Chad Muma Bio
Chad Tyler Muma (born August 18, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wyoming Cowboys and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds, Muma has built his reputation as a dependable inside linebacker known for his tackling and football intelligence.
A native of Colorado with deep family ties to the University of Wyoming, Muma has navigated the early stages of his NFL career through multiple teams while continuing to develop his game. His journey from a multi-sport high school athlete to a third-round draft pick reflects steady progression and perseverance.
Early Life and Background
Chad Tyler Muma was born on August 18, 1999, in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in nearby Lone Tree. He attended Legend High School, where he initially played defensive back before transitioning to linebacker. Muma wore jersey number 19 in high school out of respect for his father, Ty Muma, who also played football.
During his junior year, Muma broke his clavicle while playing 7-on-7, but recovered and played the following season. As a senior, he was named second-team Class 5A All-State after recording 77 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, despite missing half of Legend’s games due to a seventy-percent torn patella. He also participated in basketball and track and field, competing in events such as the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, and long jump. Muma was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the seventh grade after losing 30 pounds, a challenge he has managed throughout his athletic career.
Muma committed to play college football at Wyoming, following in the footsteps of his father and maternal grandfather, Rick Desmarais. He chose Wyoming over scholarship offers from Colorado State, Hawaii, and Nevada.
Path to American Football
Muma’s path to professional football began at Legend High School, where his versatility across multiple sports helped shape his athletic foundation. His senior season performance, despite the patella injury, drew the attention of college recruiters and set the stage for his commitment to Wyoming.
At Wyoming, Muma joined a program with strong family connections. He played in all 12 games as a freshman, primarily on special teams, before earning a larger defensive role during his sophomore year. His development accelerated over time, establishing him as one of the top linebackers in the Mountain West Conference and positioning him for the 2022 NFL draft.
Chad Muma Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Muma played in all 12 of Wyoming’s games as a freshman, mostly on special teams. He began to see significant playing time on defense during his sophomore season and finished the year with 51 total tackles. These early years provided the foundation for his rise as a defensive leader for the Cowboys.
As a junior, Muma led Wyoming with 71 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. In his senior season, he doubled his tackle output to 142, added 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions for 45 return yards, and a fumble recovery, securing another All-Mountain West selection. He was invited to the 2022 Senior Bowl and named a finalist for the Butkus Award.
NFL Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Muma was drafted in the third round (70th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars reportedly selected him after hearing that the Denver Broncos were planning to draft him 75th overall. He was the fourth inside linebacker selected in the draft and the second inside linebacker taken by Jacksonville, joining Devin Lloyd.
As a rookie in 2022, Muma appeared in 16 regular season games and started two, finishing with 1.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, and one pass defended. In the 2023 season, he appeared in 17 regular season games and started two, recording 15 tackles and two passes defended, as the Jaguars relied primarily on Devin Lloyd at inside linebacker.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2022–2024)
Across his three seasons in Jacksonville, Muma continued to develop his role within the Jaguars’ defensive scheme. In 2024, he appeared in 17 games and started three, finishing with 32 tackles. On August 26, 2025, Muma was waived by the Jaguars as part of final roster cuts, ending his initial stint with the team that drafted him.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025)
On August 27, 2025, Muma was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts. He made five appearances for Indianapolis, recording five combined tackles. Muma was waived by the Colts on November 1 and re-signed to the practice squad, maintaining his presence in the league while awaiting another opportunity.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On December 16, 2025, Muma was signed to the active roster of the New England Patriots from the Colts’ practice squad. The move provided him with a fresh opportunity to contribute on defense for one of the NFL’s most historic franchises.
Driving Style and Strengths
Muma is recognized for his strong tackling ability and football intelligence, qualities that made him a tackling leader at Wyoming. His experience in both pass coverage and run defense has allowed him to contribute in multiple defensive roles throughout his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Muma’s career highlights are his third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft, his Senior Bowl invitation, and his Butkus Award finalist recognition in 2021. His 142-tackle senior season at Wyoming stands as one of the most productive single-season performances of his career.
Chad Muma Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chad Muma’s father, Ty Muma, and his maternal grandfather, Rick Desmarais, both played college football at the University of Wyoming. This deep family connection to the program influenced his decision to attend Wyoming despite offers from other schools.
Muma’s younger sister, Payton, played basketball at Gonzaga University from 2021 to 2024 before transferring to the Wyoming Cowgirls basketball team. His younger brother, Jaxon, plays football at the University of Sioux Falls.
Personal Life
Chad Muma got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Alyssa Huey, on May 28, 2023, in Saint Augustine, Florida. Together, they own a Goldendoodle named Ollie. Outside of football, Muma has interests in music and played piano during his childhood, even performing Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire at a school event.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought significant movement for Chad Muma. After being waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on August 27. With Indianapolis, Muma appeared in five games and recorded five combined tackles before being waived on November 1 and re-signed to the practice squad.
On December 16, 2025, Muma was signed to the active roster of the New England Patriots from the Colts’ practice squad, giving him a late-season opportunity to compete for playing time. The move represented a fresh chapter in his young career as he joined a team with playoff ambitions.
As Muma transitions into his role with the Patriots, his experience as a reliable tackler and special teams contributor positions him to make an immediate impact. His versatility across multiple defensive schemes developed throughout his time with the Jaguars and Colts should serve him well as he adapts to New England’s defensive system.