View source for Josh McCown

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1979)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name           = Josh McCown
| image          = Josh McCown (29136807125) (cropped).jpg
| upright        = .9
| alt            = A photo of a Caucasian male wearing a white shirt with the word "Browns"
| caption        = McCown with the Cleveland Browns in 2016
| current_team   = Minnesota Vikings
| number         = <!--12, 15, 13, 18-->
| position       = [[Quarterback]]s coach
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1979|7|4|mf=yes}}
| birth_place    = [[Jacksonville, Texas]], U.S.
| height_ft      = 6
| height_in      = 4
| weight_lbs     = 218
| high_school    = [[Jacksonville High School (Jacksonville, Texas)|Jacksonville]] (Texas)
| college        = [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU]] (1998–2000)<br>[[Sam Houston Bearkats football|Sam Houston State]] (2001)
| draftyear      = 2002
| draftround     = 3
| draftpick      = 81
| pastteams      =
* [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|2002}}–{{NFL Year|2005}})
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|2006}})
* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|2007}})
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|2008}})*
* [[Carolina Panthers]] ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2009}})
* [[Hartford Colonials]] ({{UFL Year|2010}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|2011}})*
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|2011}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|2014}})
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|2015}}–{{NFL Year|2016}})
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
* [[Houston Texans]] ({{NFL year|2020}})
| pastcoaching   =
* [[Carolina Panthers]] ({{NFL Year|2023}})<br>Quarterbacks coach
* [[Minnesota Vikings]] ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)<br>Quarterbacks coach
| highlights     =
* [[Southland Conference|SFL]] Player of the Year (2001)
* Third-team [[Division I-AA]] [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] (2001)
* First-team All-SFL (2001)
| statleague     = NFL
| statlabel1     = Pass completions
| statvalue1     = 1,584
| statlabel2     = Pass attempts
| statvalue2     = 2,633
| statlabel3     = Percentage
| statvalue3     = 60.2
| statlabel4     = [[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
| statvalue4     = 98–82
| statlabel5     = Passing yards
| statvalue5     = 17,731
| statlabel6     = Passer rating
| statvalue6     = 79.7
| regular_record = <!-- {{Winning percentage|0|0|record=y}} -->
| playoff_record = <!-- {{Winning percentage|0|0|record=y}} -->
| overall_record = <!-- {{Winning percentage|0|0|record=y}} -->
| pfr            = M/McCoJo01
| pfrcoach       =  
}}
'''Joshua Treadwell McCown''' (born July 4, 1979) is an American professional [[American football|football]] coach and former [[quarterback]] who is the quarterbacks coach for the [[Minnesota Vikings]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU Mustangs]] and [[Sam Houston Bearkats football|Sam Houston Bearkats]], and was selected by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in the third round of the [[2002 NFL draft]]. McCown went on to play eighteen seasons in the NFL across twelve franchises. He also spent a season in the [[United Football League (2009–2012)|United Football League]] (UFL).

McCown attended [[Jacksonville High School (Jacksonville, Texas)|Jacksonville High School]] in [[Jacksonville, Texas]], where he was named the East Texas Player of the Year and earned All-State honorable mention honors as a senior. He played three seasons for the SMU Mustangs of [[Southern Methodist University]], where he passed for totals of 4,022 yards, 27 [[touchdowns]], and 34 [[interceptions]]. He then transferred to play his final season of college football for the Sam Houston State Bearkats of [[Sam Houston State University]]. In his only season with the Bearkats, he threw for 3,481 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, earning [[Southland Football League]] Player of the Year and third-team [[Division I-AA]] [[All-American]] honors.

McCown was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft and played for them from 2002 to 2005. He was mainly the backup quarterback during his tenure with the Cardinals but was the team's primary starter in 2004. He was a backup with the [[Detroit Lions]] in 2006 and was traded to the [[Oakland Raiders]] in 2007, where he started nine games. McCown signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]] in 2008, but was traded to the [[Carolina Panthers]] before the start of the 2008 regular season, serving as a backup with the Panthers from 2008 to 2009. He then played for the [[Hartford Colonials]] of the UFL in 2010, followed by a short off-season stint with the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in 2011. McCown was a backup with the [[Chicago Bears]] from 2011 to 2013. In eight games, and five starts, in 2013, he threw for 1,829 yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception, garnering the third-best [[passer rating]] in the NFL. He then signed with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], where he was the team's primary starter in 2014. However, after underperforming, McCown was released by the Buccaneers and signed by the [[Cleveland Browns]], for whom he was the primary starter in 2015 and a backup in 2016. He was released by the Browns after the 2016 season and then signed by the [[New York Jets]]. He was the primary starter for the Jets in 2017 and set single-season career highs with 267 completions, a 67.3 completion percentage, 2,926 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns. After serving as a backup for the Jets in 2018, McCown retired from the NFL and briefly joined [[ESPN]] as an NFL analyst. However, he came out of retirement to sign with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in August 2019. In the Wild Card Round of the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs]], McCown replaced an injured [[Carson Wentz]] and played the majority of the game at the age of 40, becoming the oldest quarterback in NFL history to make his postseason debut. In November 2020, he was signed off of the Eagles' [[practice squad]] by the [[Houston Texans]]; his last NFL team.

In 2023, McCown was hired by the Panthers to be their quarterbacks coach under head coach [[Frank Reich]]. McCown was fired by the Panthers after a 1–10 start to the season. He became the Vikings' quarterbacks coach in 2024.

{{TOClimit|limit=3}}

==Early life==
Joshua Treadwell McCown was born on July 4, 1979, in [[Jacksonville, Texas]].<ref name="all" /> He grew up on the family's ranch and attended [[Jacksonville High School (Jacksonville, Texas)|Jacksonville High School]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=September 19, 2004 |title=McCown realizing his dream |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/article_0069e7db-6a9f-52a7-928d-a0549c6aa114.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127232122/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/article_0069e7db-6a9f-52a7-928d-a0549c6aa114.html |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[East Valley Tribune]]}}</ref> He had a significant growth spurt in high school that helped his football career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 26, 2015 |title=Josh McCown is so grateful to be back in the NFL that even Johnny Manziel chants will sound sweet |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/josh_mccown_has_traveled_such.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170127233623/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/josh_mccown_has_traveled_such.html |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref><ref name="espn" /> McCown later said, "My first driver's license said 5-foot-4. At 16, I was 5–4." A coach of McCown's also said, "We knew Josh was going to be a good football player if he ever grew. But it sure took awhile. He really started shooting up in the second half of his junior year."<ref name="espn" /> In McCown's senior year in 1997, he led the team to the playoffs and was the East Texas Player of the Year, District 17-4A Offensive Player of the Year, and an All-State honorable mention.<ref name="espn" /><ref name="cardinals">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.azcardinals.com/team/player_bio.html?iid=114 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108205526/http://www.azcardinals.com/team/player_bio.html?iid=114 |archive-date=January 8, 2006 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |publisher=[[Arizona Cardinals]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2010 |title=All-Time Playoff Scores: 1997 4A |url=http://www.texasfootball.com/all-time-playoff-scores-1997-4a/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127031003/http://www.texasfootball.com/all-time-playoff-scores-1997-4a/ |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=[[Dave Campbell's Texas Football]]}}</ref> He also played basketball and won All-District second-team honors as a [[shooting guard]] his senior year.<ref name="cardinals" /> The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce inducted him into their Wall of Fame in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2013 |title=Jacksonville Chamber inducts new Wall of Fame members |url=http://www.youreasttexas.com/news/jacksonville-chamber-inducts-new-wall-of-fame-members |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809000940/http://www.youreasttexas.com/news/jacksonville-chamber-inducts-new-wall-of-fame-members |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |publisher=YourEastTexas.com}}</ref>

==College career==

=== SMU ===
McCown played [[college football]] for the [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU Mustangs]] of [[Southern Methodist University]] from 1998 to 2000, passing for 4,022 yards and 27 [[touchdowns]], but also threw 34 [[interceptions]].<ref name="sr">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-mccown-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922020241/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-mccown-1.html |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |publisher=[[Sports Reference LLC]]}}</ref> He started 25 total games for the Mustangs.<ref name="chron">{{Cite web |last=McTaggart |first=Brian |date=October 25, 2001 |title=Rice gears up for latest of McCowns to excel at QB |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/college-football/article/Rice-gears-up-for-latest-of-McCowns-to-excel-at-QB-2045812.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804231333/http://www.chron.com/sports/college-football/article/Rice-gears-up-for-latest-of-McCowns-to-excel-at-QB-2045812.php |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref> He played in 9 games, starting 5, for the Mustangs his freshman season in 1998, completing 46 of 99 passes for 619 yards and 7 touchdowns with 8 interceptions.<ref name="CAR">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/josh-mccown/7dda9b50-7454-4cb5-a5d3-baa961204d92/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804235504/http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/josh-mccown/7dda9b50-7454-4cb5-a5d3-baa961204d92/ |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Carolina Panthers]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 1999 |title=SMU's newfound confidence includes hope for bowl game |url=http://amarillo.com/stories/1999/09/02/spo_LO0714.001.shtml#.V6O6DPkrKUk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818033216/http://amarillo.com/stories/1999/09/02/spo_LO0714.001.shtml#.V6O6DPkrKUk |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[Amarillo Globe-News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> McCown split time with sophomore [[Chris Sanders (quarterback)|Chris Sanders]] in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 1998 |title=Rebel Football Plays at SMU |url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092198aaa.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805220521/http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092198aaa.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |publisher=[[University of Mississippi]]}}</ref><ref name="Medlin">{{Cite web |last=Medlin |first=Joseph M. |date=April 24, 2002 |title=Former SMU quarterback advances career |url=http://www.smudailycampus.com/news/former-smu-quarterback-advances-career |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805220621/http://www.smudailycampus.com/news/former-smu-quarterback-advances-career |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |work=The Daily Campus}}</ref> McCown was the first freshman to start at [[quarterback]] for the team since 1989.<ref name="CAR" /> He started in 10 games for the Mustangs in 1999, completing 125 of 234 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.<ref name="sr" /><ref name="CAR" /> He set a school record for consecutive completions when he completed 19 passes in a row against [[Tulsa Golden Hurricane football|Tulsa]] in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2006 |title=Southern Methodist University |url=http://www.smumustangs.com/news/2006/9/16/Mustangs_Dominate_Sam_Houston_State_45_14.aspx?print=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804233317/http://www.smumustangs.com/news/2006/9/16/Mustangs_Dominate_Sam_Houston_State_45_14.aspx?print=true |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Southern Methodist University]]}}</ref> McCown started 9 games for the Mustangs his junior year in 2000, completing 169 of 331 passes for 1,969 yards and 9 touchdowns with 16 interceptions.<ref name="smu">{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2000 |title=McCown to Transfer from SMU |url=http://www.smumustangs.com/news/2000/11/29/McCown_to_Transfer_from_SMU.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804234252/http://www.smumustangs.com/news/2000/11/29/McCown_to_Transfer_from_SMU.aspx |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Southern Methodist University]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2000 |title=College football notebook – December 2, 2000 |url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/120200/spo_120200068.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804234216/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/120200/spo_120200068.shtml |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]}}</ref> He threw for 420 yards against [[UTEP Miners football|Texas-El Paso]] in 2000, which was the third-highest total in SMU history.<ref name="CAR" /> He started the first six games of the 2000 season before being replaced by David Page for three games. McCown then started the final three games for the Mustangs.<ref name="smu" />

