In 102 contests in his career, McCown completed 1,584 of his 2,633 tries for 17,731 yards. He totaled 173.8 yards per contest through the air. McCown passed for 98 TD’s compared to 82 interceptions. He lost a total of 1,410 yards while being the victim of a quarterback sack 235 different times. His TD percentage when attempting a pass was 3.7% and his interception rate was 3.1%.
In his final season, McCown threw for a total of 0 yards with 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. He was sacked 0 different times totaling 0 yds lost. He had a quarterback rating of 0.0 with a touchdown percentage of 0.0% and an interception rate of 0.0%. His longest completion was for 0 yards and he averaged 0.0 yards per outing. McCown connected on 0 of his attempted 0 tosses in his last season for a completion percentage of 0.0%.
Josh McCown was born on July 4, 1979, in Jacksonville, Texas. He was raised in a family of athletes, with his father, Willis, and his two older brothers, Mike and Randy, all having successful football careers. Josh McCown played high school football at Jacksonville High School and was a standout athlete, earning All-State honors in his senior year.
McCown then went on to play college football at Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the team from 1997 to 2001. He was a prolific passer and earned the starting quarterback job in his junior year. During his time at SMU, McCown set numerous records, including the school’s all-time passing yardage record with 8,912 yards and the record for most touchdowns thrown in a single game with six.
Josh McCown was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, playing in 12 games and starting three. McCown completed 48. 4% of his passes, throwing for 954 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
For the next few seasons, McCown continued to see limited playing time, bouncing between starting and backup roles. In 2004, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he spent one season before signing with the Oakland Raiders in 2007. McCown’s stints with the Lions and Raiders were short-lived, and he found himself back in the free agent market in 2008.
From 2008 until the end of his career in 2017, Josh McCown was known as a journeyman quarterback, bouncing between several teams in the NFL. He played for the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cleveland Browns, among others. McCown’s role varied from being a backup quarterback to starting multiple games in a season.
During these years, McCown demonstrated durability and adaptability, often learning new playbooks and systems in short periods of time. He earned a reputation as a reliable and hardworking player, often stepping in as a starter when injuries or other circumstances required it.
In his later years, McCown’s career saw a few notable highlights. In 2010, he joined the Chicago Bears and was named the starter in Week 13, following an injury to starting quarterback Jay Cutler. McCown led the Bears to a 32 record in the remaining five games, throwing for 1,333 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Another notable moment in McCown’s career came in 2017, when he played for the New York Jets. At the age of 38, McCown had what many consider to be a career-defining season. He played in all 16 games, starting 13 of them, and finished with 2,926 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His leadership and performance helped guide the Jets to a 6-10 record, ultimately earning him a contract extension with the team.
Throughout his career, Josh McCown faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including injuries, changing teams, and adapting to new systems. However, his resilience and determination to succeed in a highly competitive environment showcase his commitment to the sport he loves.
Today, Josh McCown is remembered as a respected and beloved figure within the NFL community, known for his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and adaptability. His journey as a journeyman quarterback is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes who face adversity in their careers.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Josh McCown made significant contributions to the teams he played for off the field. Fellow players and coaches consistently praised his leadership skills, dedication to the team, and ability to mentor younger players.
Moreover, McCown’s influence extended beyond the locker room. As a devout Christian, he was known for his strong faith, which he shared openly with his teammates and the public. His faith-based approach to life and his commitment to living out his values have served as a role model for many people both in and outside of the NFL.
Lastly, Josh McCown’s NFL career offers valuable lessons on perseverance, adaptability, and overcoming adversity. His journey as a journeyman quarterback serves as a testament to the power of hard work and determination, inspiring future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering resolve.
Josh McCown’s leadership was not limited to his on-field performance. As a veteran in the NFL, he took it upon himself to mentor younger players, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge about the sport. His ability to foster camaraderie and unity among his teammates was unparalleled, and he consistently contributed to the overall success of his teams.
In an article for ESPN, former Jets offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison praised McCown, saying, “He’s not just a leader on the field; he’s a leader in the locker room. He would step up and say what needed to be said, whether it was telling guys to lift a little bit harder or push a little bit more. “