McClendon Curtis Bio
McClendon Jerrell Curtis, born on September 16, 1999, is an American professional football offensive guard who plays in the National Football League. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and listed at 330 pounds, he currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. He first entered the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Known for his size, athleticism, and blocking technique, Curtis has built his professional career through a series of practice squad moves and short stints on active rosters. His college resume includes All-American honors and a conference blocking trophy, establishing him as a dependable interior lineman.
Early Life and Background
McClendon Jerrell Curtis was born in Harrison, Tennessee, and grew up in the nearby city of Chattanooga. He attended Chattanooga Central High School, where he played both football and basketball. The combination of those two sports helped him develop the footwork, coordination, and competitive toughness that would later define his play on the offensive line.
As a high school prospect, Curtis was rated as a two-star recruit. Despite that modest rating, he drew interest from several college programs, including Football Bowl Subdivision schools such as Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio, Temple, and Western Kentucky, along with the University of Tennessee at Martin. He ultimately chose to stay close to home and committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a program that competes at the Football Championship Subdivision level.
Path to American Football
Curtis’s path to the NFL started with a redshirt year during his true freshman season at Chattanooga. He used that period to develop his body and adjust to the speed and complexity of college-level play. By the time he reached his redshirt sophomore year, he had earned the starting right guard job and went on to start all 12 games for the Mocs that season.
That breakout year set the tone for the rest of his college career. He continued to start at guard and was named first team All-Southern Conference in successive seasons. His strong play earned him invitations to postseason all-star events after his senior campaign, including the 2023 Senior Bowl, where he showcased his skills in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers.
McClendon Curtis Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
Curtis spent his entire college career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 2017 through 2022. After redshirting his first year, he became a fixture in the Mocs’ starting lineup at offensive guard. He started every game he appeared in over multiple seasons, earning a reputation for durability and consistency in the trenches.
His college accolades reflected his steady development. Curtis was a three-time first team All-Southern Conference selection in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and he also won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best blocker in the Southern Conference during his final season. He was additionally recognized as an FCS All-American in 2022, capping off one of the most decorated careers in recent Chattanooga history.
Las Vegas Raiders (2023)
Following the 2023 NFL Draft, Curtis signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. The deal gave him his first opportunity to compete for a roster spot at the highest level of professional football. He took part in the team’s offseason program and training camp as he worked to learn the Raiders’ offensive system.
Curtis’s first stint with the Raiders was brief. He was waived on August 29, 2023, but quickly returned to the organization when he was re-signed to the practice squad. That move kept him within the Raiders’ system and allowed him to continue developing while staying ready for a potential promotion.
Seattle Seahawks (2023–2024)
On September 13, 2023, Curtis was signed by the Seattle Seahawks off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. The move gave him a fresh start with a new organization and an opportunity to compete for a role on the active roster. He worked to make an impression during the early weeks of the season.
Curtis was waived by the Seahawks on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 21, 2024, before being waived again on October 10 and brought back to the practice squad. Through these moves, he appeared in five NFL games during the 2024 season.
Arizona Cardinals (2025)
On January 13, 2025, Curtis signed a reserve and future contract with the Arizona Cardinals, signaling the team’s interest in adding offensive line depth for the upcoming season. Reserve and future contracts allow organizations to retain or acquire players whose rights would otherwise expire at the end of the league year.
His time in Arizona was short. Curtis was waived by the Cardinals on August 25, 2025, as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season. Despite the release, his signing demonstrated that he remained on the radar of multiple NFL franchises looking for interior line help.
New York Giants (2025)
On August 29, 2025, Curtis was signed to the New York Giants’ practice squad, giving him another opportunity to compete for a spot on an active roster. The Giants were looking for experienced depth at the offensive guard position as they finalized their 53-man roster for the regular season.
Curtis’s time with the Giants lasted only a short time. He was released by the organization on September 8, 2025, before being signed by another team later in the year. The brief stint added another chapter to his journeyman professional career.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025–Present)
On October 14, 2025, Curtis returned to the Las Vegas Raiders, signing with the team’s practice squad. The homecoming gave him a chance to compete within the same organization that gave him his first professional opportunity. He was released on October 21 and re-signed on December 17 as the team adjusted its practice squad depth.
Curtis signed a reserve and future contract with the Raiders on January 5, 2026, locking in his place with the organization for the following league year. He was waived by the Raiders on May 2 as the team shaped its offseason roster. His familiarity with the Raiders’ system and culture makes him a strong candidate to return.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an offensive guard, Curtis relies on his size, length, and lower-body strength to anchor against powerful defensive tackles. His basketball background contributes to his lateral quickness and balance, which are valuable when pass protecting or executing reach blocks at the second level. Coaches have praised his willingness to refine his technique and learn multiple positions along the interior offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable milestones of Curtis’s career came in 2022, when he was named an FCS All-American and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top blocker in the Southern Conference. His invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl also stands out as a defining moment, giving him a stage to perform in front of NFL scouts. Reaching five games played during the 2024 NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks marked his most significant on-field contribution at the professional level.
McClendon Curtis Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, individual statistics such as wins are credited to the team rather than the player. Curtis has appeared in five NFL games as of the 2024 season, contributing as a reserve interior lineman. His college career at Chattanooga featured sustained team success built around his play at the guard position.
College Highlights
Curtis was a three-time first team All-Southern Conference selection across the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, and he started nearly every game he appeared in during his time with the Chattanooga Mocs. He earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2022 as the conference’s top blocker and was recognized as an FCS All-American the same year. His leadership helped anchor one of the most consistent offensive lines in the Southern Conference.
Other Performances
Beyond his college accolades, Curtis gained valuable experience at the 2023 Senior Bowl, where he faced top senior talent from across college football. He has also spent extensive time on NFL practice squads, which are important developmental environments for offensive linemen working toward steady active-roster roles.
McClendon Curtis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about McClendon Curtis’s family background is limited. He was raised in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, and his development into a professional athlete was supported by his upbringing in that region.
Personal Life
Curtis keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye. He is known to be active on social media, where he shares updates about his training and professional journey. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Curtis, marked by a series of practice squad moves across multiple organizations. He signed a reserve and future contract with the Arizona Cardinals in January 2025, was waived in late August, and quickly signed with the New York Giants’ practice squad before being released in early September. He then returned to the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in October and finished the year back with the organization that originally signed him in 2023.
Through these moves, Curtis has remained in regular contact with NFL coaching staffs and has continued to refine his craft as an interior offensive lineman. His experience with multiple systems, including those of the Raiders, Seahawks, Cardinals, and Giants, has given him a wide-ranging understanding of NFL offensive line play. That versatility is a valuable asset for a player looking to lock down a more permanent role.
Looking ahead, Curtis’s familiarity with the Las Vegas Raiders’ scheme, combined with his size and college credentials, positions him as a strong candidate for a reserve or developmental role on the offensive line. His goal will be to translate the experience gained from practice squad stints into a more stable spot on an active 53-man roster.