Josh McCown's journey through the National Football League (NFL) is a testament to longevity and adaptability. Born on July 4, 1979, in Jacksonville, Texas, McCown attended Jacksonville High School before playing college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and later at Sam Houston State University. His professional career began when the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
McCown's early years with the Cardinals were marked by a mix of starting opportunities and backup roles. He played for Arizona until 2005, during which he experienced the ups and downs typical of a young quarterback finding his footing in the league. His time with the Cardinals included memorable performances, such as a game-winning touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings in 2003, which knocked the Vikings out of playoff contention.
In 2006, McCown signed with the Detroit Lions, where he spent one season primarily as a backup. The following year, he joined the Oakland Raiders, where he started several games during the 2007 season. His tenure with the Raiders was short-lived, and in 2008, McCown moved to the Miami Dolphins, though he did not see any regular-season action with the team.
The 2009 season saw McCown venture into the United Football League (UFL) with the Hartford Colonials, a move that briefly took him out of the NFL spotlight. However, he returned to the NFL in 2010 with the Carolina Panthers, where he served as a backup quarterback.
McCown's career took another turn in 2011 when he joined the San Francisco 49ers, though he did not play in any games for them. Later that year, he signed with the Chicago Bears, where he found a more stable role. His time with the Bears from 2011 to 2013 included several starts and some of his most efficient performances, particularly during the 2013 season when he filled in for an injured Jay Cutler and posted impressive statistics.
In 2014, McCown signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he was named the starting quarterback. His stint with the Buccaneers lasted one season, after which he joined the Cleveland Browns in 2015. With the Browns, McCown continued to demonstrate his ability to step into starting roles when needed, despite the team's struggles.
The New York Jets became McCown's next destination in 2017. He started 13 games that season, providing veteran leadership and stability to the team's offense. His performance with the Jets earned him a return for the 2018 season, though injuries limited his playing time.
In 2019, McCown signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, initially retiring before being called back to serve as a backup. He played in the Eagles' playoff game that season, stepping in for an injured Carson Wentz, which marked his first postseason appearance.
Throughout his career, McCown was known for his professionalism and ability to mentor younger quarterbacks.
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