Jeremy McNichols
Jeremy Theron McNichols is an American professional football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. He played college football for the Boise State Broncos and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. McNichols has also been a member of several other NFL teams.
Early life
McNichols attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, California before transferring to Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California for his senior year. Growing up, McNichols and fellow NFL player John Ross played in Snoop Dogg's youth football league in Long Beach, California. McNichols played running back and wide receiver in high school, and his versatility led to him earning the nickname "McWeapon". During his career, McNichols rushed for 877 yards with nine touchdowns and had 72 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. He originally committed to the University of Utah to play college football but later changed to Boise State University.College career
McNichols enrolled at Boise State in early August 2014 before the start of fall camp. Heading into the season, McNichols planned on being redshirted and sat out the first five games before the redshirt was pulled. McNichols ended up playing in nine games as a true freshman during the 2014 season. He had 17 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown to go along with 15 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.As a sophomore in 2015, McNichols played in 12 games, rushing 240 times for 1,337 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 51 receptions for 460 yards and six touchdowns.
As a junior in 2016, McNichols had 314 carries for 1,709 yards and 23 touchdowns to go along with 37 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games.
On December 26, 2016, McNichols announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McNichols was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was the 17th running back selected in that year's draft. McNichols was released on September 2.San Francisco 49ers (first stint)
On September 4, 2017, McNichols was signed to the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers. He was promoted to the active roster on November 29.On September 1, 2018, McNichols was waived by the 49ers.
Indianapolis Colts
On September 3, 2018, McNichols was signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. He was released 10 days later, but was re-signed on September 18. McNichols was promoted to the active roster on September 28, but was waived four days later.Denver Broncos
On October 10, 2018, McNichols signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad.Tennessee Titans (first stint)
On December 3, 2018, McNichols was signed by the Tennessee Titans off the Broncos' practice squad. He was waived on August 31, 2019.Chicago Bears
On November 19, 2019, McNichols was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad. He was waived on December 11.Jacksonville Jaguars
On December 18, 2019, McNichols was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster 10 days later.On May 4, 2020, the Jaguars waived McNichols to make room for veteran running back Chris Thompson.
Tennessee Titans (second stint)
2020 season
McNichols had a tryout with the Tennessee Titans on August 23, 2020, and re-signed with the team three days later. He was waived on September 5, but was signed to the practice squad the next day. After being elevated to the active roster for the first two games of the season, McNichols was promoted to the active roster on September 23.During a Week 6 42–36 overtime victory over the Houston Texans, McNichols had five carries for 51 yards and two receptions for 11 yards in a dominant Titans performance, who had 601 offensive yards, the most in franchise history. During Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, McNichols scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard rush and caught three passes for 15 yards in the 41–35 loss.
McNichols finished the 2020 season playing in all 16 games as a backup to Derrick Henry, recording 47 carries for 204 yards and a touchdown to go along with 12 receptions for 55 yards. The Titans finished atop the AFC South with an 11–5 record and qualified for the playoffs. During the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens, McNichols recorded a four-yard carry in the 20–13 loss.
2021 season
During a Week 3 25–16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, McNichols scored his only touchdown of the season on a 10-yard reception from Ryan Tannehill. In the next game against the New York Jets, McNichols had an 11-yard carry and eight receptions for 74 yards during the 27–24 overtime road loss.McNichols was waived on January 8, 2022, a day before the regular season finale. He was re-signed to the practice squad on January 11. McNichols finished the 2021 season with 41 carries for 156 yards to go along with 28 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown in 16 games and no starts.
Atlanta Falcons
On May 26, 2022, McNichols signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released on June 16.Pittsburgh Steelers
On July 26, 2022, McNichols signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was placed on injured reserve eight days later.San Francisco 49ers (second stint)
On August 8, 2023, McNichols signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 29, and re-signed to the practice squad on September 26. McNichols was released the next day, but was re-signed on October 4. He was signed to the active roster on December 21, but was waived six days later and re-signed to the practice squad. McNichols was released on January 16, 2024.Washington Commanders
2024 season
On April 1, 2024, McNichols signed with the Washington Commanders.During Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, McNichols recorded eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns to go along with a six-yard reception in the 42–14 road victory. In the next game against the Browns, he had seven carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. During a narrow Week 10 28–27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, McNichols rushed for seven yards and his fourth touchdown of the season.
McNichols finished the 2024 season with 55 carries for 261 yards and four touchdowns to go along with nine receptions for 27 yards and seven returns for 164 yards in 17 games and one start. The Commanders finished second in the NFC East with a 12–5 record and qualified for the playoffs. During the postseason, McNichols had five carries for nine yards and a 17-yard return before the Commanders lost on the road to the Philadelphia Eagles 55–23 in the NFC Championship Game.
2025 season
[file:Commanders vs. Bengals - 54752532299.jpg|thumb|right|upright|McNichols in 2025]On March 14, 2025, McNichols re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year deal.During a Week 3 41–24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, McNichols rushed for 78 yards and a 60-yard touchdown, making it his career longest rushing touchdown and the longest touchdown rush in the Washington franchise since 2019. During Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, McNichols had five receptions for 64 yards in the 28–7 road loss.