=== Sam Houston State ===
McCown transferred his senior year to play for the [[Sam Houston Bearkats football|Sam Houston State Bearkats]] of [[Sam Houston State University]]. He transferred to be in an offense that threw more and to have a better chance to win.<ref name="Bell" /><ref name="espn" /><ref name="Medlin" /> He also did not have to sit out the 2001 season because Sam Houston State was in [[Division I-AA]].<ref name="CAR" /> McCown surpassed his three-year SMU touchdown total in just one season for the Bearkats, completing 259 of 429 passes for 3,481 yards and 32 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as a senior in 2001.<ref name="CAR" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/josh-mccown-player |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804195349/http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/josh-mccown-player |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref> The Bearkats finished the season with a 10–3 record and were [[Southland Football League]] co-champions with [[McNeese State Cowboys football|McNeese State]]. Sam Houston State defeated [[Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football|Northern Arizona]] in the first round of the [[Division I-AA]] national playoffs to reach the I-AA quarterfinals, where the Bearkats lost to eventual national champion [[Montana Grizzlies football|Montana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sports Update for Oct. 6 |url=https://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T%40S/2002/100602SpUp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805003429/https://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T%40S/2002/100602SpUp.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Sam Houston State University]]}}</ref> He set single-season school records in pass completions, attempts, yards, and touchdowns.<ref name="CAR" /> McCown's 3,481 passing yards ranked eighth on the school's career list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joshua McCown, QB – Sam Houston State |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/qbs/joshmccown.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805011048/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/qbs/joshmccown.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He also rushed for 351 yards and 6 touchdowns on 112 attempts.<ref name="CAR" /> He threw for 404 yards and tied a school single-game record with 5 touchdowns against [[Western Illinois Leathernecks football|Western Illinois]] in 2001.<ref name="CAR" /> McCown was named the SFL Player of the Year and earned first-team All-SFL honors in 2001.<ref name="CAR" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=First-Team All-Southland Conference |url=https://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/18400/pdf/Football%2C%202010.pdf?SPSID=344252&SPID=11060&DB_OEM_ID=18400 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804190750/https://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/18400/pdf/Football%2C%202010.pdf?SPSID=344252&SPID=11060&DB_OEM_ID=18400 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=NMNAthletics.com |pages=122}}</ref> He was also named a third-team Division I-AA [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] by [[The Sports Network (wire service)|The Sports Network]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 2001 Sports Network I-AA All-America Teams |url=http://www.hofstra.edu/PDF/sports_fb_01TSNAllAmer.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804192847/http://www.hofstra.edu/PDF/sports_fb_01TSNAllAmer.pdf |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Hofstra University]]}}</ref> Following his senior season, he was one of 16 players considered for the [[Walter Payton Award]], given to the top performer in [[Football Championship Subdivision|NCAA Division I-AA]] football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Four All-American Bearkats named |url=http://houstonianonline.com/1970/01/01/four-all-american-bearkats-named/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804190049/http://houstonianonline.com/1970/01/01/four-all-american-bearkats-named/ |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[The Houstonian (newspaper)|The Houstonian]]}}</ref> McCown finished seventh in the Walter Payton Award voting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Kats' Josh McCown Earns NFC Weekly Honor |url=http://www.gobearkats.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19900&ATCLID=209339150 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804191202/http://www.gobearkats.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19900&ATCLID=209339150 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Sam Houston State University]]}}</ref> He replaced [[Joey Harrington]] on the 2002 [[Senior Bowl]] roster after Harrington suffered a knee injury in the [[East–West Shrine Game]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2002 |title=McAddley in Senior Bowl |url=http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20020122/NEWS/201220306 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804231940/http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20020122/NEWS/201220306 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |work=[[The Tuscaloosa News]]}}</ref> McCown played in the Senior Bowl and had a "strong game", completing 7 of 11 passes for 117 yards while also rushing for a 12-yard touchdown.<ref name="Bell">{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jarrett |date=April 18, 2002 |title=Division I-AA QB making the most of his chances |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/2002-04-18-mccown.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127203423/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/2002-04-18-mccown.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vilona |first=Bill |date=January 27, 2002 |title=Unlikely stars shine bright |pages=5D |work=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15959597/pensacola_news_journal/ |access-date=December 23, 2017 }}</ref> He majored in history at Sam Houston State.<ref name="CAR" /> McCown was inducted into the Sam Houston Athletic Hall of Honor in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hall of Honor |url=http://www.gobearkats.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1280904 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808221434/http://www.gobearkats.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1280904 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |publisher=[[Sam Houston State University]]}}</ref>

===College statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan=2 | Year !! rowspan=2 | Team !! colspan=8 | Passing !! colspan=4 | Rushing 
|-
! {{tooltip|Cmp|Passes completed}} !! {{tooltip|Att|Passes attempted}} !! {{tooltip|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{tooltip|Yds|Passing yards}} !! {{tooltip|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{tooltip|TD|Passing touchdowns}} !! {{tooltip|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{tooltip|Rtg|Passer rating}} !! {{tooltip|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{tooltip|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{tooltip|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{tooltip|TD|Rushing touchdowns}}
|-
! [[1998 NCAA Division I-A football season|1998]] || [[1998 SMU Mustangs football team|SMU]]
| 46 || 99 || 46.5 || 619 || 6.3 || 7 || 8 || 106.2 || 51 || 35 || 0.7 || 0 
|-
! [[1999 NCAA Division I-A football season|1999]] || [[1999 SMU Mustangs football team|SMU]]
| 125 || 234 || 53.4 || 1,434 || 6.1 || 11 || 10 || 111.9 || 69 || −9 || −0.1 || 1
|-
! [[2000 NCAA Division I-A football season|2000]] || [[2000 SMU Mustangs football team|SMU]]
| 169 || 331 || 51.1 || 1,969 || 5.9 || 9 || 16 || 100.3 || 78 || 175 || 2.2 || 3
|-
! [[2001 NCAA Division I-AA football season|2001]] || [[2001 Sam Houston State Bearkats football team|Sam Houston State]]
| 259 || 429 || 60.4 || 3,481 || 8.1 || 32 || 12 || 147.6 || 112 || 351 || 3.1 || 6
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2|Career<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dev.sportsforecaster.xmlteam.com/nfl/player/5013/stats |title=Josh McCown |publisher=dev.SportsForecaster.xmlteam.com |accessdate=September 2, 2016 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902192530/http://dev.sportsforecaster.xmlteam.com/nfl/player/5013/stats |archivedate=September 2, 2016 }}</ref>
 ! 599 !! 1,093 !! 54.8 !! 7,503 !! 6.9 !! 59 !! 46 !! 121.9 !! 310 !! 552 !! 1.7 !! 10 
|}

== Professional career ==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 3 7/8
|       weight = {{efn|name=A}}
|         dash = 4.57–4.64
|    ten split = {{efn|name=A}}
| twenty split = {{efn|name=A}}
|      shuttle = 3.90
|   cone drill = 6.85
|     vertical = 38.5
|     broad ft = 10
|     broad in = 0
|    wonderlic = 30
|     arm span = 30 1/2
|    hand span = 9
|         note = All values from 2002 [[NFL Scouting Combine]]. See note for missing values{{efn|name=A|The exact Wt, 40-yd dash, 10-yd split and 20-yd split values have been excluded because different sources have different numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown NFL Combine Scores |url=http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6059 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127202827/http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6059 |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=NFLCombineResults.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Combine Results |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2002-combine.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828170429/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2002-combine.htm |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref name="draft" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Joshua McCown, QB – Sam Houston State |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/qbs/joshmccown.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805011048/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2002draft/qbs/joshmccown.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Kevin |date=March 2, 2015 |title=11 things you might not know about Josh McCown |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/11-things-you-might-not-know-about-Josh-McCown/a3c90479-fc24-4cba-949b-884dee2fa294 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127204439/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/11-things-you-might-not-know-about-Josh-McCown/a3c90479-fc24-4cba-949b-884dee2fa294 |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref>}}
}}

=== Arizona Cardinals ===
==== 2002 ====
McCown had an impressive performance at the [[NFL Combine]], which saw him post a 40-yard dash in the mid-4-second range, a 10-foot long jump, and a {{frac|38|1|2}}-inch vertical jump.<ref name="Bell" />{{efn|name=A}} One scout who attended the combine said, "He could be the third quarterback taken or the eighth quarterback."<ref name="Bell" /> McCown was rated the sixth-best quarterback in the [[2002 NFL draft]] by NFLDraftScout.com.<ref name="draft">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1190&draftyear=2002&genpos=QB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023115550/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1190&draftyear=2002&genpos=QB |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2016 |publisher=NFLDraftScout.com}}</ref> He was selected by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft, with the 81st overall pick, and was the fourth quarterback to be drafted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001104106/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/draft.htm |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Dave McGinnis]], the head coach of the Cardinals when McCown was drafted, later stated, "[McCown] had all the background essentials you really liked. And he's a fabulous athlete. If you were going to start a pickup basketball game in the building, he'd be one of your first choices."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haugh |first=David |date=November 19, 2013 |title=Dave McGinnis a big fan of Josh McCown |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-19/sports/ct-spt-1120-haugh-bears-chicago-20131120_1_dave-mcginnis-josh-mccown-bears-qb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124021211/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-19/sports/ct-spt-1120-haugh-bears-chicago-20131120_1_dave-mcginnis-josh-mccown-bears-qb |archive-date=January 24, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> McCown played for the Cardinals from 2002 to 2005.<ref name="pfr">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01.htm |access-date=January 5, 2020 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

Entering his rookie season, McCown became the team's second-string quarterback after former Cardinals backup [[Chris Greisen]] was released in August.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2002 |title=Arizona Cuts Quarterback Greisen |url=http://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Arizona-Cuts-Quarterback-Greisen-10476406.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107171221/http://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Arizona-Cuts-Quarterback-Greisen-10476406.php |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[Edwardsville Intelligencer]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2002 |title=Cardinals look to Greisen as Plummer's backup QB |url=http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/080502/spo_0805020015.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107171102/http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/080502/spo_0805020015.shtml |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[Peninsula Clarion]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> McCown made his NFL debut on December 1 against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], relieving starter [[Jake Plummer]] late in the third quarter of an eventual 49–0 loss.<ref name="2002g">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020415/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2002/ |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2002 |title=Chief Victory Is No Contest |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-02-sp-chiefs2-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107220707/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/dec/02/sports/sp-chiefs2 |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> McCown played in 2 games in 2002, completing 7 of 18 passes for 66 yards with 2 interceptions. He also rushed once for 20 yards.<ref name="2002g" />

==== 2003 ====
[[File:Pro Football Hall of Fame (37923721855).jpg|thumb|The Arizona Cardinals jersey that McCown wore during the [[Fútbol Americano|first NFL regular season game]] outside the U.S., displayed at the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|alt=A photo of a white and red #12 jersey with the name "McCown" on the back]]
In 2003, McCown was the backup to [[Jeff Blake]] for the first 13 games of the season. On September 14 against the [[Seattle Seahawks]], McCown completed 18 of 32 passes for 150 yards with 2 interceptions after relieving the injured Blake late in the first quarter of an eventual 38–0 loss.<ref name="2003g">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2003/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308215902/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2003/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Romero">{{Cite web |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=December 20, 2003 |title=Holmgren leery Arizona may repeat 2002 victory |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2001819885_hawk20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107173733/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2001819885_hawk20.html |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2003 |title=Rhodes Has Seattle On Right Path |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2003/09/15/rhodes-has-seattle-on-right-path/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107202358/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-09-15/features/0309150283_1_cardinals-hasselbeck-arizona |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> Prior to the game against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] on December 7, it was reported that the Cardinals would play both starter Blake and McCown in the game.<ref>{{cite news | access-date=January 7, 2017  | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic/168411983/ | title=Game 13 Preview | work=[[Arizona Republic]] | date=December 7, 2003 | pages=C15}}</ref><ref name="49ers">{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – December 7th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200312070sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419213312/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200312070sfo.htm |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Blake played the first half, completing 8 of 20 passes for 59 yards and 1 interception. McCown then played the second half, completing 11 of 20 passes for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Cardinals lost by a score of 50–14.<ref name="49ers" /> McCown was then promoted to starter and started the final three games of the season.<ref name="Romero" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |date=December 11, 2003 |title=Clayton: First&nbsp;... And 10 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?id=1683741&columnist=clayton_john |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107180918/http://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?id=1683741&columnist=clayton_john |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref name="Somers" /> Head coach [[Dave McGinnis]] stated, "Josh is the right decision professionally for our organization," and  "Some quality time is what he needs against good teams&nbsp;... and it's important to find out what we have there."<ref name="Romero" /> In the final game of the season on December 28 against the [[Minnesota Vikings]], McCown threw a game-winning 28-yard touchdown pass to [[wide receiver]] [[Nate Poole]] as time expired to beat the Vikings by a score of 18–17. The Vikings would have made the playoffs if they had won the game, but the [[Green Bay Packers]] made the playoffs in their place.<ref name="vikings">{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2003 |title=McCown tosses 28-yarder to Poole |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/231228022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107183324/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/231228022 |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Packers also invited McCown and Poole to attend their first playoff game. While McCown declined the invitation due to the birth of his third child, Poole attended the game and was presented with a [[Freedom of the City#Key to the city|key to the city]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=December 31, 2011 |title=McCown knocked Tice out of playoffs |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?STORY_ID=8529 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729211706/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?STORY_ID=8529 |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> McCown played in 8 games, with 3 starts, in 2003 and completed 95 of 166 passes for 1,018 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions. He also rushed for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.<ref name="pfr" />

