Conor McDermott Bio
Conor Francis McDermott, born on October 19, 1992, in Nashville, Tennessee, is an American professional football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins before being selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 305 pounds, McDermott has built a career as a developmental tackle, moving between active rosters and practice squads across several organizations.
Across his NFL career, McDermott has appeared in 55 games with 17 starts. He has also contributed in limited but memorable fashion as a receiver, recording one reception for one yard and one touchdown. As of the 2025 season, he is listed on the Houston Texans roster.
Early Life and Background
Conor Francis McDermott was born on October 19, 1992, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the son of Kevin Sr. and Deborah McDermott, and he grew up alongside his brother Kevin Jr. The McDermott household had a strong athletic identity. His father, Kevin Sr., played college basketball at South Dakota State, while his older brother Kevin Jr. later played college football at UCLA and went on to become the starting long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings.
McDermott attended The Ensworth School in Nashville, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete. He played tight end as well as offensive and defensive tackle during his four years with the Tigers football team. In 2010, he helped Ensworth win a state championship and was named to the All-Conference team. By the end of his high school career, he had helped the Tigers compile a 39-8 win-loss record.
From 2009 to 2011, McDermott also played basketball, serving as team captain for three seasons. The Ensworth Tigers won the state basketball championship in 2009 and were later ranked No. 1 in the state in 2011. During his senior season, McDermott averaged 15.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, earning Division II-AA and All-Mid-State first team honors.
Path to American Football
McDermott joined the UCLA Bruins football program in 2012, the same year his older brother Kevin Jr. played his final season for the team as a long snapper. He earned a place on the UCLA Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll during his freshman year while he was held in reserve. McDermott did not see game action until 2014, when he appeared in the final seven games of the season, starting as a tight end.
By 2015, McDermott had grown into the offensive tackle position and started 12 games. He followed that with another 12 starts at left tackle during his 2016 senior season. While at UCLA, he studied Political Science. His development earned him Second-team All-Pac-12 recognition in both 2015 and 2016, which helped position him for the 2017 NFL draft.
Conor McDermott Career
Early Career (2017)
The New England Patriots selected McDermott in the sixth round with the 211th overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft. His initial stint with the Patriots was brief. He was waived on September 2, 2017, during the process of trimming the roster to the regular-season limit.
On September 3, 2017, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills, giving him an immediate opportunity to continue his professional development. The move launched a longer stay in the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills Breakthrough (2017-2019)
McDermott joined the Buffalo Bills early in the 2017 season and remained with the team for more than two years. During this stretch, he continued to develop as an offensive tackle behind established veterans while contributing on special teams and in spot duty along the offensive line.
On October 3, 2019, McDermott was waived by the Bills, ending his time in Buffalo. The stint provided him with valuable in-season experience and helped him build the foundation for the rest of his career.
New York Jets Era (2019-2022)
On October 4, 2019, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, where he carved out his most extended stretch of regular playing time. On November 20, 2020, he signed a one-year contract extension with the team, signaling that the organization viewed him as part of its long-term plans. On September 1, 2021, he was placed on injured reserve before being activated on November 13.
The 2021 season produced the most memorable highlight of his career. On December 26, in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, McDermott caught a pass from quarterback Zach Wilson to extend the Jets’ lead, recording the first touchdown of his professional career. On March 9, 2022, he re-signed with the Jets, but was waived during final roster cuts on August 30. He was released on October 17 and re-signed to the practice squad shortly thereafter.
New England Patriots Return (2022-2023)
On November 22, 2022, McDermott was signed by the New England Patriots off the Jets practice squad, returning to the organization that had originally drafted him. He was named the starting right tackle and started the final six games of the 2022 season, showcasing the development he had made since his first stint in New England.
On February 22, 2023, McDermott signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, a clear sign of confidence in his role. The 2023 season proved more difficult. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, released on September 8, re-signed to the practice squad on October 17, and signed back to the active roster on November 25. On April 29, 2024, McDermott was released by the Patriots.
Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans (2024-2025)
On August 6, 2024, McDermott signed with the Los Angeles Rams, adding another team to his professional resume. He was placed on injured reserve on August 28, limiting his on-field opportunities during the 2024 season.
On August 12, 2025, McDermott signed with the Houston Texans. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. As of the 2025 season, he is listed on the Houston Texans roster, continuing his journeyman career along the offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
McDermott’s most notable career moment came on December 26, 2021, when he recorded his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Zach Wilson against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has also earned two Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2015 and 2016, and has compiled 55 career games with 17 starts since entering the league in 2017.
Conor McDermott Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, McDermott’s contributions are measured less in individual victories and more in durability, team participation, and personal milestones. Across his career, he has been part of multiple organizations and has appeared in 55 regular-season games with 17 starts.
Conor McDermott Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
McDermott was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, by his parents Kevin Sr. and Deborah McDermott. His father, Kevin Sr., played college basketball at South Dakota State, establishing an athletic foundation in the family. His older brother, Kevin McDermott, played college football at UCLA and went on to become the former starting long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings, giving the family a strong presence in professional football.
Personal Life
McDermott has shared his admiration for former basketball player Amar’e Stoudemire. During his senior season in 2016, he pranked UCLA teammate Eddie Vanderdoes by signing the back of Vanderdoes’s jersey during a fan appreciation event, illustrating the close relationships he built during his time in college.
2025 Season Performance
McDermott entered the 2025 season after signing with the Houston Texans on August 12, 2025. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, a familiar phase of the calendar for a player who has spent much of his career moving between active rosters and practice squads.
Given his track record of returning to active rosters midseason, McDermott’s outlook for 2025 remains open. His experience at both tackle positions, combined with 55 career games and 17 starts, provides flexibility for the Texans or another team in need of offensive line depth.