Matt McCrane Bio
Matthew McCrane is an American professional football placekicker for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats. McCrane has played for several NFL teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Guardians, and Cleveland Browns since undrafted in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Matt McCrane was born on September 8, 1994, in Brownwood, Texas. He attended Brownwood High School, where he played football and excelled as a placekicker. During his high school career, he converted 41 of 44 extra points and 7 of 12 field goals, including a remarkable 52-yard field goal, which remains the longest in school history. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his future in football. After graduating, McCrane went on to play college football at Kansas State University under head coach Bill Snyder. From 2014 to 2017, he was a standout player, converting 133 of 134 extra point attempts and 57 of 66 field goal attempts. His impressive field goal percentage ranks him second in Big XII history and seventh in NCAA history.
Path to American Football
After a successful college career, Matt McCrane entered the NFL draft in 2018 but went undrafted. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals shortly after the draft. His initial stint with the Cardinals was brief, as he was released on September 1, 2018. However, McCrane quickly found another opportunity when he was signed by the Oakland Raiders on September 25, 2018. In his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, he made three of five field goal attempts and four extra points, including the game-winning field goal. This performance marked a significant milestone in his early career.
Matt McCrane Career
Early Career (2018)
Following his debut with the Oakland Raiders, McCrane’s journey continued as he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2018. He made a notable impact in his final regular season game, converting all three field goal attempts and his only extra point attempt in a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he was released by the Steelers in May 2019.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
McCrane’s career took a turn when he was drafted by the New York Guardians in the 2020 XFL Supplemental Draft. Unfortunately, his contract was terminated when the league suspended operations. He then signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent time on the practice squad and was later signed to a reserve/futures contract. McCrane had another brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in December 2021.
Notable Works and Milestones
McCrane’s career highlights include being named a UFL champion in 2025 and earning First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2017. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes situations, has defined his career.
Matt McCrane Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matt McCrane has received recognition for his performance on the field, including notable achievements such as being named First-team All-Big 12 in 2017.
Matt McCrane Awards Won
Matt McCrane has won the UFL championship in 2025, showcasing his skills and contributions to his team.
Matt McCrane Family
Information about Matt McCrane’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Matt McCrane’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. His focus remains on his professional career as a placekicker in American football.