James David Morrissey IV Bio
James David Morrissey IV is an American professional football center for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on June 9, 1998, in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Morrissey played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers after being a preferred walk-on. He was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and has since played for multiple teams, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Morrissey grew up in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, and attended La Salle College High School. He was named All-Philadelphia Catholic League as a junior and as a senior, when he was also named All-City by the Philadelphia Daily News. Morrissey was lightly recruited coming out of high school and received no NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision offers. He chose to enroll at the University of Pittsburgh as a preferred walk-on over offers from Lehigh, Bucknell, and Colgate.
Path to American Football
At the University of Pittsburgh, Morrissey walked on to the football team and redshirted his true freshman season. He was named the Panthers’ starting center and awarded a scholarship going into his redshirt freshman season, starting all 12 of the team’s games. Morrissey started the first 11 games of his redshirt sophomore season before suffering a season-ending injury, earning third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors. He was named first-team All-ACC as a redshirt junior and, as a redshirt senior, started all 11 of Pittsburgh’s games, including one at right guard due to injuries at that position. He was awarded the Burlsworth Trophy as the best player in Division I football who began his college career as a walk-on.
James David Morrissey IV Career
Early Career (2021)
Morrissey was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round, 230th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Las Vegas on May 17, 2021. However, he was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Morrissey was signed off the Raiders’ practice squad by the Houston Texans on October 19, 2021. He made his NFL debut on November 7, 2021, as the team’s starting center in a 9–17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. On August 30, 2022, Morrissey was waived by the Texans but signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 21, 2022. On August 29, 2023, he was waived by the Texans and re-signed to the practice squad. After the season, he became a free agent when his practice squad contract expired.
Notable Works and Milestones
Morrissey has achieved significant recognition during his college career, including the Burlsworth Trophy in 2020 and multiple All-ACC honors.
James David Morrissey IV Award Nominations
Throughout his career, James David Morrissey IV has received several notable accolades, including the Burlsworth Trophy and multiple All-ACC nominations.
James David Morrissey IV Awards Won
Morrissey has won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2020, recognizing him as the best player in Division I football who began his college career as a walk-on. He has also earned first-team, second-team, and third-team All-ACC honors during his college career.
James David Morrissey IV Family
James David Morrissey IV is married to Nicole Scola as of March 2024. She is the daughter of Michael Scola, founder of Boston Sword & Tuna.
Personal Life
The couple is expecting their first child in 2025.
