Calvin Munson Bio
Calvin Christopher Munson (born December 27, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs and entered the National Football League after being signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 240 pounds, Munson has built his career on special teams contributions and depth roles across multiple franchises, including a Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Christopher Munson was born on December 27, 1994, in St. Charles, Missouri, USA. He grew up in the St. Charles area and attended Francis Howell High School, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete. The middle of America served as his athletic foundation, and his family background supported an active childhood that eventually steered him toward competitive sports.
At Francis Howell, Munson starred as a linebacker for the Vikings and earned First-team All-State honors along with First-team All-District recognition. His senior-year play was strong enough to earn him the Missouri Defensive Player of the Year award. Beyond football, Munson also played baseball, demonstrating the kind of two-sport profile that would later define his competitive identity.
Munson’s baseball talent was significant enough that the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 31st round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. He was also named to the ABCA/Rawlings High School All-America Baseball Second Team, a clear sign that professional scouts viewed him as a legitimate prospect on the diamond as well as the gridiron.
Path to American Football
Despite the baseball opportunity, Munson chose not to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals and instead enrolled at San Diego State University to pursue football full-time. The decision shaped the rest of his athletic career, redirecting a two-sport talent into a single defensive craft. San Diego State’s program gave him a platform to showcase his linebacker skills against top-tier college competition.
At San Diego State, Munson quickly established himself as one of the conference’s most consistent defenders. He was twice selected to the First-team All-Mountain West Conference and earned the San Diego State Aztecs football Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year award twice during his college tenure. These honors reflected his role as a tackling leader and a steadying presence in the Aztecs defense.
Munson’s college production kept him on NFL radar screens, even though he did not hear his name called during the 2017 NFL draft. His size, instincts, and special teams value made him a priority undrafted signing, opening the door to a professional career that would stretch across multiple organizations.
Calvin Munson Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Munson signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL draft. He performed well enough in training camp to make the Giants’ 53-man roster, a notable achievement for an undrafted rookie. In Week 2 of his first professional season, he made his first career start at middle linebacker, replacing an injured B. J. Goodson and providing immediate defensive depth.
His initial Giants tenure ended on September 1, 2018, when he was waived and then quickly re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released shortly after on September 13, 2018, beginning a stretch of roster moves that would define his early professional years.
New England Patriots Era (2018–2019)
On October 8, 2018, Munson signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, where he contributed on special teams and prepared for a potential active-roster opportunity. His work during the 2018 season culminated in a Super Bowl LIII championship when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. He signed a reserve/future contract with New England on February 5, 2019, signaling the organization’s long-term interest in his development.
On August 31, 2019, Munson was released during final roster cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Although his on-field defensive snaps were limited, his special teams role kept him in the team’s plans as a reliable depth piece.
Miami Dolphins First Stint (2019–2021)
On December 18, 2019, Munson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Patriots practice squad, beginning the first of multiple Dolphins tenures. He was placed on the active/non-football injury list at the start of training camp on July 28, 2020, before being activated on August 9, 2020. Miami extended an exclusive-rights free agent tender on March 8, 2021, and he signed the one-year contract on April 14.
His first Dolphins stint ended when he was waived on August 31, 2021, and he was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. The cycle of movement reflected his value as a versatile reserve.
New England Patriots Return and Miami Dolphins Second Stint (2021–2022)
On October 27, 2021, Munson was signed by the Patriots off the Dolphins practice squad for his second stint in New England. He was waived on December 14, 2021, and quickly claimed off waivers by the Dolphins on December 15, 2021, returning to Miami.
On August 29, 2022, Munson was placed on injured reserve and was later released on October 10, 2022, ending his second Dolphins tenure.
New England Patriots Third Stint (2022–2023)
On October 12, 2022, Munson returned to New England by signing with the Patriots practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2023, and was waived on August 29, 2023, before being re-signed to the practice squad. The back-and-forth movement underscored his standing as a dependable practice-squad contributor.
Miami Dolphins Third Stint and Minnesota Vikings (2023–2024)
On December 9, 2023, Munson was signed by the Dolphins off the Patriots practice squad, marking his third stint in Miami. The familiarity with the organization’s system allowed him to integrate quickly as a special teams contributor.
On October 21, 2024, Munson signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, expanding his professional journey to a fourth NFL franchise. The move reflected both his durability and his continued value as a veteran depth linebacker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Munson’s most significant career milestone came as a member of the New England Patriots when he won Super Bowl LIII following the 2018 season. Additional benchmarks include his first NFL start with the New York Giants in 2017 and the rare distinction of being selected in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft before ultimately choosing football as his professional sport.
Calvin Munson Career Wins
Calvin Munson’s professional résumé is anchored by his Super Bowl LIII championship with the New England Patriots and two First-team All-Mountain West selections during his time at San Diego State. His career has spanned eight team stints across the New York Giants, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings, reflecting both his longevity and adaptability within the league.
Other Wins and Performances
At Francis Howell High School, Munson won First-team All-State honors, First-team All-District recognition, and the Missouri Defensive Player of the Year award. He was also selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 MLB draft and named to the ABCA/Rawlings High School All-America Baseball Second Team, underscoring a well-rounded athletic profile before his football focus took hold.
Calvin Munson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Munson was raised in the St. Charles, Missouri, community, an area with a strong high school football tradition. His upbringing in the St. Louis metro region connected him to both the football pipeline that produced NFL talent and the baseball scene that gave him an unexpected draft opportunity.
Personal Life
Calvin Christopher Munson maintains a public presence through social media, including an active Instagram account associated with his playing career. Beyond his professional journey across multiple NFL cities, he is widely known by his full name and has kept personal matters outside the scope of public reporting.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL calendar, Calvin Munson concluded the 2024 season on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad after signing there on October 21, 2024. His continued availability on the practice squad market illustrates a sustained role as a veteran linebacker capable of stepping into game-day duty when needed. Throughout his career, he has remained a reliable special teams and depth contributor, a niche that keeps players like him in demand year after year.
Munson’s path through 2025 will likely depend on whether Minnesota retains him or another franchise offers a more defined role. His track record of moving between active rosters and practice squads suggests continued flexibility, and any team in need of experienced linebacker depth would view him as a low-risk, high-familiarity option. With eight professional seasons already in the books, Munson enters 2025 as one of the more traveled and battle-tested reserves in the league.