Ray-Ray McCloud Bio
Raymond McCloud III, known professionally as Ray-Ray McCloud, is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist who has built his career on speed, quickness, and dependable hands. He played college football at Clemson, where he was part of the 2016 national championship team before declaring for the NFL. Since being selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, McCloud has carved out a steady role as both a pass catcher and a special teams contributor across multiple organizations. His path through the league reflects patience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to changing roles on offense and in the return game.
Early Life and Background
Raymond McCloud III was born on October 15, 1996, in Tampa, Florida. He grew up in the Tampa area and attended Sickles High School, where he suited up for the Gryphons football team as a running back. During his senior season, he rushed for 1,933 yards and 17 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more explosive offensive players in the region.
Across his full high school career at Sickles, McCloud piled up 5,765 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns, numbers that made him a sought-after recruit. In July 2014, he committed to play college football at Clemson, choosing the Tigers over programs such as Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. His decision to head to the ACC set the stage for the next phase of his development.
Path to the NFL
McCloud joined the Clemson Tigers in 2015 and immediately saw the field as a freshman, appearing in 12 games and finishing with 29 receptions for 251 yards and one touchdown despite missing time with a knee injury. As a sophomore in 2016, he played in 14 of Clemson’s 15 games and recorded 49 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Tigers capture the College Football Playoff National Championship.
In his junior season of 2017, McCloud played in all 14 games for Clemson, tallying 49 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown while also serving as a return man with 25 punt returns for 303 yards and a touchdown. He earned Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition at the end of the year and chose to forgo his senior season by declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Ray-Ray McCloud Career
Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers (2018–2020)
McCloud was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round with the 187th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. His first notable regular-season moment came in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings, a 27–6 victory in which he recorded his first professional reception and added a 13-yard punt return. He spent time on the Bills’ practice squad and active roster over his first two seasons before being waived in August 2019.
Shortly after clearing waivers, McCloud was claimed by the Carolina Panthers on September 1, 2019, though his time there was brief, as he was waived again on October 15, 2019. He returned to the Bills’ practice squad later that fall and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2020, while also serving as the team’s scout-team quarterback to mimic opposing mobile passers. The Bills waived him in July 2020, opening the door for his next opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2020–2021)
On August 21, 2020, McCloud signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly established himself as the team’s primary return specialist. In his first season with Pittsburgh, he returned 28 kickoffs for 646 yards and 29 punts, averaging 10.7 yards per punt return. He was later named to the Pro Football Focus All-Pro roster as a second-team return specialist.
After agreeing to a one-year contract extension on March 11, 2021, McCloud put together his most productive statistical season, leading the NFL in total punt-return yards. He added 39 receptions for 277 receiving yards, highlighting his growth as a complementary pass catcher. His work in the return game cemented his reputation as one of the league’s more consistent specialists.
San Francisco 49ers (2022–2023)
McCloud signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on March 22, 2022, expanding his offensive role. In Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Garoppolo, his first career receiving score. He finished the 2022 season with 14 receptions for 243 yards and one receiving touchdown, and he also added a rushing touchdown while handling kickoff and punt return duties.
The 2023 campaign brought another deep postseason run, as McCloud and the 49ers reached Super Bowl LVIII, where they fell 25–22 to the Kansas City Chiefs. McCloud finished the year with 12 receptions for 135 yards in the regular season and added one catch for 19 yards in the Super Bowl. An injured-reserve stint in December 2023 cut into his late-season action before he was activated in January 2024.
Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants (2024–2025)
On March 18, 2024, McCloud signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, where he saw his heaviest offensive workload in several seasons. He finished that campaign with 62 receptions for 686 yards and one touchdown, showing he could be a consistent target within the passing game. His release came on October 21, 2025, following a healthy scratch in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.
Shortly after his departure from Atlanta, McCloud signed with the New York Giants’ practice squad on October 23, 2025, offering him a fresh start in a new offensive system. The Giants released him on December 10, leaving his next chapter open as the season continued. Throughout these moves, his value as a return specialist has remained a key part of his professional profile.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although the term is borrowed from motorsport, McCloud’s on-field profile mirrors the same idea: he thrives in space, reads blocks quickly, and uses acceleration to break contain. His punt-return vision, route-running quickness, and willingness to block in the run game have made him a versatile complementary piece for offenses in transition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most notable achievements, McCloud was part of Clemson’s 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship team and led the NFL in total punt-return yards in 2021. He also appeared in Super Bowl LVIII with the 49ers and recorded his first career receiving touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
Ray-Ray McCloud Career Wins
While individual gameday totals shift each week, McCloud’s career is marked by a national title at Clemson, an NFL punt-return yards crown with the Steelers, and a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers. His scoring moments and postseason exposure underscore a player who has consistently contributed in complementary roles.
Other Wins & Performances
McCloud earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2017, was named a Pro Football Focus second-team All-Pro return specialist in 2020, and finished the 2024 regular season with the most receptions of his career as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. These performances highlight his steady growth across both offense and special teams.
Ray-Ray McCloud Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
McCloud is the older brother of quarterback Jordan McCloud, who has also pursued a football career at the collegiate and professional levels. The McCloud family’s connection to the sport has been a steady presence throughout Raymond’s life and career.
Personal Life
Public details about McCloud’s personal life are limited, with most of his off-field profile centered on family ties and his ongoing professional journey. He continues to be recognized publicly by his full name, Raymond McCloud III.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought significant change for McCloud after a productive 2024 campaign in Atlanta. He opened the year with the Falcons before his release on October 21, 2025, following a healthy scratch in Week 6. His brief stint in Atlanta limited his statistical output for the year but did not diminish his standing as a reliable return man and complementary receiver.
McCloud quickly resurfaced with the New York Giants on October 23, 2025, joining the practice squad in search of a fresh opportunity within a new offensive scheme. He was released by the Giants on December 10, leaving his path through the rest of the 2025 season and beyond open as the calendar turns toward 2026. His track record of contributing on special teams and as a short-area pass catcher suggests additional opportunities could remain available.