Kaleb McGary Bio
Kaleb Ethan McGary is an American former professional football offensive tackle who spent his entire NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 22, 1995, in Battle Ground, Washington, he played college football for the Washington Huskies before being selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Across seven seasons in the league, McGary appeared in 93 games and made 92 starts, establishing himself as a durable presence on the right side of Atlanta’s offensive line. He announced his retirement from professional football in April 2026.
Early Life and Background
Kaleb Ethan McGary was born on February 22, 1995, in Battle Ground, Washington, a small city in the southwestern part of the state near the Oregon border. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where football is woven into the fabric of local community life. As a freshman, McGary attended Battle Ground High School in his hometown before transferring to Fife High School in Fife, Washington, to finish his high school career.
At Fife High School, McGary was a multi-position player on the gridiron, lining up along the offensive line, at tight end, and on the defensive line. That versatility gave him early exposure to the physical demands of trench play and helped him develop the athleticism that would later define his game. His high school performances drew attention from college recruiters, and he ultimately committed to the University of Washington to continue his football career.
Path to Professional Football
McGary enrolled at the University of Washington in 2014, beginning a five-year run with the Huskies program. He steadily earned playing time along the offensive line and, by the time his senior season concluded, he had started 47 of 53 career games for Washington. His reliability and consistency made him a foundational piece of the Huskies’ offensive front.
As a senior in 2018, McGary’s play was recognized across the Pac-12 Conference. He earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors for the second consecutive year and was awarded the Morris Trophy, a prestigious award given to the Pac-12’s outstanding offensive lineman based on votes from opposing defensive linemen. Those accolades cemented his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft class.
Kaleb McGary Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
The Atlanta Falcons made Kaleb Ethan McGary the 31st overall selection in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Falcons had traded up from the second round with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire the pick used on him. After splitting early-season repetitions with Ty Sambrailo at right tackle, McGary was quickly installed as Atlanta’s starting right tackle, a role he would not relinquish.
As a rookie in 2019, McGary started all 16 games for the Falcons, immediately validating Atlanta’s first-round investment. In 2020, he started 13 of 16 contests, navigating a mid-season absence after suffering an injury in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He also missed additional time later in the year while attending to a family matter, but returned to the starting lineup and continued to develop into one of the more dependable right tackles in the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2021–2026)
Heading into his third professional season, McGary was firmly established as the Falcons’ starting right tackle. On May 2, 2022, the Falcons declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, allowing him to reach free agency after the 2022 campaign. That offseason, McGary emerged as one of the most sought-after right tackles on the open market.
On March 31, 2023, McGary signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension to remain in Atlanta. He continued to serve as a steady anchor on the offensive line, withstanding the physical demands of the position. On August 4, 2025, he signed a two-year, $30 million extension with the Falcons, but a significant knee injury landed him on season-ending injured reserve on August 26, 2025. On April 8, 2026, McGary announced his retirement from professional football, closing a career spent entirely in an Atlanta uniform.
Notable Events and Milestones
McGary’s most significant career milestones include being selected 31st overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, signing a $34.5 million extension in 2023, and signing a $30 million extension in 2025. He played in 93 regular-season games for the Falcons and made 92 starts, a remarkably durable run for an offensive lineman. His career was bookended by his commitment to one franchise, as he spent all seven professional seasons with Atlanta.
Kaleb McGary Career Highlights
Across his NFL career, Kaleb Ethan McGary appeared in 93 games and started 92 for the Atlanta Falcons between 2019 and 2025, never playing for another professional team. His most notable contract milestones came in 2023 and 2025, when he signed extensions worth $34.5 million and $30 million, respectively. He also earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors twice, in 2017 and 2018, and won the Morris Trophy during his senior season at Washington.
Kaleb McGary Family
Personal Life
Public details about Kaleb Ethan McGary’s personal and family life are limited. He was born and raised in Battle Ground, Washington, and transferred to Fife High School during his high school years, indicating that his family remained rooted in the Pacific Northwest throughout his upbringing. There is no widely confirmed public information regarding a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a disappointing turn for Kaleb Ethan McGary and the Atlanta Falcons. Just weeks after signing a two-year, $30 million extension on August 4, McGary was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 26 due to a significant knee injury. The injury cut short what was expected to be another campaign as Atlanta’s starting right tackle and marked the first true lost season of his professional career.
McGary finished his NFL tenure with 93 games played and 92 starts, all with the Falcons. The 2025 injury, while a setback, did not change his standing within the organization. After taking time to recover and reflect, McGary announced his retirement from professional football on April 8, 2026, bringing the curtain down on a seven-year career spent entirely with one franchise.
