Trey McBride: From Colorado State Stardom to NFL Success

Trey McBride, born on November 22, 1999, is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL was paved with remarkable achievements during his college career at Colorado State University, where he established himself as one of the nation's top tight ends.

Early Life and High School Career

Growing up in Fort Morgan, Colorado, McBride is the son of Kate and Jen McBride. He attended Fort Morgan High School, where he showcased his athletic versatility by participating in baseball, basketball, and football.

College Career at Colorado State

McBride's college football career at Colorado State University was nothing short of exceptional. From his freshman year to his senior season, he consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication, earning numerous accolades and solidifying his place in Rams' football history.

Freshman Year (2018)

As a freshman in 2018, McBride immediately made an impact, playing in all 12 of Colorado State's games and starting in five. This early exposure to college football allowed him to gain valuable experience and set the stage for his future success.

Sophomore Year (2019)

In 2019, McBride caught 45 of 54 targets for 560 yards and four touchdowns.

Read also: The Trey Lance Story

COVID-19 Shortened Season (2020)

Prior to his junior season, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, McBride briefly entered the transfer portal before deciding to stay with the team. He was one of two team captains and started all four games of the team's COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. During this season, Toby and Trey McBride embodied coach Steve Addazio's 'standard'.

Senior Year (2021)

McBride's senior season in 2021 was truly remarkable, marked by outstanding performances and national recognition. On September 4, 2021, in the first game of the season against South Dakota State, he recorded 13 catches for 116 yards and was named to the National Team of the Week by PFF. In a week three 22-6 victory over Toledo, he caught nine passes for 109 receiving yards on a team-total 110 passing yards and was named the Offensive Player of the Week by the Senior Bowl. On October 16, 2021, McBride recorded a college career-high 135 receiving yards on 7 receptions against New Mexico.

Accolades and Recognition

McBride's exceptional performance during his senior year earned him numerous accolades, including:

Unanimous All-American honors
John Mackey Award winner (given to the nation's best tight end)
First-team All-Mountain West selection

He became the first CSU Rams' first unanimous All-American. He was also named to the 2021 John Mackey Award Watch List.

Statistical Dominance

McBride's statistical achievements in his final college season were staggering. He tallied 90 receptions for 1,121 yards and two touchdowns en route to winning the John Mackey Award. McBride trailed only Florida’s Kyle Pitts in fantasy points per game among tight ends last season at 14.3. It was a shortened sample with just four games, but McBride’s per-game numbers -- 8.5 targets, 5.5 receptions, 82.5 yards-- were in line with or better than his breakout 2019 in which he caught 45 of 54 targets for 560 yards and four touchdowns.

NFL Career with the Arizona Cardinals

McBride's outstanding college career paved the way for him to be drafted into the NFL.

2022 NFL Draft

McBride was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round (55th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft, joining the team as a highly touted prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact.

2022 Season

He made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He scored his first professional touchdown in a 20-19 loss against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. As a rookie, he appeared in 16 games and started 13.

2024 Season

In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, McBride recorded six receptions on six targets for 67 yards, along with recovering a fumble for a touchdown in a 41-10 win against the Los Angeles Rams. He was inactive during Week 4 after suffering an concussion the previous week. In Week 6, McBride caught all eight of his targets for 96 yards in a 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. In Week 8, he recorded nine receptions on 11 targets for 124 yards against the Miami Dolphins in a 28-27 win. In Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, McBride rushed for a touchdown in a 29-9 victory. He finished with a career-high 133 receiving yards on 12 receptions in a loss to the Seahawks in Week 12. In Week 17 against the Rams, McBride caught his first receiving touchdown of the season, finishing the game with 123 yards on 12 receptions.

Contract Extension

The Cardinals recognized McBride's value and potential, and on April 3, 2025, they extended his contract with a 4-year, $76 million extension.

Records and Milestones

McBride has already achieved several notable milestones in his young NFL career, including:

Setting a TE catches record vs Bengals

Personal Life

Trey McBride grew up with same-sex parents.

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