Tristin McCollum Bio
Tristin McCollum (born May 3, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Sam Houston Bearkats and entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans following the 2022 NFL Draft. McCollum later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl championship, before joining Las Vegas in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tristin McCollum was born on May 3, 1999, in Galveston, Texas, where he grew up immersed in athletics. His father, Cory Carr, had a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association, giving the McCollum household a clear connection to professional sports. That family background helped shape Tristin’s competitive outlook from a young age.
McCollum attended Ball High School in Galveston, Texas, alongside his identical twin brother, Zyon McCollum. He was ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and was listed as the 40th-best player at his position in the state of Texas. Both brothers originally committed to play college football for the Utah Utes before later re-committing to Sam Houston State University.
Path to American Football
After completing his prep career at Ball High School, McCollum committed to Sam Houston State University, where he joined the Bearkats football program. His path to the professional level was built through steady defensive contributions across multiple seasons at the Football Championship Subdivision level. That consistency helped him earn an opportunity as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Tristin McCollum Career
College Career (2017–2021)
As a true freshman at Sam Houston State University in 2017, McCollum appeared in 13 games, including one start, and totaled 30 tackles while contributing mostly on special teams. He started all 11 games in 2018, posting 48 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and four pass breakups, finishing sixth on the team in tackles. McCollum played 12 games in 2019, with five starts, tallying 49 tackles, one sack, and one interception.
In the 2020–21 season, McCollum was part of the Bearkats’ national championship team and was named second-team All-Southland Conference after recording 50 tackles and two interceptions. He repeated as a second-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2021. McCollum finished his collegiate career with 229 total tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, and three interceptions.
Houston Texans Era (2022–2023)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, McCollum was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. He was released on August 30, 2022, and subsequently re-signed to the team’s practice squad. McCollum remained with the Texans organization before being released from the practice squad on January 16, 2023, ending his first NFL stint.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2023–2025)
Two days after being released by the Texans, McCollum was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Philadelphia Eagles. According to the Tampa Bay Times, he had an outstanding training camp and preseason in 2023 before being waived on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He stayed on the practice squad as the Eagles played against his twin brother, Zyon, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
Due to several injuries, the Eagles elevated McCollum to the active roster for their Week 4 game against the Washington Commanders, where he appeared on 20 special teams snaps in his NFL debut. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2024, and went on to win a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX. McCollum was waived by the Eagles on August 27, 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025–Present)
On August 28, 2025, McCollum was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders. During the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts on October 5, 2025, he collided with kicker Spencer Shrader on an extra-point attempt in the second quarter, resulting in a season-ending knee injury for Shrader. McCollum continues his NFL career in the Raiders secondary and on special teams.
Tristin McCollum Career Wins
Tristin McCollum has captured one of the most prized team achievements in American football. His primary professional win came as a member of a championship roster during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Super Bowl Highlights
McCollum won a Super Bowl championship when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX. The victory capped a memorable season in which he contributed on special teams and in the defensive backfield as part of the Eagles’ roster.
Tristin McCollum Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
McCollum comes from a family with deep ties to professional sports. His father, Cory Carr, had a stint with the Chicago Bulls of the NBA, giving Tristin a direct connection to high-level athletics. His identical twin brother, Zyon McCollum, also played defensive back alongside him in college and went on to become a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Personal Life
McCollum maintains a close relationship with his twin brother Zyon, and the two have crossed paths on the field as NFL opponents. Beyond his bond with his brother and his family background, McCollum continues to focus on building his professional career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
2025 Season Performance
Tristin McCollum’s 2025 season began with a transition, as he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on August 27, 2025, after winning Super Bowl LIX the previous February. He was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders on August 28, 2025, giving him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot. McCollum has appeared on special teams and in the secondary for the Raiders, contributing to in-game situations across the early portion of the schedule.
A notable moment came during the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts on October 5, 2025, when McCollum collided with kicker Spencer Shrader on an extra-point attempt, resulting in a season-ending knee injury for Shrader. The play underscored the physical role McCollum plays on special teams coverage units. He continues to provide depth and versatility for the Raiders as the season unfolds.
Heading into the middle of the 2025 campaign, McCollum’s role with the Las Vegas Raiders centers on special teams contributions and depth at the safety position. His championship experience with Philadelphia adds a veteran presence to a developing Raiders roster. Continued production on coverage units and in reserve defensive duties will be key factors in determining his long-term outlook with the team.