Mac Mccain Bio
Franklin “Mac” McCain III, widely known as Mac McCain, is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Born on February 6, 1998, in Greensboro, North Carolina, McCain developed into a playmaking defensive back during his college career at North Carolina A&T before pursuing a professional path as an undrafted free agent. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 185 pounds, he has spent his career navigating practice squads, brief NFL stints, and opportunities in spring football while continuing to pursue his dream of long-term professional play.
Across his professional journey, McCain has been associated with several NFL franchises, including the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints, in addition to spring league clubs. He is also the grandson of the late civil rights activist Franklin McCain, whose legacy of courage and conviction provides a meaningful backdrop to the young cornerback’s own pursuit of opportunity in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Mac McCain was born on February 6, 1998, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he grew up immersed in a community with a rich athletic tradition. He attended James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, where he developed into a reliable defensive back. During his final two prep seasons, McCain compiled 96 tackles and earned all-area honorable mention honors as a senior, which drew the attention of college recruiters across the region.
His performance at James B. Dudley earned him a scholarship offer from North Carolina A&T, a historically Black university with a proud football tradition. Coming out of high school, McCain had the tools and résumé to step into a competitive college program, and his recruitment to the Aggies set the stage for a highly productive collegiate career that would later attract NFL scouts.
Path to American Football
McCain’s path to professional American football began in earnest at North Carolina A&T, where he joined the Aggies program in 2017. As a true freshman, he started all 12 games and quickly established himself as a ball-hawking cornerback, recording six interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. A signature moment came in just his third collegiate game, when he sealed an upset 35–31 victory over Charlotte with a game-winning interception returned for a touchdown. One week later against Morgan State, he took another interception 100 yards to the house, finishing the season ranked eighth nationally in interceptions per game and second on the team with 50 tackles.
His development continued despite injury setbacks that tested his resilience. As a sophomore, McCain started all eight games before a season-ending knee injury cut his year short, yet he still earned first-team All-MEAC honors after posting 37 tackles, two interceptions, and ten pass deflections. A junior campaign followed in which he started nine games before another season-ending injury, and the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic kept him off the field during his would-be senior year. Undrafted in 2021, McCain signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, officially launching his professional career.
Mac Mccain Career
Early Career (2021)
Mac McCain’s professional career began in 2021 when he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent shortly after the NFL draft. He was released on August 31 as part of the league’s final roster cuts but was quickly signed to Denver’s practice squad, keeping his NFL hopes alive. Just days later, on September 7, the Philadelphia Eagles signed him off the Broncos’ practice squad, marking the beginning of a frenetic first season that saw him bounce between franchises.
McCain made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2021 season, contributing on special teams with 13 snaps during a 41–21 loss at the Dallas Cowboys. He was released by the Eagles on November 9, claimed off waivers by the Broncos the next day, and waived again on November 23. The Eagles then claimed him off waivers on November 24 before waiving him again on December 8. He was re-signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad on December 13 and later signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 18, 2022, securing his place in the organization heading into the next league year.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2021–2022)
McCain’s time with the Philadelphia Eagles spanned parts of two seasons and offered him his most consistent NFL exposure. After being re-signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2022, he participated in the Eagles’ offseason program and training camp, continuing to develop his craft within a competitive defensive backs room. On August 30, 2022, he was waived as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad, reflecting the team’s continued interest in his upside.
He was released from the practice squad on November 17, 2022, but re-signed a week later, showing the Eagles valued his versatility and special teams contributions. While his on-field defensive statistics remained limited, his ability to remain in the team’s plans through multiple transactions highlighted his work ethic and the trust he had earned from the coaching staff.
Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers Era (2023)
On February 23, 2023, McCain signed with the Detroit Lions, seeking a fresh opportunity with another NFL franchise. His time in Detroit was brief, as he was released on May 10 during the team’s offseason roster moves. A few months later, on August 4, 2023, he signed with the Carolina Panthers in hopes of earning a roster spot heading into the regular season.
McCain was waived by the Panthers on August 29, 2023, as part of final roster cuts, closing out a year in which he again demonstrated perseverance by catching on with multiple organizations. Although he did not appear in regular-season NFL games during this stretch, his continued movement between camps illustrated the persistent nature of his professional journey.
UFL and Saints Era (2024)
On January 22, 2024, McCain signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, marking his entry into spring professional football. He was released by the Brahmas on March 10, 2024, but quickly returned to the NFL, signing with the New Orleans Saints on June 20, 2024. With the Saints, he took part in offseason activities and training camp before being waived on August 27, 2024, as part of final roster cuts.
The 2024 season showcased McCain’s adaptability, as he transitioned between the UFL and NFL environments within the same calendar year. His willingness to pursue opportunities across both leagues reflected a commitment to continuing his professional career.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2025–Present)
Mac McCain signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL on June 3, 2025, joining the franchise for its spring season. The move positioned him in a featured defensive role within the Battlehawks’ secondary, where his collegiate ball-hawking tendencies could translate into on-field production.
Across his professional career to date, McCain has recorded three total tackles in NFL regular-season action, a modest statistical line that reflects his role as a depth and special teams contributor at the highest level. His continued presence in professional football underscores a relentless drive to compete.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCain is a confident, ball-hawking cornerback whose collegiate track record highlights an instinctive ability to read quarterbacks and jump passing lanes. His aggressive style is complemented by solid tackling and reliable special teams play, traits that have helped him survive in crowded NFL rooms.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among McCain’s most memorable career moments are his two 100-yard interception returns for touchdowns at North Carolina A&T and his game-winning pick-six against Charlotte as a freshman. His NFL debut with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 and his continued professional career in the UFL further stand out as milestones in a journey defined by persistence.
Mac Mccain Career Wins
Mac McCain’s professional résumé does not feature individual award hardware, but his career has been punctuated by persistent achievement at every stop. From earning first-team All-MEAC recognition at North Carolina A&T to navigating multiple NFL practice squads and signing with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL, his journey reflects consistent effort and continual opportunity.
UFL Highlights
McCain signed with the San Antonio Brahmas in January 2024 and later joined the St. Louis Battlehawks on June 3, 2025, marking his two UFL engagements to date. His most recent team affiliation reflects an ongoing role within the spring football landscape.
Other Wins & Performances
At the collegiate level, McCain tallied six interceptions as a freshman and added two more as a sophomore, performances that established him as one of the top defensive backs in the MEAC during his time at North Carolina A&T.
Mac Mccain Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mac McCain is the grandson of Franklin McCain, the civil rights activist known for participating in the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, a defining moment in the American civil rights movement. The family connection to such a meaningful chapter in American history adds a layer of legacy to the young football player’s own story of perseverance.
Personal Life
Public details about Mac McCain’s personal life beyond his family heritage remain limited. He was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, the same community where his grandfather helped shape the course of civil rights history, and he continues to pursue his professional football career with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
2025 Season Performance
Mac McCain’s 2025 season is centered on his role with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL, where he signed on June 3, 2025. The Battlehawks’ spring schedule offers him an opportunity to feature prominently in a defensive secondary and showcase the playmaking skills he displayed at North Carolina A&T.
As the UFL season progressed, McCain continued to compete for snaps while adapting to the league’s pace and style. His experience across multiple NFL and spring football organizations has provided him with a broad tactical foundation, and his work with the Battlehawks coaching staff has been key to his development.
Looking ahead within the target year, McCain’s outlook remains defined by persistence and the pursuit of a more permanent professional home. Whether through continued UFL play or a return to an NFL roster, his 2025 campaign represents another chapter in a career built on resilience, family legacy, and an enduring love for the game.