All eyes were on rookie quarterback Tanner McKee Thursday night as he took the field for his NFL preseason debut with the Philadelphia Eagles — and the Stanford product did not disappoint.
Facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals, McKee displayed confidence, composure, and solid decision-making under pressure. The Eagles edged out the Bengals in a tight 20-17 matchup, but it was McKee’s poise and playmaking that stole the show.
McKee’s Moment to Shine
Coming into training camp as a sixth-round draft pick, expectations were measured for McKee. But in this preseason opener, he looked far from a rookie. Completing 11 of 15 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown, McKee demonstrated sharp accuracy and good field vision.
His standout moment came late in the second quarter when he orchestrated a 75-yard scoring drive, capped off by a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Grant Calcaterra.
“He handled the moment well,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni postgame. “He’s been locked in during camp, and tonight he showed he can play under the lights.”
Strong Start Amid Quarterback Competition
While veteran Jalen Hurts remains the clear starter, McKee’s performance is likely to elevate his role in the backup QB conversation. The Eagles are also evaluating Marcus Mariota and Ian Book for depth chart positions, but McKee’s pocket presence and ball placement are making a compelling case.
The rookie remained humble after the game, saying, “I just wanted to come out, execute the game plan, and help the team. There’s still a lot to learn, but I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Who Is Tanner McKee?
Before turning heads in the NFL, Tanner McKee was already a name to watch in college football circles. Here’s a closer look at his background:
Biography of Tanner McKee
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanner McKee |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 2000 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Corona, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) |
| Weight | 231 lbs (105 kg) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Current NFL Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Jersey Number | #10 |
| College | Stanford University |
| High School | Centennial High School, Corona, CA |
| Draft Year | 2023 |
| Draft Round/Pick | 6th Round, 188th Overall |
| Religion | Christian (Latter-day Saint – LDS Church) |
| Mission Trip | Brazil (2-year mission before college career) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.2 million |
McKee was a highly-rated four-star recruit coming out of high school and chose Stanford for its strong academics and pro-style offense. He also took a two-year mission trip to Brazil with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before beginning his college football career.
At Stanford, McKee stood out with his arm strength, size, and football IQ, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during his college tenure.
Physical Stats and Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) |
| Weight | 231 lbs (105 kg) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Draft Year | 2023 (6th Round, Pick 188) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.2 million (2025) |
What’s Next for McKee and the Eagles?
The Eagles will face the New York Jets in their next preseason game, and it’s expected McKee will get additional reps. With the team exploring its depth ahead of the regular season, his continued development could earn him a solid backup role or even long-term consideration.
Fans and analysts are already taking notice, with many calling McKee one of the surprise standouts of this preseason so far.
Conclusion
Tanner McKee may have entered the NFL as an underdog, but his debut performance proved he belongs on the big stage. With a strong foundation, the right mindset, and continued growth, he could be a valuable asset for the Eagles — not just this season, but for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What college did Tanner McKee play for?
A: He played college football at Stanford University.
Q: When was Tanner McKee drafted into the NFL?
A: He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Q: Is Tanner McKee married?
A: As of 2025, Tanner McKee is reportedly not married.
Q: What makes McKee stand out as a quarterback?
A: His size (6’6″), strong arm, quick decision-making, and pro-style experience at Stanford make him a promising quarterback prospect.
Q: What was McKee’s stat line in his preseason debut?
A: He completed 11 of 15 passes for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, with no interceptions.