==== 2004 ====
On February 4, 2004, new head coach [[Dennis Green]] named McCown the team's starter for the 2004 season.<ref name="Somers">{{Cite web |last=Somers |first=Kent |date=February 4, 2004 |title=QB released after subpar year |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/cards/2004-02-04-blake-released_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107202948/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/cards/2004-02-04-blake-released_x.htm |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2004 |title=Cardinals release Jeff Blake |url=http://www.upi.com/Cardinals-release-Jeff-Blake/13441075939657/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107203644/http://www.upi.com/Cardinals-release-Jeff-Blake/13441075939657/ |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> McCown started the first nine games of the season for the Cardinals, leading the team to a 4–5 record.<ref name="2004g">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309042314/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2004/ |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[Atlanta Falcons]] on September 26, he completed 20 of 26 passes for a then career-high completion percentage of 76.9 percent.<ref name="all" /> However, he also lost three fumbles and was benched in favor of [[Shaun King (American football)|Shaun King]] in the fourth quarter as the Cardinals lost by a score of 6–3.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=King |first=Peter |date=October 4, 2004 |title=Selling Point |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2004/10/04/8187444/selling-point |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126033704/http://www.si.com/vault/2004/10/04/8187444/selling-point |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> McCown threw for a then career-high three touchdowns on October 10 against the 49ers.<ref name="all">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown Career Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020415/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/ |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> During McCown's ninth consecutive start on November 14 against the [[New York Giants]], he completed 12 of 24 passes for only 90 yards, though the Cardinals won the game by a score of 17–14.<ref name="2004g" /> McCown was then benched, with King replacing him as the team's starting quarterback. King then started the next two games for the Cardinals while McCown was second-string.<ref name="Murray">{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Ken |date=December 12, 2004 |title=Bad QB calls in Arizona |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2004/12/12/bad-qb-calls-in-arizona/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107224532/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2004-12-12/sports/0412120243_1_mccown-green-bad-quarterback |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><ref name="cardinals" /> After King's two starts, he was benched in favor of [[John Navarre]]. Navarre then started one game for the team, during which McCown was second-string and King was third-string.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2004 |title=Favre's 200th Start in a Row Is a Record-Setting One |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/30/sports/football-favres-200th-start-in-a-row-is-a-recordsetting-one.html?_r=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170107223008/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/30/sports/football-favres-200th-start-in-a-row-is-a-recordsetting-one.html?_r=1 |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> After Navarre's one start, he was benched in favor of McCown, who then started the final four games of the season.<ref name="Murray" /><ref name="Fialkov" /> McCown threw for 307 yards against the 49ers on December 12, which was his first career 300-yard game. He also threw three touchdowns against the Seahawks on December 26, his second three-passing-touchdown game of the year.<ref name="all" /> McCown played in 14 games, starting 13, in 2004 and completed 233 of 408 passes for 2,511 yards and 11 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns on 36 carries.<ref name="pfr" /> The Cardinals finished the year third in the [[NFC West]] with a 6–10 record and were 6–7 in games that McCown started.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612135448/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2004.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

==== 2005 ====
In March 2005, the Cardinals signed quarterback [[Kurt Warner]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=March 6, 2005 |title=Cardinals sign Kurt Warner to one-year contract |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/article_7d2d7cfb-3a26-5f16-a840-20d374a70cba.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107235942/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/article_7d2d7cfb-3a26-5f16-a840-20d374a70cba.html |archive-date=January 7, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[East Valley Tribune]]}}</ref> Later the same month, McCown also signed a one-year contract extension with the team.<ref name="fox">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown - Player Transactions |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/josh-mccown-player-transactions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108015815/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/josh-mccown-player-transactions |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref> In May 2005, coach Green officially named Warner the team's starter and McCown the second-stringer for the 2005 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2005 |title=Kurt Warner named Caridinals' starter |url=http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/05/26/Kurt-Warner-named-Caridinals-starter/UPI-98471117127629/?st_rec=44541110233892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108000045/http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/05/26/Kurt-Warner-named-Caridinals-starter/UPI-98471117127629/?st_rec=44541110233892 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref>
Warner started the first three games of the season. In the third game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 25, 2005, Warner suffered an injury late in the second quarter and was relieved by McCown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2005 |title=Hawks cut down Cardinals 37–12 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2002520542_webhawk25.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108003100/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2002520542_webhawk25.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="all" /> McCown then started the next four games for the Cardinals.<ref name="CAR" /><ref name="all" /> During the first game of that stretch, he started for the Cardinals at the [[Fútbol Americano|first NFL regular season game]] outside the United States, played at [[Estadio Azteca]] on October 2, 2005, against the 49ers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weir |first=Tom |date=October 3, 2005 |title=Cardinals deep-six 49ers in historic tilt in Mexico |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2005-10-03-cardinals-niners_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523204055/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2005-10-03-cardinals-niners_x.htm |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He completed 32 of 46 passes for a then-career high 385 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Cardinals won by a score of 31–14.<ref name="CAR" /><ref name="all" /> The game in Mexico City had an attendance of 103,467, setting a record for the largest attendance for a regular-season game in NFL history. The record has since been broken, but is still second place all-time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2009 |title=NFL regular-season-record crowd of 105,121 sees Giants-Cowboys |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-regular-season-record-crowd-of-105-121-sees-giants-cowboys-09000d5d812c91b4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108005049/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d812c91b4/article/nfl-regularseasonrecord-crowd-of-105121-sees-giantscowboys |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The jersey that McCown wore during the Mexico game was later displayed at the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2006/09/news-kickoff-of-cardinals-stadium-preserved-at-hof/ | title=Kickoff of Cardinals Stadium preserved at HOF | publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] | date=September 13, 2006 | accessdate=20 March 2025}}</ref> McCown's next start was against the [[Carolina Panthers]] on October 9, in which he completed 29 of 36 passes for a new career-high of 398 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as the Cardinals lost by a score of 24–20.<ref name="all" /> His two 300-yard games were two of the four highest passing totals of any player during the 2005 season.<ref name="CAR" /> McCown also became the first Cardinals quarterback to throw for 350 yards in back-to-back games.<ref name="lions" /> Warner then returned from injury, but was McCown's backup for the next two games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2005 |title=Sunday Morning Injury Updates and Inactives – Week 7 |url=https://www.thehuddle.com/x5/season/07sun.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312050028/https://www.thehuddle.com/x5/season/07sun.php |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=TheHuddle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2005 |title=Notes: Fine day for R. Barber; Vick should play; Panthers, J. Jones limping |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-10-12-notes_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127224815/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-10-12-notes_x.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=October 27, 2005 |title=Notebook: No suspense this week, McCown's the starter |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/article_7b6f2bca-e285-5b3a-8322-73345dc3bc5d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127225223/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/article_7b6f2bca-e285-5b3a-8322-73345dc3bc5d.html |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[East Valley Tribune]]}}</ref>  McCown played poorly, though, and Warner was promoted to starter again. Warner then started the next seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2005 |title=Warner reclaims reins as Arizona QB |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/cards/2005-11-02-warner-starts_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127225644/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/cards/2005-11-02-warner-starts_x.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kurt Warner 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarnKu00/gamelog/2005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103212010/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarnKu00/gamelog/2005/ |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baum |first=Bob |date=November 6, 2005 |title=Seahawks Cruise by Cardinals 33–19 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/06/AR2005110600892_pf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108012417/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/06/AR2005110600892_pf.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Warner's seventh start back against the [[Houston Texans]] on December 18, he suffered an injury early in the first quarter and stayed in the game for two more series before being relieved by McCown. However, McCown also ended up leaving the game with flu-like symptoms at halftime and was replaced by Navarre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=December 19, 2005 |title=Warner's season over after suffering MCL injury |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2264835&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108013032/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2264835&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> McCown then started the final two games of the season.<ref name="all" /> He played in 9 games, starting 6, in 2005 and completed 163 of 279 passes for 1,836 yards and 9 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also rushed 29 times for 139 yards. The Cardinals finished the year third in the NFC West with a 5–11 record and were 3–3 in games that McCown started.<ref name="2005t">{{Cite web |title=2005 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2005.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112081442/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2005.htm |archive-date=January 12, 2011 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Cardinals led the league in passing offense in 2005 with 4,437 yards, with Warner throwing for 2,713 yards, McCown throwing for 1,836 yards and Navarre throwing for 174 yards.<ref name="2005t" /><ref name="Fialkov">{{Cite web |last=Fialkov |first=Harvey |date=March 8, 2008 |title=QB McCown after starting spot |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2008-03-08/sports/0803070573_1_qb-mccown-mvp-kurt-warner-season |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108022634/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2008-03-08/sports/0803070573_1_qb-mccown-mvp-kurt-warner-season |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref>

McCown became a [[free agent]] after the 2005 season.<ref name="fox" /> He played in 33 games, starting 22, during his tenure with the team, and completed 498 of 862 passes for 5,431 yards and 25 touchdowns with 29 interceptions. He also rushed 94 times for 429 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Cardinals were 10–12 in games that McCown started.<ref name="pfr" />

=== Detroit Lions ===
In March 2006, McCown signed a two-year contract worth $6 million with the [[Detroit Lions]], believing he would have the chance to start.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=March 16, 2006 |title=Lions ink free agent QB McCown |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2371034 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908012052/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2371034 |archive-date=September 8, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2006 |title=Harrington era seemingly over as Lions add another QB in McCown |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2006-03-16-mccown-harrington-future_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108024929/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2006-03-16-mccown-harrington-future_x.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref name="Pasquarelli" /> In July, however, [[Jon Kitna]] was named the starter entering [[training camp (NFL)|training camp]], and McCown was named the backup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cotsonika |first=Nicholas J. |date=July 27, 2006 |title=Lions try to catch Motor City's other winners; Kitna named No. 1 QB |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2006-07-27-camp-advance_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108023549/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2006-07-27-camp-advance_x.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> McCown was Kitna's backup for all 16 games in 2006.<ref name="CAR" /> During the season, McCown began running wide receiver routes during practice and became skilled at it.<ref name="Fialkov" /> He lined up at wide receiver for one play against the Cardinals on November 19.<ref name="CAR" /><ref name="lions">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=368&season=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405094816/http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=368&season=8 |archive-date=April 5, 2007 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |publisher=[[Detroit Lions]]}}</ref> He saw extended time at wide receiver during the game against the [[New England Patriots]] on December 3.<ref name="lions" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2006 |title=McCown: "I'm a quarterback |url=http://www.scout.com/nfl/lions/story/598385-mccown-i-m-a-quarterback |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201035116/http://www.scout.com/nfl/lions/story/598385-mccown-i-m-a-quarterback |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2017 |publisher=[[Scout.com]]}}</ref> McCown was inserted into the game as the third wide receiver and was targeted twice, catching both passes for a total of 15 yards.<ref name="Fialkov" /><ref name="all" /> He also had a 31-yard reception, but it was brought back after McCown was called for offensive pass interference.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at New England Patriots – December 3rd, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612030nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126024814/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612030nwe.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In reference to playing wide receiver, McCown later said, "It was a surreal moment and it changed my whole perception and respect for receivers."<ref name="Fialkov" />

After the 2006 season, McCown asked to be traded.<ref name="trade" /> His agent, Michael McCartney, said, "Josh sees himself as a starting quarterback, and I agree with
him."<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2007 |title=McCown's agent looking for trade from Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2833560 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108024536/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2833560 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On April 28, 2007, the Lions selected quarterback [[Drew Stanton]] in the [[2007 NFL draft]]. Later the same day, McCown and wide receiver [[Mike Williams (wide receiver, born 1984)|Mike Williams]] were traded to the [[Oakland Raiders]] in exchange for a 2007 fourth-round draft pick, which the Lions used to select cornerback [[A. J. Davis (cornerback, born 1983)|A. J. Davis]].<ref name="Pasquarelli">{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=April 29, 2007 |title=Raiders trade 4th-round pick for McCown, Williams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2852824 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108030227/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2852824 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2007 |title=Raiders acquire Lions' Mike Williams, McCown |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/18373189/48446986 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129104406/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/18373189/48446986 |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Oakland Raiders Trades |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2007_trades.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108191811/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2007_trades.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

=== Oakland Raiders ===
McCown was involved in a quarterback competition with [[Daunte Culpepper]] and [[Andrew Walter]] to see who would be the Raiders' starter for the 2007 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corkran |first=Steve |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Raiders to keep Lions in dark about QB starter |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/01/raiders-to-keep-lions-in-dark-about-qb-starter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108190301/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/01/raiders-to-keep-lions-in-dark-about-qb-starter/ |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref> On August 27, head coach [[Lane Kiffin]] narrowed the choices down to McCown or Culpepper.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 27, 2007 |title=Culpepper or McCown? One will be Raiders starting QB |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/raiders/2007-08-27-qb-spot_N.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108041546/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/raiders/2007-08-27-qb-spot_N.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On September 5, a day after Kiffin had informed the quarterbacks, Kiffin privately informed the team that McCown would be the starter.<ref name="Dubow">{{Cite web |last=Dubow |first=Josh |date=September 5, 2007 |title=Mum's the word on Raiders' starting QB for opener against Lions |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-09-05-1639060272_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109030640/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-09-05-1639060272_x.htm |archive-date=January 9, 2017 |access-date=January 8, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> However, he did not publicly name the starter until the day of the Week 1 game against the Lions on September 9, explaining, "It's simply a matter of always trying to gain a competitive advantage."<ref name="Dubow" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=David |date=September 10, 2007 |title=No controversy: McCown stays |work=[[SFGate]] |url=http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/No-controversy-McCown-stays-2522726.php |access-date=January 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109032801/http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/No-controversy-McCown-stays-2522726.php |archive-date=January 9, 2017}}</ref>

