Ryan McCollum Bio
Ryan McCollum, born on March 4, 1998, in Spring, Texas, is an American professional football center who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds, McCollum has built his reputation as a dependable interior lineman through steady development and resilience after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 to 2020 before beginning his professional journey in 2021.
Known for his perseverance, McCollum has navigated multiple practice squad moves, contract changes, and team transitions to remain active in the NFL. His career reflects a player who has continually worked to earn his place on game day rosters, eventually reaching a regular starting role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Ryan McCollum was raised in Spring, Texas, where he attended Klein Oak High School and developed his early passion for football. Growing up in a region with a strong football culture, he was exposed to the sport at a young age and worked his way into becoming a notable offensive lineman during his high school years. His size and athletic ability helped him attract early college attention as a promising interior line prospect.
During his senior season at Klein Oak, McCollum emerged as a recruited athlete with offers from multiple college programs. In August 2015, he verbally committed to play college football at Oklahoma State, signaling his readiness to compete at the next level. However, by December of that year, he decided to reopen his recruitment and commit instead to Texas A&M, a program closer to home and aligned with his long-term development goals.
Path to American Football
McCollum enrolled at Texas A&M in 2016 and began his collegiate career with the Aggies. He appeared in 13 games as a sophomore in 2017, earning seven starts and showing steady improvement. During the 2018 season, he again featured in 12 games with seven starts, reinforcing his role as a dependable contributor along the offensive line.
In 2019, McCollum played in eight games and was recognized for his leadership, receiving the Offensive Unselfish Leadership Award at the team’s annual banquet. The following year, he took on an even larger role, serving as the offensive team captain in five games during the 2020 season. His standout play that season earned him the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honor for the week ending December 7, 2020. On January 6, 2021, McCollum declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Ryan McCollum Career
Early Career (2021)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Ryan McCollum signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted college free agent on May 14, 2021. His time in Houston gave him his first exposure to a professional roster, although he did not appear in a regular season game for the team. Later that season, on October 6, 2021, the Detroit Lions signed him off the Texans’ practice squad, offering him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
McCollum made his first career NFL start on December 12, 2021, while with the Detroit Lions, marking an important early milestone. On March 10, 2022, he re-signed with the Lions, signaling the franchise’s belief in his development, though he was ultimately waived on August 15, 2022, as teams finalized their rosters for the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2022–Present)
On August 16, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed Ryan McCollum off waivers from Detroit, quickly integrating him into their depth chart. Although he was waived on August 30 and signed to the practice squad the following day, McCollum continued to develop within the organization. He was released on September 30 before being re-signed to the practice squad four days later, capping the year by signing a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2023.
McCollum’s persistence paid off as he remained with the Steelers through additional contract moves in 2023 and 2024. On October 20, 2024, he made his first start with the Steelers, a defining moment in his professional career. On March 20, 2026, McCollum re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year contract, securing his continued presence with the franchise.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most meaningful moments in Ryan McCollum’s career are his first NFL start with the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2021, and his first start with the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 20, 2024. His recognition as the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week in December 2020 also stands out as a collegiate milestone, highlighting his leadership and consistency along the offensive line.
Ryan McCollum Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ryan McCollum grew up in Spring, Texas, in a supportive environment that helped shape his path in football. His journey from Klein Oak High School to Texas A&M and eventually the NFL reflects a steady progression rooted in family encouragement and personal dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
In July 2020, Ryan McCollum married his wife, Maddie Douglas, a former Texas A&M volleyball player. The couple welcomed a daughter in June 2023, expanding their family during McCollum’s early years in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Ryan McCollum continued his role as a dependable interior presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His first career start with the team in October 2024 laid the groundwork for a more prominent position along the offensive line. The Steelers’ confidence in re-signing him reflects his growth and value within the organization.
Through 47 career NFL games and 4 starts as of the 2025 season, McCollum has demonstrated steady availability and readiness whenever called upon. His combination of size, experience, and work ethic positions him as a reliable depth option with the potential for an expanded role as the season unfolds.