Conor McDermott Bio
Conor Francis McDermott (born October 19, 1992) is an American professional football offensive tackle. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, McDermott has spent his professional career as a versatile reserve and starting tackle across several National Football League franchises.
Over the course of his NFL career, McDermott has been a member of the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans. He earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2015 and 2016 while at UCLA, establishing himself as a reliable pass blocker and run supporter.
Early Life and Background
Conor Francis McDermott was born on October 19, 1992, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was raised by his parents, Kevin Sr. and Deborah McDermott, alongside his brother Kevin Jr. His father played college basketball at South Dakota State, which contributed to the athletic environment in the McDermott household.
McDermott attended The Ensworth School, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete. He played tight end, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle during his four seasons with the Tigers football program. In 2010, he helped lead the team to a state championship and was named to the All-Conference team. By the end of his high school career, McDermott had been part of a program that compiled a 39-8 win-loss record.
From 2009 to 2011, McDermott also competed on the basketball team, serving as team captain in each of his three seasons. The Tigers won the state championship in 2009 and were ranked No. 1 in the state in 2011. During his senior season, McDermott averaged 15.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and earned Division II-AA and All-Mid-State first team selection honors.
Path to American Football
McDermott joined the UCLA Bruins football program in 2012, the same year his older brother played his final season for the team as a long snapper. He earned a place on the UCLA Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll during his freshman year while adjusting to the collegiate level.
McDermott did not see game action until the 2014 season, when he appeared in the final seven games and started as a tight end. By 2015, he had transitioned to tackle and started 12 games on the offensive line. During his senior season in 2016, McDermott started all 12 games at left tackle and earned Second-team All-Pac-12 recognition, cementing his status as a draft-eligible prospect. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Political Science.
Conor McDermott Career
New England Patriots (2017)
The New England Patriots selected Conor Francis McDermott in the sixth round (211th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. His selection reflected his size, college production, and positional versatility. He was waived on September 2, 2017, as part of final roster cuts, ending his first stint with the team.
Buffalo Bills (2017-2019)
On September 3, 2017, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. He spent time developing within the offensive line room and contributing on special teams during his time with the team. McDermott was waived by the Bills on October 3, 2019.
New York Jets (2019-2022)
On October 4, 2019, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets on November 20, 2020, signaling his growing value to the organization. On September 1, 2021, McDermott was placed on injured reserve before being activated on November 13. In a December 26, 2021, game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, McDermott recorded the first touchdown of his career, catching a pass from Zach Wilson to extend the Jets’ lead. He re-signed with the Jets on March 9, 2022, but was waived during final roster cuts on August 30 and released on October 17 before being re-signed to the practice squad.
New England Patriots Second Stint (2022-2024)
On November 22, 2022, McDermott was signed by the New England Patriots off the Jets practice squad. He was named the starting right tackle and started the final six games of the season. On February 22, 2023, McDermott signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023, and released on September 8 before being re-signed to the practice squad on October 17 and later elevated to the active roster on November 25. The Patriots released him on April 29, 2024.
Los Angeles Rams (2024)
On August 6, 2024, McDermott signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He was placed on injured reserve on August 28, 2024, limiting his on-field opportunities during his lone season with the organization.
Houston Texans (2025)
On August 12, 2025, McDermott signed with the Houston Texans. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts.
Notable Events and Milestones
McDermott’s first career touchdown came on December 26, 2021, when he caught a pass from Zach Wilson against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His two-year contract extension with the New England Patriots in February 2023 reflected his standing as a starting-caliber tackle. He has also been recognized twice as a Second-team All-Pac-12 honoree during his college career at UCLA.
Conor McDermott Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Conor Francis McDermott was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, by his father Kevin Sr. and his mother Deborah McDermott. His father played college basketball at South Dakota State. McDermott’s older brother, Kevin McDermott Jr., also played college football at UCLA and went on to become the former starting long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings.
Personal Life
McDermott has cited Amar’e Stoudemire as a favorite basketball player. During his senior season at UCLA in 2016, McDermott pranked teammate Eddie Vanderdoes by signing the back of his jersey during a fan appreciation event.
2025 Season Performance
Conor Francis McDermott entered the 2025 NFL offseason as a free agent following his release from the New England Patriots in April 2024. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in August 2024 and spent time on injured reserve before reaching free agency once more. On August 12, 2025, McDermott signed with the Houston Texans, adding veteran tackle depth to the offensive line room.
McDermott was released by the Texans on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts. His next career move remains pending as he continues to pursue opportunities across the league.