Gerald McCoy
A dominant defensive force in the NFL's trenches, his explosive first step and relentless motor made him a six-time Pro Bowl disruptor.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: February 25·Millennials
Biography
Gerald McCoy didn't just play defensive tackle; he redefined the position's potential for athleticism and disruption at the University of Oklahoma. His combination of raw power and startling quickness made him a consensus All-American and the obvious prize for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In Tampa, he became the cornerstone of the defense, a consistent pocket-collapsing presence who demanded double teams. His six Pro Bowl selections in a seven-year span from 2012 to 2018 are a testament to his sustained excellence. While team success often eluded the Buccaneers during his tenure, McCoy's individual performance was never in question. He brought a joyful, energetic demeanor to a brutal position, his smile as recognizable as his ability to blow up an offensive line's best-laid plans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Gerald was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gerald Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Gerald's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the NFL Pro Bowl six times (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017).
- Named First-team All-Pro in 2013 after recording 9.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position.
- Was the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Earned consensus All-American honors playing college football for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Did You Know?
He was a standout high school wrestler in Oklahoma, winning a state championship, which he credits for his hand-fighting skills.
He is known for his incredibly energetic and positive personality, often dancing during team warm-ups.
He wore jersey number 93 in honor of his childhood idol, former Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp.
He founded the Patricia Diane Foundation, named for his mother, which focuses on supporting single parents and their children.
“"I don't play for recognition. I play because I love it and I want to be the best."”