In Week 1, McCown threw for 313 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a 36–21 loss. He also fumbled late in the game to end the Raiders' attempt at a comeback.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Jerry |date=September 9, 2007 |title=Kiffin likely to stay with McCown |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/09/kiffin-likely-to-stay-with-mccown-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109033016/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/09/kiffin-likely-to-stay-with-mccown-2/ |archive-date=January 9, 2017 |access-date=January 8, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref name="mccowni">{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2007 |title=Injured finger, foot put McCown's starting status in doubt |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3016692 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119030649/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3016692 |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> McCown sprained his right foot in the first half of the Lions game and injured his right index finger on the final play of the game.<ref name="mccowni" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubow |first=Josh |date=September 14, 2007 |title=Daunte Culpepper could start for Raiders with Josh McCown questionable |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-09-14-1639060272_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119010623/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-09-14-1639060272_x.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> By game time of the Week 2 contest against the [[Denver Broncos]], even though McCown was still nursing the finger injury, Kiffin felt McCown's foot had healed enough for him to play.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2007 |title=McCown's foot heals; His finger? Not so much |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/17/mccowns-foot-heals-his-finger-not-so-much/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119023750/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/09/17/mccowns-foot-heals-his-finger-not-so-much/ |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref> McCown started the game, throwing for 73 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions.<ref name="all" /> McCown then started the next game against the [[Miami Dolphins]], but after suffering a left foot injury, he was relieved by Culpepper to start the second half.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2007 |title=Culpepper, Jordan help Raiders get first win, 26–24 over Browns |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/3033382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119032352/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/3033382 |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Culpepper then started the team's next four games in place of McCown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Daunte Culpepper 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CulpDa00/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004024111/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CulpDa00/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="McCown replaces">{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2007 |title=McCown replaces Culpepper as Raiders' starting quarterback |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-11-01-1639060272_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119232706/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-11-01-1639060272_x.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> During the fourth game of that stretch against the [[Tennessee Titans]], even though he was not 100% healed, McCown served as Culpepper's backup.<ref name="McCown replaces" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Corkran |first=Steve |date=October 30, 2007 |title=Knee injury might sideline Raiders defensive end Kelly |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/30/knee-injury-might-sideline-raiders-defensive-end-kelly/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120002728/http://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/30/knee-injury-might-sideline-raiders-defensive-end-kelly/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[The Mercury News]]}}</ref> A few days after the Titans game, McCown was named the starter, with Kiffin stating, "I felt Daunte played really well for us, but with Josh coming back and looking healthy again, we're going to go back to Josh."<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Jerry |date=November 2, 2007 |title=Culpepper out at QB, McCown in |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/11/02/culpepper-out-at-qb-mccown-in/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119231942/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/11/02/culpepper-out-at-qb-mccown-in/ |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref name="McCown replaces" /> McCown then started the next two games.<ref name="Culpepperstart" /> Due to McCown's poor play, however, Culpepper was named the starter for the following game against the Vikings.<ref name="Culpepperstart" /><ref name="culpepper2">{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2007 |title=Ex-Viking Culpepper to get start against Minnesota |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3110795 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120005655/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3110795 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="White" /> McCown also had a bruised thigh at the time of his benching, but that reportedly may not have been a major factor in the decision to start Culpepper, with Kiffin stating, "I felt it was time to go with Daunte and see if he can give us a little spark," and "It's nothing against Josh."<ref name="Culpepperstart" /><ref name="White">{{Cite web |last=White |first=David |date=November 14, 2007 |title=Daunte Culpepper will start in homecoming |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/raiders/2007/11/14/daunte-culpepper-will-start-in-homecoming/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906173512/http://blog.sfgate.com/raiders/2007/11/14/daunte-culpepper-will-start-in-homecoming/ |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[SFGate]]}}</ref> McCown ended up being inactive for the Vikings game due to his injury.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2007 |title=Jordan inactive for Raiders,; Winfield returns for Vikings |url=http://www.twincities.com/2007/11/18/jordan-inactive-for-raiders-winfield-returns-for-vikings/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120004445/http://www.twincities.com/2007/11/18/jordan-inactive-for-raiders-winfield-returns-for-vikings/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]]}}</ref><ref name="Culpepperstart">{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2007 |title=Culpepper will start for Raiders |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/11/14/culpepper-will-start-for-raiders/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120004908/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/11/14/culpepper-will-start-for-raiders/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref> Culpepper then started the next game against the Chiefs, but suffered a sore [[quadriceps]] during the game that intensified later in the week.<ref name="culpepper3">{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2007 |title=Injured Culpepper rests sore leg; McCown also hurt |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-11-29-1620281313_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120013007/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-11-29-1620281313_x.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Due to his injury, Culpepper did not play in another game that season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2007 |title=Culpepper, Fargas Done For Season |url=http://football.realgm.com/wiretap/6984/Culpepper-Fargas-Done-For-Season |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120041053/http://football.realgm.com/wiretap/6984/Culpepper-Fargas-Done-For-Season |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |publisher=[[RealGM]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Transactions |url=https://proxy.espn.com/nfl/transactions/_/date/20071228 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120041158/http://proxy.espn.com/nfl/transactions/_/date/20071228 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> McCown started the next game against the Broncos.<ref name="russell">{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2007 |title=Russell makes debut, McCown steals show in Raiders' win over Broncos |url=http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/12/02/russell-makes-debut-mccown-steals-show-in-raiders-win-over-broncos/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120020342/http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/12/02/russell-makes-debut-mccown-steals-show-in-raiders-win-over-broncos/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref> During the game, McCown threw for 141 yards, 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a then career-high 125.2 [[passer rating]] as the Raiders beat the Broncos by a score of 34–20.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 30, 2013 |title=McCown had best career game versus Cutler |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/chalk-talk/article-1/McCown-had-best-career-game-versus-Cutler/d346e424-5f5d-4c76-8948-589864fd1c62 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820010602/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/chalk-talk/article-1/McCown-had-best-career-game-versus-Cutler/d346e424-5f5d-4c76-8948-589864fd1c62 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> McCown then started the next three games,<ref name="all" /> but number-one overall draft pick [[JaMarcus Russell]] played the majority of McCown's third start.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2007 |title=Jags Hammer Raiders to Earn No. 5 Seed |url=http://newsok.com/article/3184479 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225055319/http://newsok.com/article/3184479 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |website=NewsOK.com |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Russell also started the final game of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=December 24, 2007 |title=Top pick Russell draws Chargers in first career start |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3167941 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120214126/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3167941 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=JaMarcus Russell 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RussJa00/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522214401/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RussJa00/gamelog/2007 |archive-date=May 22, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

McCown played in 9 games, all starts, in 2007, and completed 111 of 190 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, while also rushing for 143 yards.<ref name="pfr" /> The Raiders finished the year with a 4–12 record and were 2–7 in games that McCown started.<ref name="pfr" /> In 2007, he was the final winner of the [[NFL Quarterback Challenge]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Justin |date=January 24, 2012 |title=The NFL should bring back the Quarterback Challenge |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2012/01/the_nfl_should_bring_back_the.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160805012403/http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2012/01/the_nfl_should_bring_back_the.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[MLive Media Group]]}}</ref> He became a free agent on February 29, 2008.<ref name="fox" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Balzer |first=Howard |date=February 28, 2008 |title=NFL free-agent rankings: Best players available |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-02-24-free-agent-rankings_N.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915170318/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-02-24-free-agent-rankings_N.htm |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

=== Miami Dolphins ===
On February 29, 2008, McCown signed a two-year contract worth $6.25 million with the Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2008 |title=Friday roundup: Active Dolphins sign McCown, Wilford |url=http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story/09000d5d806f3718/article/friday-roundup-active-dolphins-sign-mccown-wilford |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120223105/http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story/09000d5d806f3718/article/friday-roundup-active-dolphins-sign-mccown-wilford |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> A chance to compete for the starting job factored into his decision to sign with Miami.<ref name="trade">{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Andrew |date=September 2, 2008 |title=Mason's Minutes: A QB's new home |url=http://www.panthers.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=37210 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209012213/http://www.panthers.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=37210 |archive-date=February 9, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Carolina Panthers]]}}</ref> Prior to training camp in July, McCown needed six stitches in his throwing hand's index finger. He was holding firewood and his brother [[Luke McCown|Luke]] accidentally grazed Josh's finger with a chainsaw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Efgar |date=July 16, 2008 |title=McCown on injured finger: "Everything's fine" |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/07/16/mccown_on_injured_finger_every.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724161435/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/07/16/mccown_on_injured_finger_every.html |archive-date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=[[The Palm Beach Post]]}}</ref>

On August 4, 2008, the Dolphins released their first [[depth chart]] of the season and had McCown listed as the starter over [[John Beck (gridiron football)|John Beck]] and [[Chad Henne]]. However, head coach [[Tony Sparano]] said that Beck and Henne had not been ruled out as potential starters for the team's first preseason game on August 9.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2008 |title=Dolphins release depth chart, list McCown as starting quarterback |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d809bc300/article/dolphins-release-depth-chart-list-mccown-as-starting-quarterback |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120225048/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d809bc300/article/dolphins-release-depth-chart-list-mccown-as-starting-quarterback |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Free agent quarterback [[Chad Pennington]] signed with the Dolphins on August 8 and was expected to be the team's starter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2008 |title=Dolphins sign ex-Jet Chad Pennington |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2008101924_nfl09.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120225735/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2008101924_nfl09.html |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="Gonzalez">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Antonio |date=August 25, 2008 |title=Dolphins announce Chad Pennington will start at QB |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-08-25-1857037939_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120225848/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-08-25-1857037939_x.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Dave |date=August 8, 2008 |title=Ex-Jet Chad Pennington signs with Dolphins |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2008/08/exjet_chad_pennington_signs_wi.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170120234412/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2008/08/exjet_chad_pennington_signs_wi.html |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[NJ.com]]}}</ref> McCown played in the team's first preseason game on August 9 but not until the fourth quarter of the contest.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2008 |title=Dolphins offense sputters in face of strong Bucs defense |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/recap?gameId=280809015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120232543/http://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/recap?gameId=280809015 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He then failed to appear in the team's final three preseason games.<ref name="Panthers">{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2008 |title=Panthers acquire QB McCown from Dolphins |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?id=3560207&section=nfl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120234321/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire?id=3560207&section=nfl |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salguero |first=Armando |date=August 28, 2008 |title=Josh McCown's preseason ends with 10 plays |url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/josh-mccowns-pr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120233807/http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/josh-mccowns-pr.html |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref> Pennington was officially named the team's starter on August 25, before the team's last preseason game on August 28.<ref name="Gonzalez" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Miami Dolphins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2008.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023024134/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2008.htm |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Carolina Panthers ===
[[File:Josh McCown before the snap (3812160887) (cropped).jpg|thumb|250px|McCown practicing with the Carolina Panthers in 2009|alt=A photo of a helmeted football player pointing his finger while on a practice field]]
On August 29, 2008, before the start of the regular season, the Panthers acquired McCown from the Dolphins for a seventh-round pick (#237 overall) in the [[2009 NFL draft]].<ref name="Panthers" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=August 31, 2008 |title=Afternoon roundup: Practice squads, Gruden praises Garcia |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/230/afternoon-roundup-practice-squads-gruden-praises-garcia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121002157/http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/230/afternoon-roundup-practice-squads-gruden-praises-garcia |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> The move came a day after Panthers quarterback [[Matt Moore (American football)|Matt Moore]] suffered a leg injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=August 29, 2008 |title=McCown traded to Panthers; Dolphins to get draft pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3560192 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120234604/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3560192 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref name="Panthers" /> However, general manager [[Marty Hurney]] said that the trade for McCown was not in response to Moore's injury, with Hurney stating, "Josh is a guy that we've liked for the last several years when he was in unrestricted free agency."<ref name="Panthers" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=August 30, 2008 |title=Panthers trade for QB McCown |url=http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article12233270.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126214442/http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article12233270.html |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=[[The Herald (Rock Hill)|The Herald]]}}</ref> McCown was the backup to [[Jake Delhomme]] for all 16 games in 2008.<ref name="CAR" /> He was also the backup for the team's [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) Divisional Round loss to the Cardinals.<ref name="CAR" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Carolina Panthers Schedule & Game Results |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2008_games.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000759/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2008_games.htm |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He played in two games in 2008.<ref name="all" /> He relieved Delhomme late in the fourth quarter of a 24–9 win against the Falcons, but the only statistics he recorded were three end-of-game [[Quarterback kneel|kneeldowns]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – September 28th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809280car.htm#all_pbp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000013/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809280car.htm#all_pbp |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Person |first1=Joe |last2=Jones |first2=Jonathan |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Inside the Panthers: Postgame questions answered |url=http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2008/09/postgame-questi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905082128/http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2008/09/postgame-questi.html |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref> He also relieved Delhomme early in the fourth quarter of a 34–0 win against the Chiefs, but he only recorded one end-of-game kneeldown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cranston |first=Mike |date=October 5, 2008 |title=Panthers dominate Chiefs 34–0 to move to 4–1 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-10-05-469513341_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121012546/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-10-05-469513341_x.htm |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers – October 5th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050car.htm#all_pbp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423151037/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050car.htm#all_pbp |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

