Former Indiana standout Marcelino McCrary-Ball was named one of six captains for the New York Jets, the team announced. He entered the 2o25 season fighting for a roster spot, but was competing for a starting spot by the end of camp and had solidified himself as a standout on special teams before earning the captain honors.
McCrary-Ball went undrafted out of Indiana in 2022, but was signed to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad for his first season in the league. He signed to the Jets’ practice squad the following
year, and eventually saw NFL action starting in Week 11.
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.
Being named a captain after again having to earn a roster spot ahead of 2025 is clearly a testament to the person he is off the field as well as how he contributes on the field.
A 3-star recruit with only one Power Four offer, per 247 sports, he eventually became a stalwart of the Tom Allen defenses that briefly rejuvenated the program, finishing third on the team in tackles as a freshman in 2016. He finished his career with 16 passes deflected, 5.5 sacks, and four interceptions.
Whether he earns a starting spot or not, the under-recruited, undrafted McCrary-Ball is finally getting his flowers in the NFL.
