Tanner McCalister

Tanner McCalister (born January 27, 2000) is an American professional football safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Ohio State Buckeyes. He has previous played for the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.

Early life McCalister grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall-Heath High School. He originally committed to play college football at Arkansas, but later signed to play with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

College career McCalister started his college career at Oklahoma State where he played for four years. He was named to the Big 12 Conference all-academic three times at Oklahoma State. In his four years for the Cowboys he posted 123 tackles, 4.5 going for a loss, an interception, and 12 pass deflections. In his best year he put up 42 tackles, 1 going for a loss, one interception, and 6 pass deflections. After he graduated from Oklahoma State he transferred to Ohio State. In his one season with the Buckeyes he recorded 24 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a pass deflection.

Professional career

Cleveland Browns After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, McCalister signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad. During the 2023 season, McCalister was active in three games, recording two tackles. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract by the team after the season and thus became a free agent upon the expiration of his practice squad contract.

Denver Broncos (first stint) On January 22, 2024, McCalister signed a reserve/future contract with the Denver Broncos. On August 27, the Broncos waived him during their final roster cuts. The next day, he was signed to the Broncos' practice squad. On October 12, McCalister was promoted to the active roster. On October 15, he was waived by the Broncos. The next day, he was signed back to the practice squad. In total, McCalister played in three games for the Broncos, registering a single tackle.

New York Jets On July 24, 2025, McCalister was signed by the New York Jets. He was waived on August 24.

Kansas City Chiefs (first stint) On December 16, 2025, McCalister was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. He was released on January 5, 2026, following the conclusion of the Chiefs' 2025 season.

Denver Broncos (second stint) On January 6, 2026, McCalister was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad.

Kansas City Chiefs (second stint) On February 4, 2026, McCalister signed a reserve/futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Personal life McCalister has a degree in finance and enjoys traveling.