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.
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Ray-Ray McCloud’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, 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 is Ray-Ray McCloud’s nationality, and for which NFL teams has she played?
McCloud is an American professional football player who has played as a wide receiver and return specialist for teams including the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers.
2. Where did McCloud play college football, and what was her role on that team?
She played at Clemson University, contributing as a wide receiver and returner, earning a reputation for explosive special teams play and versatility in the Tigers’ offense.
3. When was McCloud drafted, and by which NFL team?
The Buffalo Bills selected her in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, valuing her speed, elusiveness, and contributions on special teams.
4. What positions and roles does McCloud fill in the NFL?
She serves as a reserve wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner, regularly ranking among NFL leaders in total return yards due to her vision and acceleration.
5. What are McCloud’s main strengths on the field?
Her primary strengths include quickness, open-field agility, sharp change-of-direction skills, and an ability to contribute as a receiver, especially on short passes and gadget plays.
6. What career highlights or notable games has McCloud delivered in the NFL?
She has recorded multiple long punt and kick returns, set single-season franchise records for return yardage with the Steelers, and produced game-changing plays in both regular season and playoffs.
7. What is McCloud’s reputation among coaches, teammates, and analysts?
Coaches and teammates praise her work ethic, positive attitude, and consistency as a return specialist, while analysts value her special teams impact and reliability.
8. Has McCloud faced injuries or setbacks in her NFL career?
She has dealt with minor injuries and roster moves but continues to earn roster spots through strong performance, discipline, and a readiness to step in at multiple receiver positions.
9. How has McCloud contributed in playoff or high-pressure situations?
She has made key returns in crucial playoff contests, providing field position advantages and steady hands, making her an asset on teams with championship aspirations.
10. What are McCloud’s goals and outlook for the next stage of her career?
McCloud aims to maintain her status as one of the league’s top return specialists, expand her role as a receiver, and help her team contend for Super Bowl titles through versatile contributions.
