledo before finalizing his decision to join the Mountaineers.
Path to American Football
McKivitz arrived at West Virginia in 2015 and redshirted his true freshman season, using the year to add size and refine his technique. He became the Mountaineers’ starting left tackle four games into his redshirt freshman year after starter Yodny Cajuste tore his ACL, and he started the final ten games of that season. The early trial by fire gave him meaningful Big 12 Conference experience well before his draft eligible years.
As a redshirt sophomore, McKivitz moved to right tackle, started all 13 games, and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference honors. He started all 12 games as a redshirt junior, then returned to left tackle for his redshirt senior season. That final college campaign produced his biggest accolades, including first-team All-Big 12, Big 12 co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, and second-team All-American recognition from Walter Camp and the Associated Press.
Colton McKivitz Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
The San Francisco 49ers selected McKivitz in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 153rd overall pick, a selection the team had previously acquired from the Miami Dolphins. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2020 season against the New York Jets, logging eight offensive snaps and five special teams plays. His first career start came on November 29, 2020, at right guard, where he played all 72 offensive snaps in a 23–20 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
McKivitz was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 16, 2020, and was activated on December 25, closing out his rookie year with valuable experience. In 2021, he was waived by the 49ers on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He returned to the active roster on November 10, 2021, and continued to develop behind more established veterans on the offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
On March 10, 2022, McKivitz re-signed with the 49ers, setting the stage for a more prominent role. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 4 of the 2022 season and was placed on injured reserve on October 8, 2022, before being activated on November 12. Even with the setback, he had earned the trust of the coaching staff as a dependable depth piece who could play multiple positions along the line.
On March 9, 2023, McKivitz signed a two-year contract extension with the 49ers and stepped into the starting right tackle role after Mike McGlinchey departed in free agency for the Denver Broncos. During the 2023 season, he started all 17 regular season games and was a starter in Super Bowl LVIII, where the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 25–22 in overtime. His steady play throughout that championship run cemented his status as a frontline starter.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024–Present)
On March 13, 2024, McKivitz signed a one-year, $7 million contract extension with the 49ers that ran through the 2025 season, rewarding his breakout 2023 campaign. He continued to hold down the starting right tackle job and was a steady presence in the offensive line rotation. On September 8, 2025, he signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension that runs through the 2028 season, securing his long-term future in the Bay Area.
Driving Style and Strengths
McKivitz is regarded as a reliable pass protector with the length and footwork to handle speed rushers on the edge, particularly in true pass sets. He pairs those traits with the power to anchor against bull rushes in short-yardage situations. His versatility, having played both left and right tackle at West Virginia and right guard as a rookie, has made him a valuable scheme-fit piece for the 49ers’ zone and gap-blocking concepts.
Notable Events and Milestones
His first career start against the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 marked the beginning of his transition from depth player to contributor. Starting in Super Bowl LVIII represented the pinnacle of his early career arc. His September 2025 contract extension underscored how far he had come from a fifth-round pick battling for a roster spot to a multi-year starter for a championship contender.
Colton McKivitz Career Wins
Colton McKivitz has built a steady professional career as a starting offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted by a Super Bowl LVIII appearance and two major contract extensions. Although offensive linemen are rarely measured by traditional win totals, his durability and consistency have produced more than 70 career games played and 50-plus starts through the early portion of his NFL career.
NFL Highlights
Through Week 16 of the 2025 season, McKivitz has appeared in 77 NFL games with 54 starts, a workload that reflects his value to the 49ers offensive line. He became a full-time starter in 2023 and helped anchor an offensive front that reached Super Bowl LVIII. His continued progression earned him a three-year, $45 million extension in September 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
At West Virginia, McKivitz earned first-team All-Big 12, Big 12 co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, and second-team All-American honors in 2019. He was also a high school first-team All-Ohio selection at Union Local, and his prep jersey was retired in 2019.
Colton McKivitz Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about McKivitz’s parents and family members is limited, and he has generally kept his personal background private. He grew up in Belmont County, Ohio, in a tight-knit community that supported his football development from a young age.
Personal Life
McKivitz’s residence and marital status are not publicly confirmed in the verified sources available. He is widely known for his work ethic and the quiet, team-first approach that has defined his time in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
McKivitz entered the 2025 season as the 49ers’ entrenched starting right tackle coming off a 2023 Super Bowl run. His continued presence helped provide continuity for an offensive line adjusting to changes elsewhere along the front. By Week 16 of 2025, he had played in 77 career games with 54 starts, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone of the San Francisco offensive line.
On September 8, 2025, McKivitz signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension that runs through the 2028 season, a clear signal that the 49ers view him as part of their long-term plan. The deal provided him with financial security and the team with stability at a premium position. His steady play throughout the year offered a stabilizing force for the offense.
Looking ahead, McKivitz is positioned to remain a starter for the 49ers through at least the 2028 campaign. His combination of experience, durability, and scheme fit should keep him in the lineup as San Francisco continues to compete in the NFC. As long as he maintains his current level of play, he is likely to be a fixture on the right side of the offensive line for years to come.
