Ray-Ray McCloud is a name NFL fans know for his speed, versatility, and resilience. But also as an entrepreneur and artist.
This article covers everything you need to know about McCloud’s personal background, early and professional football journey, contract and earnings, net worth, and his growing presence off the field.
You’ll also find his career stats and answers to the most-asked questions about his life and career.
Ray-Ray McCloud’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raymond McCloud III |
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1996 |
| Age | 28 |
| Education | Sickles High School; Clemson University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 (NFL Draft, 6th round, 187th pick) |
| Net Worth | $11.7 million |
| Salary | $3.14 million (base), $225,000 (roster bonus) |
| Career Earnings | $12.4 million (approximate) |
| Wife/Husband | Single |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Ray-Ray McCloud was born in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in a family with deep football roots. His father, Ray-Ray McCloud II, played college football and was a guiding influence throughout his childhood.
McCloud attended Sickles High School, where he set county records by rushing for 5,765 yards and scoring 58 touchdowns. His standout performances earned him the “Guy Toph” Award as Hillsborough County’s best player.
He chose Clemson University for college, turning down offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama and Auburn. At Clemson, McCloud played three seasons as a wide receiver and return specialist, helping the Tigers win the 2016 National Championship and earning recognition for his special teams play.
Professional Career
McCloud entered the NFL in 2018 when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the sixth round. His rookie year saw limited action, and after a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, he returned to the Bills’ practice squad.
In 2020, McCloud signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he became a key return specialist and slot receiver. He led the NFL in punt return yards in 2021 and was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus as a return specialist.
McCloud joined the San Francisco 49ers, contributing as both a receiver and return man and helping the team reach Super Bowl LVIII. In 2024, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons and had a breakout season, setting career highs in targets, receptions, and yards, firmly establishing himself as a starting slot receiver.
Ray-Ray McCloud’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ray-Ray McCloud’s net worth is estimated at $11.7 million.
Contract
McCloud signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and $2.125 million guaranteed. His base salary is $3.14 million, with a $225,000 roster bonus, and he will become a free agent.
Salary
For the 2025 NFL season, McCloud’s base salary is $3.14 million, plus a $225,000 roster bonus. His total cash payout for 2025 is $3.62 million, making him one of the better-compensated slot receivers and return specialists in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Buffalo Bills | $480,000 | $159,824 | $639,824 |
| 2019 | Carolina Panthers | $320,944 | — | $277,225 |
| 2019 | Buffalo Bills | $88,000 | — | $88,000 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $750,000 | — | $750,000 |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $1,000,000 | — | $1,000,000 |
| 2022 | San Francisco 49ers | $1,035,000 | $1,750,000 | $2,785,000 |
| 2023 | San Francisco 49ers | $1,080,000 | — | $1,175,292 |
| 2024 | Atlanta Falcons | $1,125,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,380,000 |
| 2025 | Atlanta Falcons | $3,140,000 | — | $3,620,000 |
| Total | $12,438,118 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Avg | Long | TD | Rushing Att | Rushing Yds | Rushing TD | Punt Returns | Punt Return Yds | Kick Returns | Kick Return Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Buffalo Bills | 10 | 5 | 36 | 7.2 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 38 | — | — |
| 2019 | Carolina Panthers | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 18 | 256 | — | — |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 20 | 77 | 3.8 | 13 | 0 | 4 | 65 | 0 | 57 | 944 | — | — |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 39 | 277 | 7.1 | 24 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 73 | 1,143 | — | — |
| 2022 | San Francisco 49ers | 17 | 14 | 243 | 17.4 | 42 | 1 | 4 | 78 | 1 | 59 | 955 | — | — |
| 2023 | San Francisco 49ers | 12 | 12 | 135 | 11.3 | 41 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 0 | 34 | 428 | — | — |
| 2024 | Atlanta Falcons | 17 | 62 | 686 | 11.1 | 60 | 1 | 10 | 79 | 0 | 14 | 361 | — | — |
| Career | 94 | 152 | 1,454 | 9.6 | 60 | 2 | 25 | 271 | 1 | 260 | 4,125 | — | — |
FAQs
1. What position does Ray-Ray McCloud play and what is he known for in the NFL?
Ray-Ray McCloud plays as a wide receiver and return specialist. He is recognized for his speed and agility, making significant contributions on special teams with his punt and kickoff returns, and has also played an important role as a slot receiver for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons.
2. How did McCloud perform during his breakout year with the Atlanta Falcons?
In his breakout 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, McCloud set career highs with 62 receptions for 686 yards and one touchdown. He also had 87 targets and added 10 carries for 79 yards, more than doubling his previous bests in receiving yards and total scrimmage yards.
3. Where did Ray-Ray McCloud play college football, and what were his achievements there?
McCloud played college football at Clemson University. He helped the Tigers win the National Championship, finished his college career with 78 receptions for 733 yards, and earned honors as a co-special teams player of the year and a second-team All-American as a punt returner.
4. What is known about Ray-Ray McCloud’s family and upbringing?
McCloud is the oldest of four children, born to Ray-Ray McCloud II, a former college football player, and Lisa McCloud, a nurse executive. Raised in Tampa, Florida, his father coached him and his siblings, fostering their early interest and skills in football.
5. Has McCloud ever led the NFL in any statistical category?
Yes, during the 2021 NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCloud led the league in total punt return yards. He was also named a second-team All-Pro return specialist by Pro Football Focus for his standout performance as a return man that year.
