Zech McPhearson Bio
Zech McPhearson, born Zechariah McPhearson on March 21, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American professional football cornerback. He is best known for his college career with the Texas Tech Red Raiders and for being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Listed at 5 feet 11 inches and around 191 pounds, McPhearson has built his reputation on defensive back play and special teams contributions. After spending his first three professional seasons in Philadelphia, he continued his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McPhearson grew up in a family with a deep athletic tradition that helped shape his path toward football. His development at Riverdale Baptist High School, followed by his college stops at Penn State and Texas Tech, prepared him for the rigors of the National Football League. He entered the league in 2021 and has since worked to establish himself as a reliable defensive back and special teams player at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Zech McPhearson was born on March 21, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in a household where athletics played a central role. His father, Gerrick McPhearson, once earned a tryout for the New England Patriots as a defensive back in 1988, while his mother, Kim McPhearson, played in the National Women’s Football League. This family environment provided Zech with early exposure to competitive sports and a clear understanding of the discipline required to play football at a high level.
McPhearson attended Riverdale Baptist High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he developed the foundational skills that would later define his career. The combination of family support and a strong high school program allowed him to attract the attention of major college football programs. By the end of his high school career, McPhearson had positioned himself as a promising defensive back prospect.
Path to American Football
Following high school, McPhearson committed to Penn State University, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons from 2017 to 2018. During that time, he appeared in a combined nine games and recorded 14 tackles, gaining valuable experience within a Big Ten Conference program. Seeking a larger role, he transferred to Texas Tech University, where he joined the Red Raiders for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
At Texas Tech, McPhearson quickly emerged as a starter and a leader in the secondary. In his junior year, he played and started all 12 games, recording 51 tackles, including 42 solo tackles, along with two blocked kicks. His strong play continued into his senior season, when he appeared in all 10 games, started nine, and finished with 53 tackles and four interceptions. These performances helped him earn first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2020, along with third-team All-American recognition from Pro Football Focus and first-team All-Texas honors from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. His college trajectory ultimately led to his selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Zech McPhearson Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
McPhearson was selected in the fourth round with the 123rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on June 3, 2021, and began his professional career in Philadelphia’s defensive backfield. During his first seasons, he worked to carve out a role on defense while also contributing on special teams.
In Week 1 of the 2022 season, McPhearson was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after recording two special teams tackles and recovering a surprise onside kick attempt in a 38–35 win over the Detroit Lions. That performance made him the first Eagle to earn the award since kicker Jake Elliott in 2021, highlighting his value in the third phase of the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2024–Present)
McPhearson’s time in Philadelphia was interrupted during the 2023 preseason when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a game against the Cleveland Browns, an injury that ended his season. He was waived and placed on injured reserve in August 2023, and was later waived by the Eagles on August 27, 2024. Shortly after, on September 10, 2024, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to their practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue his professional career.
On January 6, 2025, McPhearson signed a reserve and future contract with Jacksonville, securing his place with the organization heading into the new league year. He continued his role with the Jaguars into 2025, working to reestablish himself after his injury. His journey from a fourth-round pick to a determined comeback story has defined the most recent chapter of his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of McPhearson’s career came in his 2022 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor, a recognition that underscored his awareness, tackling ability, and instincts on coverage units. His recovery of an onside kick in a tight game against the Lions demonstrated his composure in high-pressure situations. He has also achieved the milestone of being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, a testament to the body of work he built at Texas Tech.
Zech McPhearson Career Highlights
Across his professional career, McPhearson has recorded 30 total tackles, 1 sack, and 2 pass deflections through the 2024 season, according to official NFL statistics. His work has largely come on special teams, where his tackling and ball awareness have stood out. While his defensive role has been limited, his impact in the kicking game has earned him league-wide recognition.
Philadelphia Eagles Highlights
During his time with the Eagles from 2021 to 2023, McPhearson contributed primarily on special teams and as a depth cornerback. His Week 1 performance in 2022 against the Detroit Lions marked the highlight of his Philadelphia tenure, earning him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. His tenure with the team ended following his 2023 Achilles injury and his eventual release in 2024.
Jacksonville Jaguars Highlights
Since joining the Jaguars in 2024, McPhearson has worked to return to full health and compete for a roster spot. His reserve and future contract signed in January 2025 reflected the organization’s confidence in his potential contributions. He has continued to focus on special teams and defensive back play as he builds his role with the team.
Zech McPhearson Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
McPhearson comes from one of the most athletic families in professional sports, with several siblings and parents who have competed at high levels. His father, Gerrick, earned a tryout for the New England Patriots as a defensive back in 1988, while his mother, Kim, played in the National Women’s Football League. His older brother, also named Gerrick, played for the New York Giants, and another older brother, Derrick, played football at the University of Illinois before spending time with the Milwaukee Brewers organization in baseball. Emmanuel played football at the University of New Mexico, Jeremiah played at IUP, Joshua played football at Penn State, and Matthew was a fourth-round draft pick out of high school by the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. His sister, Kimberly, plays collegiate soccer.
Personal Life
McPhearson was born and raised in the Baltimore, Maryland area, where his family’s strong athletic tradition played a major role in his development. His upbringing in a sports-centered household helped cultivate the work ethic and competitive mindset that have carried him through college and the professional ranks. He remains focused on his football career as he continues his journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, McPhearson is focused on establishing himself within the Jacksonville Jaguars organization after signing a reserve and future contract in January of that year. His primary objectives include returning to full health following his 2023 Achilles injury and competing for a role on both defense and special teams. The Jaguars’ decision to retain him suggests they view him as a contributor in the secondary and on coverage units.
Throughout the 2025 offseason, McPhearson has continued his rehabilitation and training, working to regain the form that earned him a fourth-round selection in 2021. His experience in Philadelphia, including his NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor, provides a strong foundation for his pursuit of a larger role. With the Jaguars building their roster for the upcoming season, McPhearson has an opportunity to demonstrate the durability and playmaking ability that defined his college career at Texas Tech.
As the 2025 season unfolds, McPhearson’s story remains one of perseverance and family-driven motivation. His goal is to contribute meaningfully to Jacksonville’s defensive backfield and special teams units while continuing the legacy of athletic excellence established by his parents and siblings. A successful campaign in 2025 would mark another important step in his professional journey.