Former Indiana Hoosier Marcelino McCrary-Ball was named one of six captains for the New York Jets, the team recently announced.
McCrary-Ball spent five seasons in Bloomington (2017-2021), where he had an up and down career battling adversity but maintaining excelling on and off the field over the span of his career at Indiana.
The linebacker finished his career with 241 tackles, 166 solo, 5.5 sacks (43 yards), 16.5 for loss (74 yards), four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 17 pass breakups, and 10 quarterback hurries in 53 games (44 starts) stats via IU Athletics
McCrary-Ball suffered two season ending knee injuries during the 2017 season as a freshman and as a senior in 2020.
The former Indiana standout, McCrary-Ball went un-drafted in 2022, but was signed to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad for his first season in the NFL. He signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad in 2023, and eventually saw NFL action, with his first start in Week 11 of that season.
Between his first NFL snaps and being named a captain, McCrary-Ball was signed and waived by the Jets, again being promoted to the NFL roster before the end of the 2024 season and seeing mostly special teams action.
If McCrary-Ball keeps building on his impressive summer performance, he could quietly secure a bigger role in the Jets’ defense than most anticipated in 2025.
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt said during said practice, McCrary-Ball knocked away a pass intended for star wide receiver Garrett Wilson while playing with the first-team defense.Jets X Factor's Nick Faria later remarkedthat McCrary-Ball "looked really good" and that he "continues to earn playing time."
The New York Jets host the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 at 1pm E.T.
We wish the best of luck to all the former Indiana Hoosiers who are competing this week and for the rest of the season. #neverdaunted