Zyon McCollum Bio
Zyon McCollum is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Sam Houston State Bearkats before being selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his athleticism and defensive skills, McCollum has quickly made a name for himself in the league since his debut in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Zyon McCollum was born on May 3, 1999, in Galveston, Texas. He attended Ball High School, where he began to showcase his talent in football. Initially, McCollum committed to play college football at the University of Utah alongside his twin brother, Tristin. However, they decided to stay closer to home and signed letters of intent to play at Sam Houston State University instead.
Path to American Football
At Sam Houston State, McCollum became a starter at cornerback during his freshman season. His performance earned him recognition, and he was named first-team All-Southland Conference in his sophomore year after recording 44 tackles, eight passes broken up, and three interceptions. Despite facing injuries during his junior year, he continued to excel, earning second-team All-Conference honors. In his senior season, he helped lead the Bearkats to the 2021 NCAA Division I Football Championship, solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player.
Zyon McCollum Career
Early Career (2022)
Zyon McCollum was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, being the 157th overall pick. The Buccaneers traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure his selection. McCollum signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $3.98 million, which included a signing bonus of $321,732. His rookie season was marked by challenges, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first four games. However, he made his professional debut on October 9, 2022, recording two solo tackles against the Atlanta Falcons.
Breakthrough (2023)
McCollum’s second season in the NFL saw significant improvements. He was named a backup cornerback and eventually earned a starting position. In Week 12, he achieved a season-high of nine combined tackles against the Indianapolis Colts. By the end of the season, he had recorded a total of 68 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and two forced fumbles, showcasing his growth as a player. His performance earned him a solid overall grade of 73.3 from Pro Football Focus.
Notable Works and Milestones
McCollum’s signature work includes his pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ defense during the 2023 season, where he contributed to the team finishing with a 9–8 record and securing a playoff berth. His ability to adapt and improve was evident as he became a key player in the secondary.
Zyon McCollum Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zyon McCollum has received several accolades, including multiple All-Conference selections during his college career, highlighting his skills and contributions to the game.
Zyon McCollum Awards Won
Zyon McCollum has achieved notable recognition in college football, including being named FCS Champion in 2020 and earning first-team All-Southland honors in both 2018 and 2020. He was also recognized as a second-team All-Southland player in 2019 and first-team All-WAC in 2021.
Zyon McCollum Family
Zyon McCollum is the identical twin brother of Tristin McCollum, who plays as a safety for the Las Vegas Raiders. He is also the son of former NBA player Cory Carr, indicating a strong athletic lineage in his family.
Personal Life
While Zyon McCollum maintains a focus on his professional career, he is known to have a close relationship with his twin brother, Tristin. The two have supported each other throughout their athletic journeys, and their shared experiences in professional sports have strengthened their bond.