McCown beat out Moore for the primary backup quarterback job in 2009.<ref name="Cranston">{{Cite web |last=Cranston |first=Mike |date=September 14, 2009 |title=Fox sticking with Delhomme as Panthers QB |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-fbn-panthers-delhomme-091409-2009sep14-story%2Camp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121014839/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-fbn-panthers-delhomme-091409-2009sep14-story%2Camp.html |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 1 against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] on September 13, McCown entered the game late in the third quarter in relief of Delhomme, who had committed five turnovers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2009 |title=McNabb injured in Eagles' 38–10 rout of Panthers |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-09-13-eagles-panthers_N.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121015211/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-09-13-eagles-panthers_N.htm |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="eagles" /> McCown completed 1 of 6 passes for 2 yards before spraining both his left knee and left foot on the same play early in the fourth quarter.<ref name="all" /><ref name="Cranston" /><ref name="Mason">{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Andrew |date=September 14, 2009 |title=Minutes: McCown headed to injured |url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-1/Minutes-McCown-headed-to-injured-reserve/5c6de1b5-d5d9-487c-b005-bf98338c16df |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922220817/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-1/Minutes-McCown-headed-to-injured-reserve/5c6de1b5-d5d9-487c-b005-bf98338c16df |archive-date=September 22, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Carolina Panthers]]}}</ref> McCown was then relieved by Moore as the Panthers lost to the Eagles by a score of 38–10.<ref name="eagles">{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2009 |title=#Panthers, Delhomme have pitiful showing in opening loss to #Eagles |url=http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2009/09/panthers-delhomme-have-pitiful-showing-in-opening-loss-to-eagles-2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922214658/http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2009/09/panthers-delhomme-have-pitiful-showing-in-opening-loss-to-eagles-2.html |archive-date=September 22, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref> McCown was placed on [[injured reserve]] on September 14, ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=September 14, 2009 |title=Panthers put McCown on IR, might chase Feeley |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/14/panthers-put-mccown-on-ir-might-chase-feeley/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121021446/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/14/panthers-put-mccown-on-ir-might-chase-feeley/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> He became a free agent in March 2010.<ref name="fox" />

=== Hartford Colonials ===
McCown was signed by the [[Hartford Colonials]] of the [[United Football League (2009)|United Football League]] (UFL) on August 3, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=August 3, 2010 |title=Josh McCown jumps to the UFL {{pipe}} ProFootballTalk |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/03/josh-mccown-jumps-to-the-ufl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106125506/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/03/josh-mccown-jumps-to-the-ufl/ |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2010 |title=QB Josh McCown agrees to deal with UFL team |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5434244 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110213519/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5434244 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He received an offer from the [[Chicago Bears]] shortly after signing with the Colonials, but decided to stay with the Colonials due to wanting to honor his contract and to receive more playing time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Kevin |date=August 21, 2010 |title=Hartford Colonials QB McCown still chasing NFL dream |url=http://www.newstimes.com/football/article/Hartford-Colonials-QB-McCown-still-chasing-NFL-625154.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121031719/http://www.newstimes.com/football/article/Hartford-Colonials-QB-McCown-still-chasing-NFL-625154.php |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[The News-Times]]}}</ref><ref name="espn" /> Regarding honoring his contract, McCown later said, "It just didn't sit well with me" and that he felt it would be a bad example to his kids to say, "Give your word to somebody until something better comes along and then break that."<ref name="espn">{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=June 19, 2014 |title=Bucs' Josh McCown won't go quietly |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140619/josh-mccown-traveled-winding-road-tampa-bay-buccaneers-starting-quarterback-job |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804231525/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140619/josh-mccown-traveled-winding-road-tampa-bay-buccaneers-starting-quarterback-job |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |url-status=live |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> In 2011, McCown said, "I think I'm further along now than I would have been if I would have just sat on an (NFL) roster last year and been a backup because I played eight games," and "I think you're only getting better when you're taking reps, so I really valued that."<ref name="Branch" /> McCown threw for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns in the season-opening 27–10 victory over the [[Sacramento Mountain Lions]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2010 |title=Josh McCown, Hartford Colonials Rip Sacramento in UFL Opener |url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/09/18/josh-mccown-hartford-colonials-rip-sacramento-in-ufl-opener/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110214446/http://www.aolnews.com/2010/09/18/josh-mccown-hartford-colonials-rip-sacramento-in-ufl-opener/ |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[AOL News]]}}</ref> He was named the Offensive Player of the Week for Week 1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Hartford Colonials QB Josh McCown Selected as UFL Offensive Player of the Week |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/hartford-colonials-qb-josh-mccown-selected-as-ufl-offensive-player-of-the-week/n-4093583 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020416/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/hartford-colonials-qb-josh-mccown-selected-as-ufl-offensive-player-of-the-week/n-4093583 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=OurSportsCentral.com}}</ref> In Week 2, he completed 22 of 25 passes for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2010 |title=Garcia's TD pass with 6 seconds left caps dramatic win for 'model' UFL team in Omaha |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/garcias-td-pass-with-6-seconds-left-caps-dramatic-win-for-model-ufl-team-in-omaha/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121023816/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/09/24/strong-nfl-flavor-ufl-model-franchise-omaha-nighthawks-open-record-crowd.html |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=[[Fox News]] |url-status=live |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 4, he threw for 223 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2010 |title=Colonials lose second straight game, 33–22, to Florida |url=http://echoflam.com/colonials-lose-second-straight-game-33-22-to-florida/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121025122/http://echoflam.com/colonials-lose-second-straight-game-33-22-to-florida/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=EchoFlam.com}}</ref> McCown passed for 1,463 yards and 10 touchdowns with 8 interceptions in 8 games during the [[2010 UFL season|2010 season]].<ref name="espn" /> His 79.3 passer rating was the highest in the UFL in 2010.<ref name="Branch">{{Cite news |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=August 18, 2011 |title=49ers sign QB Josh McCown |work=[[SFGate]] |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/49ers-sign-QB-Josh-McCown-2334690.php |access-date=August 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803231550/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/49ers-sign-QB-Josh-McCown-2334690.php |archive-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> The Colonials finished the year with a 3–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Paul |date=July 28, 2011 |title=UFL Won't Admit Hartford Colonials Ship Has Sunk&nbsp;... Yet |url=https://www.courant.com/2011/07/28/ufl-wont-admit-hartford-colonials-ship-has-sunk-yet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005180659/http://articles.courant.com/2011-07-28/sports/hc-hartford-colonials-ufl-fold-20110727_1_hartford-colonials-ufl-virginia-destroyers |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |work=[[Hartford Courant]]}}</ref> He was a [[team captain]] while with the Colonials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Paul |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Colonials Not Sure What To Expect In Opener |url=https://www.courant.com/2010/09/17/colonials-not-sure-what-to-expect-in-opener/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124035424/http://articles.courant.com/2010-09-17/sports/hc-colonials-ufl-advance-0918-20100917_1_hartford-colonials-ufl-college-football |archive-date=January 24, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Hartford Courant]]}}</ref>

=== San Francisco 49ers ===
On August 17, 2011, McCown signed a one-year contract for the minimum of $810,000 with the 49ers.<ref name="Branch" /> He was expected to be the team's third-string quarterback behind starter [[Alex Smith]] and rookie [[Colin Kaepernick]] but was released by the 49ers on September 3, 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/49ers-sign-third-string-qb-mccown-from-ufl/1254863/ | title=49ers sign third-string QB McCown from UFL | publisher=[[NBC Sports]] | date=December 1, 2012 | accessdate=January 3, 2024 | author=Maiocco, Matt}}</ref><ref name="Branch" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/SF-49ers-pare-rosters-QB-Josh-McCown-cut-2310829.php | title=SF 49ers pare rosters - QB Josh McCown cut | work=[[SFGate]] | date=September 4, 2011 | accessdate=January 3, 2024 | author=Branch, Eric}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Taylor |date=September 3, 2011 |title=49ers Trim Roster to 53 |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Trim-Roster-to-53/92ee2224-4fec-4382-9c77-9bd94dc4bec2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121033056/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Trim-Roster-to-53/92ee2224-4fec-4382-9c77-9bd94dc4bec2 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |publisher=[[San Francisco 49ers]]}}</ref>

=== Chicago Bears ===

==== 2011 ====
[[File:Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers 2.jpg|thumb|right|McCown (15) lines up against the [[Green Bay Packers]] in 2011|alt=A photo of two football teams lined up against each other during a game]]
On November 23, 2011, McCown signed with the Bears, as a backup to [[Caleb Hanie]], after an injury to starting quarterback [[Jay Cutler]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=November 23, 2011 |title=Bears sign Josh McCown |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/23/bears-sign-josh-mccown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020436/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/23/bears-sign-josh-mccown/ |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=Brad |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Smith won't commit to making change at QB |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/19/smith-wont-commit-to-making-change-at-qb/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121213610/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-19/sports/chi-smith-wont-commit-to-making-change-at-qb-20111219_1_caleb-hanie-jay-cutler-krenzel-and-chad-hutchinson |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> On December 18, 2011, McCown came in for Hanie with five minutes left in the fourth quarter of a 38–14 loss to the Seahawks at [[Soldier Field]]. McCown threw twice, one for a 12-yard gain, and the other was intercepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Taft |first1=Jay |last2=Trowbridge |first2=Matt |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Bears notebook: Bears may have QB decision to make |url=http://www.heraldnews.com/x435678222/Bears-notebook-Bears-may-have-QB-decision-to-make |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121214112/http://www.heraldnews.com/x435678222/Bears-notebook-Bears-may-have-QB-decision-to-make |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Herald News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodd |first=Mike |date=December 18, 2011 |title=Seahawks hand Bears fourth loss in a row, get to .500 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/story/2011-12-18/Bears-1219/52052956/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121214623/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/story/2011-12-18/Bears-1219/52052956/1 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> On December 21, 2011, the Bears announced that McCown would start on the Christmas Day game against the defending champion Packers, due to Hanie's struggles since taking over for the injured Cutler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briggs |first=Brad |date=December 21, 2011 |title=McCown gets call to start vs. Packers |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/21/mccown-gets-call-to-start-vs-packers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121211857/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-21/sports/chi-mccown-gets-call-to-start-vs-packers-20111221_1_packers-jay-cutler-caleb-hanie |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=December 21, 2011 |title=Bears bench Caleb Hanie, Josh McCown will start |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/21/bears-bench-caleb-hanie-josh-mccown-will-start/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606101511/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/21/bears-bench-caleb-hanie-josh-mccown-will-start/ |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> McCown completed 19 of 28 passes for 242 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions in the 35–21 loss.<ref name="all" /> In Week 17 against the Vikings, McCown completed 15 of 20 passes for 160 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception for a 75.4 passer rating, but was [[Quarterback sack|sacked]] seven times. The Bears won 17–13.<ref name="all" />

