Tristin McCollum, a rising NFL safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, has carved a path from underdog to key contributor. Born in Galveston, Texas, McCollum’s journey to the NFL was fueled by perseverance, family support, and a relentless work ethic.
This article dives into his personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and future prospects.
Tristin McCollum’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tristin McCollum |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | May 3, 1999 (Galveston, Texas) |
| Age (2025) | 25 |
| College | Sam Houston State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3” (191 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 (Undrafted, Houston Texans) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5–$2 million |
| Salary (2025) | $1,030,000 |
| Relationship Status | Dating Elara Noelle (since 2022) |
| @tmccollum223 |
Early Career
Tristin McCollum grew up in a sports-oriented family—his father, Cory Carr, played basketball for the Chicago Bulls, and his identical twin brother, Zyon, is a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At Ball High School in Galveston, Tristin was a two-star recruit who initially committed to Utah before switching to Sam Houston State.
In college, McCollum became a defensive staple for the Bearkats. He played in 56 games, recording 229 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three interceptions. His versatility earned him second-team All-WAC honors in 2021, and he was part of Sam Houston’s 2020–21 FCS national championship team.
Professional Career
McCollum entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022, signing with the Houston Texans. Despite a strong preseason (four tackles in his debut), he spent the season on the practice squad. In January 2023, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where his work ethic stood out during training camp.
After bouncing between the practice squad and active roster in 2023, McCollum secured a reserve/future contract in 2024. Injuries to starters Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown gave him opportunities to shine.
By 2025, he had become a trusted backup safety and special teams contributor, tallying 30 tackles and two pass deflections in 14 games.
Wife
Tristin McCollum is in a long-term relationship with Elara Noelle, whom he met while attending Sam Houston State.
Elara, a graduate with a degree in business administration, has supported his career since 2022. The couple frequently shares moments on social media but keeps their personal life private. They do not have children as of 2025.
Tristin McCollum’s Net Worth Details
Tristin McCollum’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5–$2 million as of 2025. His earnings are expected to grow as he secures a larger role in the Eagles’ defense.
Contract and Salary
Tristin McCollum, a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is currently under a two-year contract valued at $1,945,000.
Here are the key details of his contract and salary:
- 2024 Season: McCollum is earning a base salary of $915,000, which also accounts for his total cash payout for the year.
- 2025 Season: His base salary increases to $1,030,000, making it his largest single-season cash payment under this contract.
- Total Value: The two-year deal totals $1,945,000 with no guaranteed money included.
McCollum originally signed this contract on January 18, 2023, after joining the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He will become an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) in 2026.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Houston Texans | $207,000 |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles | $305,001 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | $915,000 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Eagles | $1,030,000 |
| Total | $2,457,001 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Tackles | Solo | Assists | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Eagles | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | Eagles | 14 | 30 | 16 | 14 | 2 |
| Total | 17 | 36 | 20 | 16 | 2 |
McCollum’s standout moment came in December 2024 when he broke up a critical fourth-down pass against the Baltimore Ravens, securing an Eagles victory. His speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash) and football IQ make him a valuable depth piece.
FAQs
1. Who is Tristin McCollum?
Tristin McCollum is an American professional football safety for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Born on May 3, 1999, in Galveston, Texas, he played college football at Sam Houston State University and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
2. What position does Tristin McCollum play?
Tristin McCollum plays as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles. His role involves defending against passes, supporting in run defense, and occasionally blitzing to pressure the quarterback.
3. What are Tristin McCollum’s physical attributes?
Tristin McCollum stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. His height and athleticism provide him with an advantage in covering wide receivers and making plays in the secondary.
4. What college did Tristin McCollum attend?
Tristin McCollum attended Sam Houston State University, where he played college football and gained recognition for his defensive skills before entering the NFL.
5. How did Tristin McCollum join the NFL?
Tristin McCollum was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2022. He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he currently plays.
6. What is Tristin McCollum’s current contract?
Tristin McCollum is under a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $2,085,000. His average annual salary is $1,042,500, with no guaranteed money included in the deal.
7. What are Tristin McCollum’s career stats so far?
As of 2025, Tristin McCollum has played 17 games across two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has recorded 39 combined tackles (22 solo and 17 assisted) but has yet to register interceptions or forced fumbles.
8. What notable moments has Tristin McCollum had in his career?
One notable moment in Tristin McCollum’s career occurred when he replaced Reed Blankenship during a game against the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing his readiness to step up when needed.
9. What is Tristin McCollum’s role on special teams?
In addition to his role as a safety, Tristin McCollum contributes significantly on special teams, playing a substantial percentage of snaps in this capacity for the Philadelphia Eagles.
10. What are some key milestones in Tristin McCollum’s NFL journey?
Key milestones include signing with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2022, joining the Eagles’ practice squad in 2023, and earning a reserve/future contract with Philadelphia that solidified his place on their active roster.
