Kaleb McGary Bio
Kaleb Ethan McGary is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 22, 1995, in Battle Ground, Washington, he played college football for the Washington Huskies. McGary was selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has since established himself as a key player on the team’s offensive line.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 330 pounds, McGary is a major presence on the right side of the Falcons’ offensive front. He has started at right tackle since his rookie season and has been part of the team’s long-term plans through a series of contract extensions.
Early Life and Background
McGary was born and raised in Battle Ground, Washington, a small city in Clark County near the Oregon border. He began his high school career at Battle Ground High School before transferring to Fife High School in Fife, Washington. At Fife, he developed into a multi-position lineman, playing on the offensive line, tight end, and defensive line.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, McGary developed physically early, which made him a natural fit for the trenches. His time at Fife High School allowed him to refine his footwork and technique while playing several positions, giving him a broad understanding of the line of scrimmage before college. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence drew attention from college programs across the region.
McGary eventually committed to the University of Washington, choosing to stay close to home and represent his home state at the Pac-12 level. That decision set him on a clear path toward a major-college career and, eventually, the NFL.
Path to American Football
McGary’s path to the NFL started on the practice fields of Fife High School, where he learned the physical and mental demands of the offensive line. Playing multiple positions gave him a full understanding of the game, helping him build a foundation that translated directly to major-college competition.
At the University of Washington, he joined a Huskies program with a strong tradition of producing professional linemen. He worked his way into a starting role early and steadily improved over five seasons, gaining experience against top-tier pass rushers in the Pac-12. By the time he reached his senior year, McGary was widely regarded as one of the most polished tackles in the country.
His development at Washington turned him into a first-round prospect. In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons traded up from the second round with the Los Angeles Rams to select McGary with the 31st overall pick, locking in his transition to the professional level.
Kaleb McGary Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
McGary played at the University of Washington from 2014 to 2018, appearing in 53 games and starting 47 of them. That level of durability and consistency helped him build a reputation as a reliable, hard-working lineman. He was a mainstay on the Huskies’ offensive front and earned recognition for his steady play.
As a senior, he won the Morris Trophy, an award given to the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12. He was also named First-team All-Pac-12 in both 2017 and 2018, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top linemen. Those honors pushed his draft stock into the first round.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2019–Present)
McGary joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 after being selected 31st overall. He split reps with Ty Sambrailo at right tackle in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, then took over the starting right tackle job. As a rookie, he started all 16 games for the Falcons, an impressive workload for a first-year player.
In 2020, McGary started 13 of 16 games. He suffered an injury in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys and missed the following game, but he returned to the starting lineup in Week 4 versus the Green Bay Packers. He was also unavailable for a Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers after missing five consecutive practices for a family matter. Despite those interruptions, he remained a core part of the offensive line.
On May 2, 2022, the Falcons declined to pick up the fifth-year option on McGary’s rookie contract, which made him a free agent after the 2022 season. He then returned to the team on March 31, 2023, signing a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension to remain in Atlanta.
Recent Seasons (2023–2025)
Following his 2023 extension, McGary continued to anchor the right side of the Falcons’ offensive line. On August 4, 2025, he signed a two-year, $30 million extension with the team, reinforcing Atlanta’s commitment to him. However, on August 26, McGary was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a significant knee injury, cutting his 2025 campaign short before it began.
Notable Events and Milestones
McGary’s first-round selection in 2019 marked the most important milestone of his career, validating his years of college development. Winning the Morris Trophy and earning back-to-back First-team All-Pac-12 honors set him apart as one of the premier linemen in college football. He also reached the 2019 NFL Draft combine with a record-setting performance that further boosted his stock.
Kaleb McGary Career Highlights
McGary’s career highlights begin with his college success at the University of Washington, where he was a five-year contributor and a multi-year All-Pac-12 selection. He capped his senior year with the prestigious Morris Trophy before becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2019.
Atlanta Falcons Highlights
Since joining the Falcons, McGary has been a model of consistency. He started all 16 games as a rookie in 2019 and started 13 of 16 in 2020. His presence helped stabilize the right side of Atlanta’s offensive line, and he has been rewarded with two major contract extensions in 2023 and 2025, reflecting his value to the franchise.
Kaleb Mcgary Family
Family Background and Personal Life
McGary was born in Battle Ground, Washington, but he attended Battle Ground High School before transferring to Fife High School. Limited public information is available about his parents or siblings. McGary has generally kept his personal life private, and there are no widely confirmed public details about his immediate family.
2025 Season Performance
McGary’s 2025 season was disrupted almost immediately. He signed a two-year, $30 million extension with the Falcons on August 4, securing his future in Atlanta. However, on August 26, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a significant knee injury, ending his year before it started.
The injury was a major blow for both McGary and the Falcons, who had counted on his veteran presence to anchor the right tackle position. With him sidelined, Atlanta was forced to adjust its offensive line plans and rely on younger players to step in at right tackle.
Looking ahead, McGary is expected to focus on rehabilitation and recovery during the 2025 season, with the goal of returning to the field in 2026 when healthy. His contract, which runs through 2027, indicates the team remains committed to his long-term role on the offensive line once he is back on the field.