==== 2012 ====
[[File:Josh McCown (cropped).JPG|thumb|left|120px|McCown with the Chicago Bears in 2011|alt=A photo of a helmetless football player in a white #15 jersey holding his helmet]]
On March 14, 2012, McCown was signed to a one-year deal by the Bears, and was reassigned a new number from 15 to 12 after [[Brandon Marshall]] joined the team before McCown signed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=March 14, 2012 |title=Bears agree to deal with Josh McCown |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-agrees-to-one-year-contract/75A51D0C-0907-446A-A84D-F30EEBF716F5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121215726/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-agrees-to-one-year-contract/75A51D0C-0907-446A-A84D-F30EEBF716F5 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> On August 31, McCown was waived by the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Evan |date=August 31, 2012 |title=Bears cut nine, including Josh McCown |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/31/bears-cut-nine-including-josh-mccown/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121225931/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/31/bears-cut-nine-including-josh-mccown/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> On November 12, McCown was again re-signed by the Bears after starting quarterback Cutler sustained a concussion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=November 13, 2012 |title=Bears re-sign backup QB McCown |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-chicago-bears-josh-mccown-20121113,0,7812555.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113190902/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-chicago-bears-josh-mccown-20121113,0,7812555.story |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2012 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> McCown then was [[Jason Campbell]]'s backup for the game against the 49ers on November 19.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2012 |title=Campbell sacked 6 times, Bears lose 32–7 at 49ers |url=http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2012/nov/20/campbell-sacked-6-times%2C-bears-lose-32-7-at-49ers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121221356/http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2012/nov/20/campbell-sacked-6-times%2C-bears-lose-32-7-at-49ers |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Gazette (Janesville, Wisconsin)|The Gazette]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=LeGere |first=Bob |date=November 13, 2012 |title=Bears decide to bring back QB McCown |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121113/sports/711139839/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121221546/http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121113/sports/711139839/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]]}}</ref> Cutler then returned from injury and McCown was inactive as the third-string quarterback for the final six games of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=November 24, 2012 |title=Jay Cutler cleared to return from concussion, will start vs. Vikings |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/24/jay-cutler-cleared-to-return-from-concussion-will-start-vs-vikings/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121230835/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/24/jay-cutler-cleared-to-return-from-concussion-will-start-vs-vikings/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref><ref name="McClure">{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=March 29, 2013 |title=Chicago Bears news: Bears and quarterback Josh McCown OK one-year deal |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/03/29/bears-and-qb-mccown-agree-to-one-year-deal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307051426/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-29/sports/chi-chicago-bears-quarterback-josh-mccown-20130329_1_jay-cutler-jason-campbell-2013-season |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.kffl.com/player/45/nfl/news/josh-mccown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215064239/http://www.kffl.com/player/45/nfl/news/josh-mccown |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=KFFL.com}}</ref>

==== 2013 ====
Despite becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2013, on March 29, McCown signed a one-year deal with the Bears.<ref name="McClure" /> In Week 7 against the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]], McCown entered the game in the second quarter after Cutler suffered a groin injury. McCown completed 14 of 20 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown to [[Martellus Bennett]], but the Bears lost 45–41.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Bears lose game, Cutler in Washington |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20131020/sports/710209889/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303074141/http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20131020/sports/710209889/ |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On November 4, McCown, starting in place of the injured Cutler, led the Bears to a victory over the rival Packers on ''[[Monday Night Football]]''. McCown threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 27–20 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=November 4, 2013 |title=McCown makes key throws in Bears victory |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-makes-key-throws-in-Bears-victory/c42c8ebd-a498-42fc-aaf9-a41f7e2f9cef |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108020445/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-makes-key-throws-in-Bears-victory/c42c8ebd-a498-42fc-aaf9-a41f7e2f9cef |archive-date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> Cutler started the Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions and suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter but stayed in the game. However, with Cutler's ankle potentially limiting his mobility for the [[Hurry-up offense#Two-minute drill|two-minute drill]], he was replaced by McCown for the final drive. McCown then guided the Bears to a 74-yard touchdown drive, completing 6 of 9 passes for 62 yards and an 11-yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall. However, the Bears lost 21–19.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2013 |title=Cutler hampered by ankle injury in loss to Lions |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Cutler-hampered-by-ankle-injury-in-loss-to-Lions/9b3f378e-3cc8-4508-b9b4-0bbe0bc9341a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121232909/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Cutler-hampered-by-ankle-injury-in-loss-to-Lions/9b3f378e-3cc8-4508-b9b4-0bbe0bc9341a |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2013 |title=Postgame notes – Bears vs. Lions week 10 |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Postgame-notes---Bears-vs-Lions-week-10/f90e164e-53a1-4c81-b4e6-8b18d2063af4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121232815/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Postgame-notes---Bears-vs-Lions-week-10/f90e164e-53a1-4c81-b4e6-8b18d2063af4 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> McCown started his second game against the Ravens, completing 19 of 31 passes for 216 yards with 1 touchdown and a 92.9 passer rating in a 23–20 victory,<ref name="all" /> In the last four games, McCown had thrown for 754 yards, 5 touchdowns, no interceptions and a 100.0 passer rating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=November 18, 2013 |title=Josh McCown to start Sunday on road against Rams |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Josh-McCown-to-start-Sunday-on-road-against-Rams/4a1cbc74-c351-453e-9262-a163f736f05b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202435/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Josh-McCown-to-start-Sunday-on-road-against-Rams/4a1cbc74-c351-453e-9262-a163f736f05b |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> McCown started Week 12 against the [[St. Louis Rams]] and completed a franchise-record 36 passes for 352 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=November 25, 2013 |title=McCown expected to start again Sunday in Minnesota |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-expected-to-start-again-Sunday-in-Minnesota/ae156d2e-75ba-4b90-927e-c63cc736b3a9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121234544/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-expected-to-start-again-Sunday-in-Minnesota/ae156d2e-75ba-4b90-927e-c63cc736b3a9 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> The next week against the Vikings, McCown threw for a season-high 355 yards, completing 23 of 36 passes for 2 touchdowns and a 114.9 rating.<ref name="all" /> In Week 14 against the Cowboys, McCown threw for a career-high 4 touchdowns and ran for another while completing 27 of 36 passes for 348 yards and a career-high 141.9 passer rating en route to a 45–28 victory. McCown became the first Bears quarterback to score five touchdowns in a game since [[Jack Concannon]] in 1970. McCown was  named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=December 11, 2013 |title=McCown wins player of week honors |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-wins-player-of-week-honors/650a00cd-24b4-41ff-a396-60b4d230a9b3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121234937/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-wins-player-of-week-honors/650a00cd-24b4-41ff-a396-60b4d230a9b3 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2013 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> He was also the first Bears quarterback to throw for 300 yards in three straight games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 9, 2016 |title=Bears fall to 1–4 with loss to Colts |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-fall-to-1-4-with-loss-to-Colts/3de161bf-9546-48ad-a8b7-e112b0174fa8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122000139/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-fall-to-1-4-with-loss-to-Colts/3de161bf-9546-48ad-a8b7-e112b0174fa8 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> Cutler then returned from injury to start the final three games of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiederer |first=Dan |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Chicago Bears Jay Cutler to start Sunday |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/12/12/cutler-to-start-vs-browns-its-good-to-be-back/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319052931/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-12-12/sports/chi-jay-cutler-chicago-bears-20131212_1_jay-cutler-josh-mccown-marc-trestman |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jay Cutler 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CutlJa00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202004418/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CutlJa00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

McCown ended the 2013 season completing 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,829 yards with 13 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 109.0 passer rating, the third-highest behind [[Peyton Manning]] and [[Nick Foles]] and the best in Bears history.<ref name="all" /><ref name="Mayer">{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=January 14, 2014 |title=Bears QBs had unprecedented success |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-QBs-had-unprecedented-success/a8fb40f6-b1c3-4788-ad46-cbd1eff33eae |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122000508/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-QBs-had-unprecedented-success/a8fb40f6-b1c3-4788-ad46-cbd1eff33eae |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=January 29, 2014 |title=McCown wants to remain with Bears |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-wants-to-remain-with-Bears/956ad32c-1ac7-4031-a3bc-248d2fed2e9f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201174408/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-wants-to-remain-with-Bears/956ad32c-1ac7-4031-a3bc-248d2fed2e9f |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> He also had the NFL's lowest interception percentage at 0.4%.<ref name="browns" /> The combination of McCown and Cutler set Bears records with 32 touchdown passes, 4,450 yards, a 64.4 completion percentage and a 96.9 passer rating.<ref name="Mayer" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arkush |first=Hub |date=January 11, 2014 |title=QB review: Cutler, McCown played outstanding |url=http://www.profootballweekly.com/2014/01/10/qb-review-cutler-mccown-played-outstanding/aaqtr8m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122002358/http://www.profootballweekly.com/2014/01/10/qb-review-cutler-mccown-played-outstanding/aaqtr8m/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[Pro Football Weekly]]}}</ref> The Bears finished the season with an 8–8 record and were 3–2 in games that McCown started.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2013.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127092953/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2013.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On January 24, 2014, McCown was named to the ''[[USA Today]]'' All-Joe Team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=January 24, 2014 |title=McCown, Slauson on 'All-Joe' team |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-Slauson-on-All-Joe-team/5203d799-d6ec-4538-8cd1-bfc7e54d7bf9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202105/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/McCown-Slauson-on-All-Joe-team/5203d799-d6ec-4538-8cd1-bfc7e54d7bf9 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=January 24, 2014 |title=USA Today Sports' 22nd All-Joe team full of unsung Seahawks, Broncos |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/01/24/all-joe-usa-today-broncos-seahawks/4813797/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805113515/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/01/24/all-joe-usa-today-broncos-seahawks/4813797/ |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He was awarded the [[Brian Piccolo Award]] by the Bears in May 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=May 6, 2014 |title=Mills, McCown win Piccolo Awards |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Mills-McCown-win-Piccolo-Awards/22453824-14a2-4f2c-97ec-226b17c8ec13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122001154/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Mills-McCown-win-Piccolo-Awards/22453824-14a2-4f2c-97ec-226b17c8ec13 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=May 6, 2014 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref>

[[File:Josh McCown vs. Redskins 2014 Cropped.jpg|thumb|McCown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014|alt=A zoomed-in photo of a helmeted football player in a white #12 jersey]]

=== Tampa Bay Buccaneers ===
On March 12, 2014, McCown signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cummings |first=Roy |date=March 12, 2014 |title=Bucs sign QB Josh McCown to be starter |url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-sign-qb-josh-mccown-to-2-year-deal-20140312/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122003141/http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-sign-qb-josh-mccown-to-2-year-deal-20140312/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Tampa Tribune]]}}</ref> Another $5 million was available based on playoff appearances and playing time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Michael C. |date=March 13, 2014 |title=QB Josh McCown joins Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10595589/josh-mccown-signs-tampa-bay-buccaneers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122003120/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10595589/josh-mccown-signs-tampa-bay-buccaneers |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> He was immediately named the starter by new Buccaneers head coach and his former head coach in Chicago, [[Lovie Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shelton |first=Gary |date=March 13, 2014 |title=Bucs sign Josh McCown to start over Mike Glennon |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-sign-josh-mccown-to-start-over-glennon/2169914/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313090754/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-sign-josh-mccown-to-start-over-glennon/2169914 |archive-date=March 13, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> In Week 3 against the Falcons, he suffered a thumb injury late in the second quarter and was replaced by [[Mike Glennon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 19, 2014 |title=Buccaneers' Josh McCown injured during blowout |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-josh-mccown-injured-during-blowout-0ap3000000396956 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202074149/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000396956/article/buccaneers-josh-mccown-injured-during-blowout |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> Glennon took over as the starter in Week 4, leading the Buccaneers to a 27–24 win over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] but lost the next four games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mike Glennon 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GlenMi00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005513/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GlenMi00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> McCown then returned from injury and started the final eight games of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=November 5, 2014 |title=Josh McCown to start for Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11826971/josh-mccown-excited-start-tampa-bay-buccaneers-says-feels-mike-glennon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122004744/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11826971/josh-mccown-excited-start-tampa-bay-buccaneers-says-feels-mike-glennon |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref name="all" /> He threw for 2,206 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while also rushing for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns in 11 games, all starts, during the [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]].<ref name="TB">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811074558/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Buccaneers finished the year with a 2–14 record and were 1–10 in games that McCown started.<ref name="TB" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020416/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2014.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> McCown was a team captain while with the Buccaneers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=February 11, 2015 |title=Buccaneers Release QB Josh McCown |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Buccaneers-Release-QB-Josh-McCown/8fa1dd5c-fb3a-4bd4-8d11-4d4249afa91c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123012000/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Buccaneers-Release-QB-Josh-McCown/8fa1dd5c-fb3a-4bd4-8d11-4d4249afa91c |archive-date=January 23, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]}}</ref> On February 11, 2015, after underperforming, he was released after just one season with the Buccaneers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=February 11, 2015 |title=Buccaneers release quarterback Josh McCown |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-release-quarterback-josh-mccown-0ap3000000470106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216112946/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000470106/article/buccaneers-release-quarterback-josh-mccown |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Tom |date=February 11, 2015 |title=Bucs make good move cutting Josh McCown loose |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tom-jones-bucs-make-good-move-cutting-mccown-loose/2217358/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126220712/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tom-jones-bucs-make-good-move-cutting-mccown-loose/2217358 |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref>

=== Cleveland Browns ===

==== 2015 ====
[[File:Josh McCown Browns 2015.jpg|left|thumb|150px|McCown with the Browns in 2015|alt=A photo of a helmeted football player in a white #13 jersey with the words "Cleveland" on it]]
On February 27, 2015, McCown signed a three-year contract worth $14 million with the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=February 27, 2015 |title=Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns reach 3-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-cleveland-browns-reach-3-year-deal-0ap3000000474978 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826215050/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000474978/article/josh-mccown-cleveland-browns-reach-3year-deal |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |url-status=live |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> In May 2015, head coach [[Mike Pettine]] said that McCown was No. 1 on the depth chart at quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2015 |title=Browns declare Josh McCown starter, Johnny Manziel needs to focus on self |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-declare-josh-mccown-starter-johnny-manziel-needs-to-focus-on-self/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804000115/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-declare-josh-mccown-starter-johnny-manziel-needs-to-focus-on-self/ |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref>

