Nick McCloud Bio
Nick McCloud (born July 9, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 191 pounds, he has built his career as an undrafted free agent who has bounced between practice squads and active rosters across multiple organizations. He has previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, the San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Giants, and he played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Early Life and Background
Nick McCloud was born on July 9, 1998, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He grew up in the same South Carolina community that has produced a long line of college and professional football talent, and he attended South Pointe High School in Rock Hill. The football culture of the region gave him an early foundation in the sport and helped shape his development as a defensive back.
At South Pointe, McCloud earned recognition as a standout cornerback prospect, which drew attention from several college programs. His size, length, and coverage instincts made him a recruit to watch, and he ultimately committed to North Carolina State University to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
McCloud began his college career at NC State, where he played for the Wolfpack from 2016 through 2019. He developed into a reliable contributor in the secondary during his time in the Atlantic Coast Conference, gaining experience against high-level competition on a weekly basis. After his junior season, he entered the transfer portal and finished his college career at the University of Notre Dame, playing for the Fighting Irish in 2020.
While with Notre Dame, McCloud played in the 2021 Rose Bowl, one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games. During that contest against Alabama, he went viral after being hurdled by Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris, a moment that brought him wider public attention. Following the 2020 college season, he declared for the 2021 NFL Draft as an undrafted prospect.
Nick McCloud Career
Early Career (2021)
McCloud signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2021, beginning his professional career in the NFL. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2021, before the regular season began. The Buffalo organization parted ways with him just before the start of the campaign, sending him into the league’s transaction cycle.
On September 1, 2021, McCloud was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, giving him a quick opportunity on an active roster. He appeared in games for Cincinnati before being waived on November 4, 2021. Just four days later, on November 8, 2021, the Buffalo Bills signed him to their practice squad, beginning a second stint with the franchise.
New York Giants Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On August 31, 2022, McCloud was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, where he would spend the longest and most productive stretch of his early career. After spending time on the practice squad, he eventually became a contributor on special teams and in the secondary. His role grew over the following seasons as he earned the trust of the coaching staff.
McCloud’s biggest single-game moment came in a 2023 Week 11 matchup against the Washington Commanders, when he recorded an interception, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection. He finished the 2023 season with 28 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, and two pass deflections, establishing himself as a playmaker in the Giants’ defense.
McCloud’s tenure in New York ended on November 5, 2024, when he was waived by the team. The decision came after a disagreement with the front office over a midseason pay cut related to the one-year, $3 million contract he had signed in March. After he refused to adjust his deal, the organization moved on, capping a turbulent final chapter of his time with the Giants.
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
On November 11, 2024, McCloud was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad, giving him a fresh opportunity with another franchise. He remained there for several weeks before being promoted to the active roster on November 30, 2024. His brief time in San Francisco added another organization to his professional résumé as he continued to compete for roster spots around the league.
Chicago Bears Era (2025–Present)
On March 24, 2025, McCloud signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, joining a defense looking to add experienced depth at cornerback. The move gave him a fresh start with a new organization and an opportunity to compete for a meaningful role heading into the 2025 NFL season. His arrival in Chicago marked the latest chapter in a career defined by perseverance through multiple transactions.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCloud plays the cornerback position with the physical traits of a 6-foot-1, 191-pound defender, using his size and length to match up with larger outside receivers. He has shown a willingness as a tackler in run support and on special teams, and he has produced takeaways when given the chance, including an interception and multiple forced fumbles in 2023. His career path reflects a player who has adapted to special teams, nickel, and boundary corner duties across several schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of McCloud’s career came at the 2021 Rose Bowl, where his collision with Alabama’s Najee Harris went viral on social media. He later recorded his first NFL interception in a 2023 game against the Washington Commanders, a performance that also featured a forced fumble and a pass deflection. Across his career through 2025, he has accumulated 123 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 12 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1.5 sacks, according to his official NFL statistics.
Nick McCloud Career Wins
Nick McCloud’s professional résumé is best measured by his longevity, production on special teams, and turnover plays rather than by championship victories. He has yet to appear in a Super Bowl, but he has been part of postseason rosters and practice squads during playoff runs. His career totals reflect a dependable depth cornerback who has produced when called upon at multiple stops around the league.
League Highlights
McCloud’s most productive NFL season came in 2023 with the New York Giants, when he posted 28 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, an interception, and two pass deflections. That campaign included his standout Week 11 performance against the Washington Commanders, which stands as the signature game of his professional career to date. He has also contributed on special teams coverage units throughout his time in the league.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, McCloud played in the 2021 Rose Bowl with Notre Dame, one of college football’s marquee postseason games. He also spent multiple seasons competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference with NC State, facing top competition on a weekly basis. His ability to remain in the NFL since 2021 as an undrafted free agent is itself a notable achievement in a league known for short careers.
Nick McCloud Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Nick McCloud’s immediate family is limited, and detailed records of his parents, siblings, or extended relatives have not been widely published. He grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a community known for producing football talent, and his early development in the sport was shaped by that local environment.
Personal Life
McCloud was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and he has continued his professional career across several NFL cities since turning pro in 2021. Verified details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed, and those aspects of his personal life remain private.
2025 Season Performance
McCloud entered the 2025 NFL season with the Chicago Bears after signing a one-year contract with the team on March 24, 2025. The deal runs through the 2025 season, giving him a clear opportunity to compete for a role in Chicago’s secondary and on special teams. He arrived in Chicago following stints with the Giants and 49ers, bringing experience from multiple defensive schemes.
As a veteran depth cornerback, McCloud’s path to playing time in 2025 runs through special teams reliability and the ability to fill in across the secondary when needed. His career production, including 123 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 12 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1.5 sacks through 2025, gives the Bears a proven reserve option. His best stretch of football came in 2023 with the Giants, and Chicago will look for similar contributions as the 2025 season unfolds.