Daniel “Colt” McCoy is one of those players fans always found themselves rooting for. Colt McCoy has been ready to step in and play wherever he has played as a journeyman. What began at the University of Texas as a four-year starting quarterback has made its way to Arizona as a backup with the Cardinals. However, that long journey might soon be over.
Colt McCoy Could Be Odd Quarterback Out in Arizona
At Texas, Colt McCoy won or shared the team’s MVP Honors for all four years, the only player in Longhorn’s history to do so. After an injury against Alabama, McCoy announced he would not attend the NFL Combine but would participate at the University of Texas Pro Day. Reviews would be mixed, as he was rated the third best quarterback behind Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame.
Colt McCoy would be drafted in the third round as the 85th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. From Cleveland, where he would add one season with the San Francisco 49ers, five as a member of the Washington Commanders, and one with the New York Giants. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. In late 2022, with Kyler Murray out for the balance of the season, Colt McCoy would start in Week 10. He passed for 238 yards and a touchdown in the 27–17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Great team win! pic.twitter.com/GogCkMLmbI
— Colt McCoy (@ColtMcCoy) November 14, 2022
The 2023 NFL Draft saw Arizona select another young Texas signal caller. The Cardinals selected Clayton Tune from Houston in round five. Along with Jeff Driskel and Colt McCoy, the depth chart is an interesting one. Murray, who is a “maybe” to return before mid-season, will watch three quarterbacks looking to solidify the second spot. Tune, who believes he was the best quarterback available, has the kind of tools and ego to cut through noise. Whereas Driskel is a clipboard holder and McCoy is staring down the barrel of a career.
A Second Career
NBC hired Colt McCoy to work this off-season analyzing USFL games. The 14-year NFL veteran might have found a career in waiting via the broadcast booth. His knowledge of the game runs deep, as does his passion for playing quarterback. The veteran has also made a nice living, having earned over $24 million.
The Cardinals have three preseason games where Tune, Driskel, and Colt McCoy have an opportunity to show who can win in the NFL. If Tune shows just enough, odds are high he could emerge as quarterback one. As recently as 5 March, general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have not committed to McCoy. This could be the first sign that the veteran is not in the long-term planning in Arizona.
With 14 seasons as a backup and part time starter, Colt McCoy has shown he has the staying power to continue playing. But the uncertainty he may be facing in Arizona could be enough to force his hands for the TV booth. According to 247 Sports, McCoy has said he is considering a full-time move to television.
“I’m not saying this is what I’m going to do because I don’t know how good I’m going to be. It’s an art. In saying that, I’m thankful they chose me to get some practice and do this and see where it goes.” courtesy 247 Sports.
Through Week 18 of the 2022 season, Colt McCoy has 34 passing touchdowns to 32 interceptions. McCoy has thrown for 7,975 yards for a passing rating of 79.9, while rushing for 582 yards and two touchdowns.
Main Image: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