McCown started the Week 1 game against the [[New York Jets]]. At the end of his first drive, he made a 13-yard run and tried to jump into the endzone, but he fumbled inches away from the goal line and was taken out of the game due to a concussion.<ref name="Cabot">{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 13, 2015 |title=Johnny Manziel relieves Josh McCown after concussion, but Cleveland Browns bow to New York Jets, 31–10 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_new_york_jets_1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122012421/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_new_york_jets_1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref>  McCown returned from his injury in a Week 3 game against the Raiders on September 27, where he threw for 341 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception as the Browns lost by a score of 27–20.<ref name="all" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=September 23, 2015 |title=Browns QB Josh McCown cleared to return, set to start vs. Raiders |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-QB-Josh-McCown-cleared-to-return-set-to-start-vs-Raiders/3482b7da-4059-4d65-bbd6-d8061180e40a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130175109/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-QB-Josh-McCown-cleared-to-return-set-to-start-vs-Raiders/3482b7da-4059-4d65-bbd6-d8061180e40a |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref> His brother Luke also started for the [[New Orleans Saints]] the same day, marking the first time both McCown brothers had started on the same day since December 9, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=September 26, 2015 |title=McCown brothers start on same day for first time since 2007 |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/26/mccown-brothers-start-on-same-day-for-first-time-since-2007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223002123/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/26/mccown-brothers-start-on-same-day-for-first-time-since-2007/ |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> Josh then threw for 356 yards and 2 touchdowns against the [[San Diego Chargers]] but the Browns lost by a score of 30–27.<ref name="all" /> In a 33–30 overtime victory over the [[Baltimore Ravens]] in Week 5, he set a new career high and the Browns record for passing yards in a regular season game with 457 as the Browns moved to 2–3 while McCown was named the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2015 |title=Josh McCown etches names in Browns' record book |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/cleveland-browns-josh-mccown-brian-sipe-bernie-kosar-passing-yardage-record-101115 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122015449/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/cleveland-browns-josh-mccown-brian-sipe-bernie-kosar-passing-yardage-record-101115 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2015 |website=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref><ref name="cle">{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Browns QB Josh McCown named AFC Offensive Player of the Week |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-QB-Josh-McCown-named-AFC-Offensive-Player-of-the-Week/51bbdf6f-cafb-468d-a470-10aba7fd6544 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122015435/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-QB-Josh-McCown-named-AFC-Offensive-Player-of-the-Week/51bbdf6f-cafb-468d-a470-10aba7fd6544 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2015 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref><ref name="browns" /> This was the Browns' first victory in Baltimore since the 2007 season.<ref name="cle" /> McCown also became the first player in NFL history to record more than 450 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and no interceptions in one game.<ref name="Piker" /> He was also the first player in Browns history to pass for more than 300 yards in three straight games and his 1,154 yards set a record for most in a three-game span in franchise history, surpassing the former record of 1,038 set by [[Brian Sipe]] in 1980.<ref name="Piker" /><ref name="browns">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/roster/josh-mccown/fcd6f66b-72d6-4db6-a43b-c94f830de45b/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122021524/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/roster/josh-mccown/fcd6f66b-72d6-4db6-a43b-c94f830de45b/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref> The jerseys that McCown and teammate [[Gary Barnidge]] wore during the Week 5 Ravens game were sent to, and displayed, at the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="Piker">{{Cite web |last=Piker |first=Scott |date=October 16, 2015 |title=Barnidge, McCown jerseys heading to the Hall of Fame |url=http://clevelandbrowns.about.com/od/News-and-Notes/fl/Barnidge-McCown-jerseys-heading-to-the-Hall-of-Fame.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803233251/http://clevelandbrowns.about.com/od/News-and-Notes/fl/Barnidge-McCown-jerseys-heading-to-the-Hall-of-Fame.htm |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |publisher=[[About.com]]}}</ref> McCown then started the next three games of the season. During the second game of that stretch against the Rams, McCown hurt his ribs on a hard hit but stayed in the game for three more plays before suffering a shoulder injury and leaving the game with 5:17 left in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=December 2, 2015 |title=Josh McCown revealed he played with broken ribs; Will 'turn it up a notch' in offseason and wants to be part of Browns turnaround |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_revealed_he_played.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122024920/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_revealed_he_played.html%23comments |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=October 26, 2015 |title=Manziel replaces hurt McCown in Browns' loss |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13969966/johnny-manziel-quarterback-cleveland-browns-josh-mccown-hurt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122022352/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13969966/johnny-manziel-quarterback-cleveland-browns-josh-mccown-hurt |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref name="Cabot2">{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=October 25, 2015 |title=Josh McCown leaves 24–6 loss to Rams with shoulder injury, checked for concussion but insists 'I'll be all right' |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/10/josh_mccown_cleveland_browns_2.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122022733/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/10/josh_mccown_cleveland_browns_2.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> On October 30, prior to the game against the Cardinals on November 1, McCown was listed as questionable with shoulder and rib injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=October 30, 2015 |title=Browns' Josh McCown questionable for Cardinals tilt |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-josh-mccown-questionable-for-cardinals-tilt-0ap3000000568851 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122030241/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000568851/article/browns-josh-mccown-questionable-for-cardinals-tilt |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> He ended up starting the game, passing for 211 yards and a season-high 3 touchdowns, which all came in the first half, as the Browns lost by a score of 34–20.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Injuries: McCown to start for Browns; Boldin inactive |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/injuries-mccown-to-start-for-browns-boldin-inactive-0ap3000000569392 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111231727/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000569392/article/injuries-mccown-to-start-for-browns-boldin-inactive |archive-date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Cabot3">{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=November 1, 2015 |title=How Josh McCown waved off Johnny Manziel and will try to start in Cincinnati despite rib injury |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/what_mike_pettines_reasons_wer.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122035741/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/what_mike_pettines_reasons_wer.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> McCown also took several hard hits early in the third quarter, exacerbating his rib injury from the previous week.<ref name="Cabot3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrak |first=Scott |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Cardinals 34, Browns 20: Arizona dominates 2nd half, as Cleveland drops to 2–6 |url=http://www.chroniclet.com/Browns-Notes/2015/11/01/UPDATED-Cardinals-34-Browns-20-Arizona-dominates-2nd-half-as-Cleveland-drops-to-2-6.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122034225/http://www.chroniclet.com/Browns-Notes/2015/11/01/UPDATED-Cardinals-34-Browns-20-Arizona-dominates-2nd-half-as-Cleveland-drops-to-2-6.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=The Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schudel |first=Jeff |date=December 2, 2015 |title=Browns quarterback Josh McCown reveals he played with broken ribs |url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20151202/SPORTS/151209869 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122035114/http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20151202/SPORTS/151209869 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The News-Herald (Ohio)|The News-Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Manoloff |first=Dennis |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Josh McCown earns 'D' in Cleveland Browns' loss to Arizona Cardinals: DMan's QB Report, Week 8 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/cleveland_browns_arizona_cardi_1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122035918/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/cleveland_browns_arizona_cardi_1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> However, he stayed in the game until leaving late in the fourth quarter.<ref name="Cabot3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Palmer throws 4 TD passes as Cardinals beat Browns 34–20 |work=Arizona Sports |url=http://arizonasports.com/story/435130/palmer-throws-4-td-passes-as-cardinals-beat-browns-34-20/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122034909/http://arizonasports.com/story/435130/palmer-throws-4-td-passes-as-cardinals-beat-browns-34-20/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[KMVP-FM]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Due to McCown's injury, [[Johnny Manziel]] started the next two games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=November 4, 2015 |title=Johnny Manziel to start for injured Josh McCown |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14049672/johnny-manziel-cleveland-browns-start-week-9-place-injured-josh-mccown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122040042/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14049672/johnny-manziel-cleveland-browns-start-week-9-place-injured-josh-mccown |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref name="Gribble" /> On November 17, Manziel, coming off a 372-yard performance against the Steelers, was named the starter for the rest of the season,<ref name="Gribble">{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Johnny Manziel takes over as Browns starting QB |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Johnny-Manziel-takes-over-as-Browns-starting-QB/afdfb75a-aba2-47e8-a8e8-c5a260a6c75d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122040504/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Johnny-Manziel-takes-over-as-Browns-starting-QB/afdfb75a-aba2-47e8-a8e8-c5a260a6c75d |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Johnny Manziel named Cleveland Browns starter for rest of the season |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/johnny_manziel_named_cleveland_1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122191940/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/11/johnny_manziel_named_cleveland_1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> but McCown was promoted to starter again after a video surfaced online of Manziel partying.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2015 |title=Browns to start Josh McCown over Johnny Manziel at quarterback |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14215359/cleveland-browns-start-josh-mccown-johnny-manziel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003074337/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14215359/cleveland-browns-start-josh-mccown-johnny-manziel |archive-date=October 3, 2016 |access-date=November 24, 2015 |url-status=live |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> In the ensuing Week 12 rematch against the Ravens on December 1, McCown broke his collarbone late in the third quarter and stayed in for two plays before leaving the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Josh McCown probably done for year with possible broken collarbone; Will Browns go back to Johnny Manziel? |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_possible_broken_collarbone_johnny_manziel.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122041758/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_possible_broken_collarbone_johnny_manziel.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref><ref name="Rosenthal">{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Josh McCown placed on IR with broken collarbone |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-placed-on-ir-with-broken-collarbone-0ap3000000592366 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425222028/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000592366/article/josh-mccown-out-for-season-with-broken-collarbone |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> On December 2, it was announced that McCown would miss the rest of the season with the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Josh McCown out for season with broken collarbone; Mike Pettine not ready to choose between Johnny Manziel or Austin Davis |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_out_for_season_wit.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122042119/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/12/josh_mccown_out_for_season_wit.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve the same day.<ref name="Rosenthal" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2015 |title=Browns' Josh McCown: Placed on injured reserve |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-josh-mccown-placed-on-injured-reserve/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803213013/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-josh-mccown-placed-on-injured-reserve/ |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> He threw for 2,109 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions while also rushing for 98 yards and 1 touchdown in 8 games during the [[2015 NFL season|2015 season]].<ref name="CLE">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808022855/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2015 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Browns finished the year with a 3–13 record and were 1–7 in games that McCown started, despite him posting a passer rating of 93.3 on the season.<ref name="CLE" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Cleveland Browns Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2015.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902102122/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2015.htm |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was the Browns nominee for the [[Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2015 |title=Nominees for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award named |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nominees-for-art-rooney-sportsmanship-award-named-0ap3000000587896 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805015448/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000587896/article/nominees-for-art-rooney-sportsmanship-award-named |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> The local chapter of the [[Pro Football Writers of America]] named McCown its Dino Lucarelli "Good Guy" Award winner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2015 |title=Gary Barnidge, Josh McCown earn local PFWA awards |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Gary-Barnidge-Josh-McCown-earn-local-PFWA-awards/27e109b1-44f6-4e54-8c01-db8b08c5db88 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204140447/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Gary-Barnidge-Josh-McCown-earn-local-PFWA-awards/27e109b1-44f6-4e54-8c01-db8b08c5db88 |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref>

==== 2016 ====
[[File:Cleveland Browns vs. Oakland Raiders (21801672315).jpg|300px|thumb|McCown attempting a pass in 2015|alt=A photo of a quarterback in a brown #13 jersey throwing a pass while an opposing player attempts to block it]]

[[Robert Griffin III]] signed with the Browns in March 2016 and was expected to be the team's starter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=March 25, 2016 |title=Report: Browns expect RG3 to be Week 1 starter regardless of the draft |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/report-browns-expect-rg3-to-be-week-1-starter-regardless-of-the-draft/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122043333/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/report-browns-expect-rg3-to-be-week-1-starter-regardless-of-the-draft/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=January 18, 2017 |title=Robert Griffin III vs. Josh McCown: Updates on Browns' QB Battle |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2649316-robert-griffin-iii-vs-josh-mccown-updates-on-browns-qb-battle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711042318/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2649316-robert-griffin-iii-vs-josh-mccown-updates-on-browns-qb-battle |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> On August 8, 2016, head coach [[Hue Jackson]] officially named Griffin the starter for the 2016 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Browns name Robert Griffin III starting QB |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-name-Robert-Griffin-III-starting-QB/b89aa1a5-acc6-4b6e-99d5-e586c7bb04d4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823004655/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-name-Robert-Griffin-III-starting-QB/b89aa1a5-acc6-4b6e-99d5-e586c7bb04d4 |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref>

