John McCargo biography
Date of birth : 1983-08-19
Date of death : -
Birthplace : Drakes Branch, Virginia
Nationality : American
Category : Sports
Last modified : 2024-08-19
Credited as : John McCargo NFL career, Buffalo Bills 2006 draft pick, Defensive tackle John McCargo, NC State Wolfpack football, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 season, Chicago Bears 2012 signing, Southside Virginia Lineman Camp
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John McCargo: A Professional Football Career in the NFL
John McCargo is a former professional football player who served as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Over his career, McCargo played for several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears. Known for his strength and athleticism, McCargo was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Bills. His career, while marked by challenges, also showcased his contributions both on and off the field.
Early Life and College Career
McCargo grew up in Drakes Branch, Virginia, where he attended Randolph-Henry High School. There, he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball, and track. As a senior on the football field, McCargo recorded 60 tackles, including 16 for losses, and six sacks. His performance earned him first-team all-state honors. He also played as a fullback, rushing for 648 yards and six touchdowns, while showcasing his versatility by participating in shot put and discus, where he advanced to state championships.
McCargo went on to play college football at NC State, where he was a three-year starter for the Wolfpack. His impressive college career laid the foundation for his entry into the NFL.
Professional Football Career
Buffalo Bills
Despite being projected as a late-2nd or early-3rd round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills surprised many by trading up to select McCargo in the first round with the 26th overall pick. His rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just five games. However, McCargo returned in 2007 as the second-string defensive tackle behind Larry Tripplett and played in all 16 games.
In 2008, McCargo was nearly traded to the Indianapolis Colts, but the trade was voided after he failed his physical. He continued to struggle with injuries and depth chart competition, playing in seven games in 2008 and 11 games in 2009, where he made one start. By 2010, McCargo’s role had diminished further, and he appeared in just one game that season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In August 2011, McCargo signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although he was waived shortly after, he was re-signed multiple times throughout the season to fill roster gaps caused by injuries to other players, including Gerald McCoy and George Johnson. His time with the Buccaneers was marked by brief stints, and he was eventually released in May 2012.
Chicago Bears
Following his release from Tampa Bay, McCargo signed with the Chicago Bears in May 2012. However, his time with the Bears was short-lived, as he was waived on August 26, 2012, marking the end of his NFL career.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
McCargo’s post-NFL life has had its ups and downs. In October 2017, he faced legal issues after being arrested on gun and drug charges in Virginia. Additionally, there was a warrant out for his arrest due to domestic violence charges brought against him in California.
Despite these challenges, McCargo made significant contributions to his community during his playing days. In 2009, he donated to his high school football team, Randolph-Henry High School, and hosted the free Southside Virginia Lineman Camp for youth football players. In Buffalo, McCargo was actively involved in the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign, where he participated in telethons, autograph signings, and other activities to support the construction and maintenance of adolescent drug and alcohol treatment facilities.
