Ryan McCollum Bio
Ryan McCollum, born on March 4, 1998, is an American professional football center for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 to 2020. After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, McCollum signed with the Houston Texans and has since built his career through stints with the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds, he has continued to develop his craft as a reliable interior lineman at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Ryan McCollum was born and raised in Spring, Texas, a suburb located north of Houston. He attended Klein Oak High School, where he developed his early love for football and began laying the groundwork for a future in the offensive line. Growing up in a region with a deep football tradition, McCollum was exposed to the sport at a young age and progressed through local youth and high school programs with steady improvement.
During his time at Klein Oak, McCollum earned recognition as a promising offensive lineman, which drew the attention of multiple college programs. His size, technique, and work ethic made him a notable recruit in the state of Texas. By the time he finished high school, he had already fielded offers from several major programs, setting the stage for his transition to the college ranks.
Path to American Football
In August 2015, Ryan McCollum verbally committed to play college football at Oklahoma State, becoming an early target for the Cowboys’ offensive line. However, on December 2, 2015, he decommitted from Oklahoma State, and just eleven days later, on December 13, 2015, he committed to Texas A&M. The decision allowed him to remain in his home state and join one of the most competitive programs in the Southeastern Conference.
McCollum enrolled at Texas A&M and joined the Aggies in 2016, beginning a five-year collegiate career that would shape his professional trajectory. He worked through a developmental progression under the coaching staff, gradually earning more responsibility as his technique and physical conditioning matured. His steady rise within the program positioned him as a potential NFL prospect by the end of his senior season.
Ryan McCollum Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Ryan McCollum appeared in 13 games during the 2017 season at Texas A&M, earning seven starts and gaining valuable experience as a young offensive lineman. In 2018, he appeared in 12 games with seven starts, continuing to refine his blocking and pass-protection skills. By 2019, he appeared in eight games and was awarded the Offensive Unselfish Leadership Award at the annual team banquet, an honor that highlighted his dedication to teammates and the program.
During the 2020 season, McCollum served as the offensive team captain in five games, demonstrating the trust of his coaching staff and his leadership ability. He was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for the week ending December 7, 2020, capping a strong senior campaign. On January 6, 2021, he declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, formally beginning his transition to the professional ranks.
Houston Texans Era (2021)
On May 14, 2021, the Houston Texans signed Ryan McCollum as an undrafted college free agent, giving him his first opportunity in the NFL. Although his time on the active roster was brief, his addition to the Texans’ organization provided him with valuable exposure to professional schemes and training methods. His stint in Houston allowed him to demonstrate the skills that had earned him conference recognition just months earlier.
While with the Texans, McCollum contributed to the team’s depth chart along the offensive line and spent time on the practice squad, where he continued to develop. His brief tenure in Houston ended when another opportunity arose, as multiple teams around the league took notice of his combination of size, intelligence, and leadership experience from Texas A&M.
Detroit Lions Era (2021–2022)
On October 6, 2021, the Detroit Lions signed Ryan McCollum off the Houston Texans’ practice squad, marking a new chapter in his professional journey. Just two months later, on December 12, 2021, McCollum made his first career NFL start with the Lions, a milestone that validated his perseverance through the early stages of his professional career. The start served as a defining moment and confirmed his readiness to compete at the league’s highest level.
On March 10, 2022, McCollum re-signed with the Detroit Lions, signaling the organization’s belief in his continued development. However, on August 15, 2022, the Lions waived McCollum as part of their roster adjustments heading into the new season. Despite the setback, his first NFL start and his body of work in Detroit positioned him well for his next opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2022–Present)
On August 16, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed Ryan McCollum off waivers from Detroit, adding him to their roster. He was waived on August 30 and signed to the practice squad the next day, beginning a series of transactions that reflected the league’s constant roster movement. McCollum was released by Pittsburgh on September 30, 2022, but re-signed to the practice squad four days later, and on January 10, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers.
On August 29, 2023, McCollum was released by the Steelers, only to re-sign with the practice squad on September 13, 2023. He signed a reserve/futures contract with Pittsburgh on January 17, 2024, continuing his commitment to the organization. On October 20, 2024, McCollum made his first start with the Steelers, cementing his role as a contributor to the team’s offensive line rotation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ryan McCollum is recognized for his combination of size, technical refinement, and leadership, qualities that have allowed him to thrive as an interior offensive lineman. His college experience as a team captain translated well into professional expectations, where preparation and consistency are essential. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt to different schemes, whether serving on the active roster or developing on the practice squad.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ryan McCollum’s most significant milestones are his first NFL start with the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2021, and his first start with the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 20, 2024. His Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honor in December 2020 remains one of the most decorated individual recognitions of his career. Each of these moments reflects a career shaped by resilience and steady progression through the professional ranks.
Ryan McCollum Career Wins
Ryan McCollum’s professional career has been defined more by his consistency, durability, and willingness to contribute across multiple organizations than by headline statistics. As an offensive lineman, his value is reflected in the protection he has provided for quarterbacks and the openings he has created for running backs throughout his time with the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His career trajectory from undrafted free agent to established NFL center underscores his perseverance and commitment to the sport.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his team affiliations, Ryan McCollum earned the Offensive Unselfish Leadership Award at Texas A&M in 2019, reflecting the respect he garnered from his teammates and coaches. His selection as a team captain in five games during the 2020 season and his recognition as SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week in December 2020 stand as additional honors from his college career. At the professional level, his consistent movement between practice squads and active rosters highlights the trust multiple organizations have placed in his abilities.
Ryan McCollum Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ryan McCollum was raised in Spring, Texas, where his family supported his early development as an athlete. While specific details about his parents are not publicly documented, his upbringing in a football-rich region of Texas provided him with strong community ties and access to competitive programs from a young age.
Personal Life
In July 2020, Ryan McCollum married his wife, Maddie Douglas, a former Texas A&M volleyball player. The couple welcomed their daughter in June 2023, expanding their family as McCollum continued his professional football career. In September 2018, McCollum was briefly arrested for reckless driving and evading a campus police officer, but all charges were dropped later that month. He and his family have continued to reside in the United States, supporting his career through its various transitions.
2025 Season Performance
Ryan McCollum enters the 2025 NFL season as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, coming off his first start with the team on October 20, 2024. His performance in that start demonstrated his readiness to contribute at a higher level and provided momentum heading into the new campaign. With his reserve/futures contract signed in January 2024, McCollum remains firmly within the Steelers’ plans along the interior offensive line.
Throughout the 2025 season, McCollum is expected to compete for a defined role within Pittsburgh’s offensive line rotation, building on the experience gained during the previous year. His familiarity with the team’s schemes, combined with his continued physical development, positions him as a reliable depth option with the potential for additional starts. The Steelers’ emphasis on strong offensive line play offers McCollum a clear path to expanded responsibilities.
Looking ahead, McCollum’s outlook for the 2025 season reflects the steady trajectory that has characterized his professional career. His resilience through roster changes, his leadership experience from Texas A&M, and his recent first start with Pittsburgh all suggest that he will continue to be a meaningful contributor. As the season unfolds, McCollum’s focus will remain on consistency, preparation, and earning the trust of his coaching staff and teammates.