Frisco, Texas – With the probability of Geoff Swaim not re-signing with the Cowboys and going elsewhere in the league as a free agent, Dallas was looking for added depth at the tight end position. The team brought longtime beloved TE, Jason Witten, out of retirement but something about McElroy clearly caught their eye.
McElroy is not your typical NFL player that began playing football in peewee. He did not play football in high school, and for most of his college career. His first loves were baseball and basketball. However, McElroy is not the first tight end to show up in Dallas with a known past playing a different spot. The Cowboys drafted Rico Gathers, a Baylor basketball star, with their final selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, using their sixth round pick (217th overall) to select the former Bear. Gathers has not met expectations on the gridiron, but Dallas is hopeful that McElroy could be the hidden talent they have searched for.
The 26-year-old has had a unique journey to the National Football League:
High School baseball and basketball
JUCO baseball
University of Texas baseball
Drafted by the Atlanta Braves
Oklahoma State basketball
Southeastern Oklahoma football
During his stint playing tight end at Southeastern Oklahoma, he caught 14 passes for 173 yards and five touchdowns. Not exactly an experienced resume on the gridiron but his strength lies in red zone situations. McElroy spent time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 but was waived out of preseason.
He now has another chance to make a name for himself in the NFL playing for America’s Team!
