Deonta McMahon stands as one of the most promising young talents in Canadian Football League, showcasing his explosive speed and versatility as a running back for the Toronto Argonauts.
The 25-year-old Florida native has quickly established himself as a key contributor to his team’s success, including their 2024 Grey Cup championship victory. His journey from a small-town high school player to a professional football star exemplifies determination and athletic excellence.
Deonta McMahon’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deonta McMahon |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’8″ (5’9″ listed by some sources) |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Position | Running Back |
| Jersey Number | #24 |
| Current Team | Toronto Argonauts (CFL) |
| College | McNeese State (2020-2022), Butte College (2019) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Instagram Profile | @d_m_oneyy |
| Twitter Profile | @deonta_mcmahon |
Early Career
Deonta McMahon’s football journey began in Frostproof, Florida, a small town southeast of Tampa where his love for the game was nurtured by family influences. His uncle Travis played a crucial role in developing his passion for football, positioning him as a running back from an early age. McMahon was raised primarily by his grandmother, which instilled strong character values that coaches and teammates consistently praise.
Despite standout performances at Frostproof High School, McMahon faced limited recruitment interest from major Division I programs. His size and the small-town location worked against him during the recruiting process.
However, his mentors encouraged him to pursue the junior college route as a pathway to higher-level football. This advice proved instrumental when McMahon made the bold decision to travel over 2,000 miles from Florida to Butte College in California.
The transition to California presented significant challenges, particularly because McMahon had recently become a father. Rather than viewing parenthood as an obstacle, he used it as motivation to succeed.
At Butte College, McMahon immediately demonstrated his explosive abilities, rushing for 1,124 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season. His 15 touchdowns ranked second across the CCCAA, establishing him as one of the premier junior college players in the nation and earning him All-American honors.
Professional Career
McMahon’s professional journey began when he transferred to McNeese State University for the 2020-2022 seasons, where he truly flourished as a premier FCS player. His 2022 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 1,408 yards with an outstanding 7.4 yards per carry average, which ranked fourth nationally.
He became the first McNeese player to reach 1,000 rushing yards since 2015, while his single-season rushing total stood as the second-highest in school history.
The Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year finished his college career with remarkable consistency, posting three consecutive 200-yard rushing games to end the 2022 season.
His performances caught the attention of NFL scouts, but when he went undrafted in 2023, the Toronto Argonauts quickly recognized his potential. The Argonauts signed McMahon on May 3, 2023, despite having a crowded backfield.
McMahon’s CFL debut came on September 15, 2023, against the Montreal Alouettes, where he recorded two carries for 30 yards and one reception. As injuries affected other running backs, McMahon earned his first professional start on September 23, 2023, against Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
He finished his rookie season with 38 carries for 134 yards and three touchdowns across seven games. In 2024, McMahon became a regular rotation player, appearing in all 18 games and contributing 48 carries for 288 yards and four touchdowns, plus 30 receptions for 237 yards. His contributions helped the Argonauts capture their 19th Grey Cup championship.
Deonta McMahon’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Deonta McMahon’s estimated net worth is approximately $150,000 to $200,000.
Contract
McMahon signed his initial contract with the Toronto Argonauts in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. The team extended his contract in February 2024, keeping him through the 2025 season. CFL rookie contracts typically follow league minimum guidelines. McMahon received another extension in January 2025, securing his position through the 2026 season.
Salary
Based on CFL salary structures and comparable player contracts, McMahon likely earns between $75,000 to $95,000 annually in base salary for the 2025 season. American running backs in the CFL typically earn salaries ranging from the league minimum of $70,000 to approximately $150,000 for established players.
McMahon’s salary likely falls in the middle range due to his proven contributions and Grey Cup championship experience.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toronto Argonauts | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| 2024 | Toronto Argonauts | $70,000 – $80,000 |
| 2025 | Toronto Argonauts | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $200,000 – $240,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Carries | Yards | Avg | TDs | Long | Receptions | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | McNeese State | 11 | 37 | 189 | 5.1 | 1 | 67 | 8 | 77 | 0 |
| 2021 | McNeese State | 11 | 109 | 558 | 5.1 | 8 | 39 | 27 | 232 | 0 |
| 2022 | McNeese State | 11 | 189 | 1,402 | 7.4 | 12 | 79 | 22 | 210 | 2 |
| College Totals | 33 | 335 | 2,149 | 6.4 | 21 | 79 | 57 | 519 | 2 |
CFL Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Carries | Yards | Avg | TDs | Long | Receptions | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toronto Argonauts | 7 | 38 | 134 | 3.5 | 3 | 25 | 10 | 64 | 0 |
| 2024 | Toronto Argonauts | 18 | 48 | 288 | 6.0 | 4 | 44 | 30 | 237 | 1 |
| 2025 | Toronto Argonauts | 2 | 6 | 16 | 2.7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 19 | 0 |
| CFL Totals | 27 | 92 | 438 | 4.8 | 7 | 44 | 43 | 320 | 1 |
Return Specialist Statistics
| Season | Punt Returns | PR Yards | PR Avg | Kickoff Returns | KR Yards | KR Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 22 | 11.0 | 4 | 80 | 20.0 |
| 2024 | 6 | 39 | 6.5 | 22 | 456 | 20.7 |
| Totals | 8 | 61 | 7.6 | 26 | 536 | 20.6 |
FAQs
1. What college did Deonta McMahon attend?
Deonta McMahon attended two colleges during his career. He first played at Butte College in California for the 2019 season, where he earned All-American honors after rushing for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns.
2. What awards has McMahon won during his football career?
McMahon has received numerous accolades throughout his career. In college, he earned 2022 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, was a Walter Payton Award finalist, and received Second Team All-America honors from STATS. He also earned First Team All-Southland Conference and Second Team All-Conference.
3. How tall and heavy is Deonta McMahon?
Deonta McMahon stands 5’8″ tall and weighs 185 pounds, though some sources list him at 5’9″. His relatively compact size for a professional running back is offset by his exceptional speed and agility, making him particularly effective in the wider Canadian football field where his shiftiness and quick acceleration create significant advantages.
4. What position does McMahon play for the Toronto Argonauts?
McMahon plays running back for the Toronto Argonauts and wears jersey number 24. He also serves as a return specialist, handling both punt and kickoff returns for the team. His versatility as both an offensive weapon and special teams contributor makes him valuable to the Argonauts’ overall game plan and roster construction.
5. What records did McMahon set at McNeese State?
At McNeese State, McMahon set several impressive records during his 2022 season. He recorded the second-most rushing yards in a single season in school history with 1,408 yards. He became the first McNeese player to reach 1,000 rushing yards since 2015, and his 7.4 yards per carry average ranked fourth nationally among FCS players.