A day after the Browns' Week 1 game, the team announced that Griffin would miss at least eight games due to an injury he suffered during the contest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Robert Griffin III on IR for at least 8 games with broken bone in shoulder; Josh McCown to start |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/robert_griffin_iii_shoulder_jo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912183025/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/robert_griffin_iii_shoulder_jo.html |archive-date=September 12, 2016 |access-date=September 12, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> McCown then started the Week 2 game against the Ravens, throwing for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions in the 25–20 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 18, 2016 |title=Josh McCown MRI Monday, battled through painful left shoulder in 25–20 loss to Ravens |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/josh_mccowns_toughness.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919180813/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/josh_mccowns_toughness.html |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=September 19, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> McCown also fractured his left collarbone in the Ravens game but played through the entire game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 23, 2016 |title=Browns QB Josh McCown has another broken collarbone, this time the left |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/josh_mccown_has_broken_collarb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924020753/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/josh_mccown_has_broken_collarb.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> He returned from his injury on October 30,  throwing for 341 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions as the Browns lost 31–28 to the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=October 30, 2016 |title=How Josh McCown shouldered blame for 31–28 loss to the Jets: 'I take this one squarely on me' |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/10/how_josh_mccown_assumed_blame.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107202059/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/10/how_josh_mccown_assumed_blame.html |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> He threw for 228 yards in the first half, which was the most by a Browns quarterback in the first half since 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grossi |first=Tony |date=October 30, 2016 |title=Browns lose eighth in a row, 31–28, to the Jets |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland/post/_/id/2320/browns-lose-eighth-in-a-row-31-28-to-the-jets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107212508/http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland/post/_/id/2320/browns-lose-eighth-in-a-row-31-28-to-the-jets |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> On November 1, McCown and [[Cody Kessler]], who had started in place of McCown and was returning from injury, were listed as co-starters on the Browns unofficial depth chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Zac |date=November 1, 2016 |title=Browns list McCown, Kessler as co-starters |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/11/01/browns-list-mccown-kessler-as-co-starters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122180741/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/11/01/browns-list-mccown-kessler-as-co-starters/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> On November 4, Kessler was named the Browns' starter for the next game, with Jackson saying "I need to know" if he's the Browns quarterback of the future.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulrich |first=Nate |date=November 4, 2016 |title=Hue Jackson names Cody Kessler starter, says Browns need to find out if he can be QB of future |url=http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/hue-jackson-names-cody-kessler-starter-says-browns-need-to-find-out-if-he-can-be-qb-of-future-1.724748 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122181032/http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/hue-jackson-names-cody-kessler-starter-says-browns-need-to-find-out-if-he-can-be-qb-of-future-1.724748 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=November 4, 2016 |title=Hue Jackson names Cody Kessler starter vs. Cowboys: 'I need to know' if he's QB of future |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/browns_cody_kessler_to_start_v.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170122180551/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/browns_cody_kessler_to_start_v.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> On November 10 against the Ravens, McCown threw for 59 yards with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions after entering the game early in the third quarter due to Kessler being benched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=November 10, 2016 |title=Browns' Cody Kessler yanked, Josh McCown has 3 turnovers in 28–7 loss to Ravens |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/browns_ravens.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114171338/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/browns_ravens.html |archive-date=November 14, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> On November 20 against the Steelers, he threw for 188 yards and 1 touchdown in relief of an injured Kessler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manoloff |first=Dennis |date=November 20, 2016 |title=Browns' Cody Kessler, Josh McCown have next-to-nothing for Steelers: DMan's QB Report, Game 11 (photos) |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/cleveland_browns_kessler_qb_re_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122191539/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/11/cleveland_browns_kessler_qb_re_1.html |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> On November 27 against the Giants, he started due to Kessler's injury and threw for 322 yards and 1 touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2016 |title=Browns' Josh McCown: Two turnovers in loss to Giants |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-josh-mccown-two-turnovers-in-loss-to-giants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225221809/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-josh-mccown-two-turnovers-in-loss-to-giants/ |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> Griffin then returned from his injury to start the final four games of the season while McCown was inactive as the third-string quarterback for the final four games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=December 8, 2016 |title=Browns to start quarterback Robert Griffin III against Bengals |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18236520/cleveland-browns-start-robert-griffin-iii-cincinnati-bengals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122193304/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18236520/cleveland-browns-start-robert-griffin-iii-cincinnati-bengals |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2016 |title=Cleveland Browns unofficial depth chart vs. Chargers – 12/19 |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Cleveland-Browns-unofficial-depth-chart-vs-Chargers---1219/185dbfbe-4c89-44fc-9fb4-bd162ee5ca50 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221213030/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Cleveland-Browns-unofficial-depth-chart-vs-Chargers---1219/185dbfbe-4c89-44fc-9fb4-bd162ee5ca50 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Robert Griffin 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrifRo01/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202011444/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrifRo01/gamelog/2016/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.kffl.com/player/45/nfl/josh-mccown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122184547/http://www.kffl.com/player/45/nfl/josh-mccown |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=KFFL.com}}</ref> McCown played in 5 games, starting 3, during the 2016 season and completed 90 of 165 passes for 1,100 yards with 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.<ref name="pfr" /> On February 7, 2017, McCown was released by the Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Browns release QB Josh McCown and DB Tramon Williams |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-release-QB-Josh-McCown-and-DB-Tramon-Williams/8c4cf239-fd34-41bd-8d8f-a593a516259b |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023010644/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-release-QB-Josh-McCown-and-DB-Tramon-Williams/8c4cf239-fd34-41bd-8d8f-a593a516259b |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=February 7, 2017 |publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]}}</ref>

=== New York Jets ===

==== 2017 ====
On March 20, 2017, McCown signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=March 20, 2017 |title=Josh McCown signs one-year, $6 million deal with Jets |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-signs-one-year-6-million-deal-with-jets-0ap3000000794061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826154553/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000794061/article/josh-mccown-signs-oneyear-6-million-deal-with-jets |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> On August 28, 2017, after battling [[Christian Hackenberg]] and [[Bryce Petty]], McCown was named the starting quarterback to begin the 2017 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=August 28, 2017 |title=Josh McCown named Jets' Week 1 starting QB |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-named-new-york-jets-week-1-starting-qb-0ap3000000836155 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020436/https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-named-new-york-jets-week-1-starting-qb-0ap3000000836155 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> McCown won three straight starts from Week 3 to Week 5; the first time in McCown's NFL career that he won three straight starts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Manish |date=October 8, 2017 |title=Jets Insider: McCown wins 3 in a row for 1st time in 15 seasons |work=[[New York Daily News]] |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-mccown-wins-3-row-1st-time-15-seasons-article-1.3549953 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009201823/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-mccown-wins-3-row-1st-time-15-seasons-article-1.3549953 |archive-date=October 9, 2017}}</ref> During Week 7 against the Dolphins, he threw for 209 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception as the Jets lost by a score of 31–28. He also scored a rushing touchdown, becoming the first Jets quarterback since [[Al Dorow]] in 1960 to score three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glauber |first=Bob |date=October 22, 2017 |title=For Jets QB Josh McCown, good day turns into bad dream |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/for-jets-qb-josh-mccown-good-day-turns-into-bad-dream-1.14582271 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023025801/https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/for-jets-qb-josh-mccown-good-day-turns-into-bad-dream-1.14582271 |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=October 22, 2017 |work=[[Newsday]]}}</ref> He threw nine touchdowns from Week 5 to Week 8, becoming the first Jets quarterback since [[Ray Lucas]] in 1999 to throw multiple touchdowns in four straight games.<ref name="2017g">{{Cite web |title=Josh McCown |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/joshmccown/2505076/gamelogs?season=2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025018/http://www.nfl.com/player/joshmccown/2505076/gamelogs?season=2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 29, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=October 29, 2017 |title=40 things we learned in Week 8 of the 2017 NFL season |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/10/29/40-things-we-learned-week-8-2017-nfl-season/811659001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030215024/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/10/29/40-things-we-learned-week-8-2017-nfl-season/811659001/ |archive-date=October 30, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>  During Week 10, he became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to set a career-high for touchdown passes in a season with his 14th touchdown pass.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Todd Bowles: Josh McCown to remain Jets' starting QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21403229/todd-bowles-says-josh-mccown-remain-new-york-jets-top-qb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114200230/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21403229/todd-bowles-says-josh-mccown-remain-new-york-jets-top-qb |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 13, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> During Week 13 against the Chiefs, McCown threw for 331 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 2 touchdowns as the Jets won by a score of 38–31.<ref name="2017g" /> He joined [[Doug Flutie]] and [[Jim Thorpe]] as the only players in NFL history to rush for at least two touchdowns in a game at the age of 38 or older.<ref name="2017g" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Jets' McCown still going strong, joining the likes of Thorpe |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/jets-mccown-still-going-strong-joining-the-likes-of-thorpe-120617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211021003/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/jets-mccown-still-going-strong-joining-the-likes-of-thorpe-120617 |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref> McCown was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Quang M. |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Josh McCown, Wilson among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-wilson-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000888790 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206220354/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000888790/article/josh-mccown-wilson-among-players-of-the-week |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=December 6, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> During Week 14 against the Broncos, McCown threw for 46 yards while also turning the ball over twice on an interception and a fumble before leaving the game late in the third quarter after an apparent hand injury as the Jets lost by a score of 23–0.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Brian |date=December 10, 2017 |title=Everything goes wrong as Jets get humiliated in Denver |url=https://nypost.com/2017/12/10/everything-goes-wrong-as-jets-get-humiliated-in-denver/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211015136/https://nypost.com/2017/12/10/everything-goes-wrong-as-jets-get-humiliated-in-denver/ |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref> Shortly after the game, it was revealed that McCown had suffered a broken left hand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Edward |date=December 10, 2017 |title=Josh McCown breaks left hand in Jets' loss to Broncos |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000890790/article/josh-mccown-injures-hand-in-jets-loss-to-broncos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211015137/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000890790/article/josh-mccown-injures-hand-in-jets-loss-to-broncos |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> The next day, head coach [[Todd Bowles]] announced that McCown would undergo surgery on his left hand, putting him out for the remainder of the 2017 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Josh McCown to have surgery on broken left hand |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/12/11/josh-mccown-to-have-surgery-on-broken-left-hand/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084903/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/12/11/josh-mccown-to-have-surgery-on-broken-left-hand/ |archive-date=December 12, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2017 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve on December 12.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=December 12, 2017 |title=Jets Place QB Josh McCown on IR |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Jets-Place-QB-Josh-McCown-on-IR-/824b961c-c16f-47cf-a88e-8f4b4cf7eaba |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428232729/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Jets-Place-QB-Josh-McCown-on-IR-/824b961c-c16f-47cf-a88e-8f4b4cf7eaba |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |access-date=December 12, 2017 |publisher=[[New York Jets]]}}</ref> McCown played in 13 games, all starts, in 2017 and completed 267 of 397 passes for 2,926 yards, 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while also rushing for 124 yards and 5 touchdowns. His completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns were all single-season career highs. He also had a career-high 67.3 completion percentage. He had a 5–8 record as the starter in 2017.<ref name="pfr" /> He was named the [[Curtis Martin]] Jets Team MVP and the [[Kyle Clifton]] "Good Guy" Award winner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=December 29, 2017 |title=Josh McCown Named Curtis Martin Team MVP |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Josh-McCown-Named-Curtis-Martin-Team-MVP-/8b942abd-819f-44c1-b5fb-87a09b21d9c5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231103503/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Josh-McCown-Named-Curtis-Martin-Team-MVP-/8b942abd-819f-44c1-b5fb-87a09b21d9c5 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |publisher=[[New York Jets]]}}</ref>

==== 2018 ====
[[File:Andre Roberts, Josh McCown, Colt McCoy (44083782361).jpg|thumb|300px|McCown (center) with [[Andre Roberts (American football)|Andre Roberts]] (left) and [[Colt McCoy]] (right) in 2018|alt=A photo of three players chatting on a football field]]
On March 13, 2018, McCown signed a one-year, $10 million contract to remain with the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Jets keeping Josh McCown on one-year, $10M deal |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921020/article/jets-keeping-josh-mccown-on-oneyear-10m-deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128054134/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921020/article/jets-keeping-josh-mccown-on-oneyear-10m-deal |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |work=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> During training camp and the subsequent preseason, McCown competed with [[Teddy Bridgewater]] and rookie [[Sam Darnold]] for the starting job.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2018/08/02/ny-jets-qb-race-where-josh-mccown-teddy-bridgewater-sam-darnold-stand/893875002/ | title=Jets training camp: Where does the QB competition stand after 6 practices? | publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] | date=August 2, 2018 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Vasquez, Andy}}</ref> Eventually, Darnold was named the team's starter after Bridgewater was traded to the Saints, solidifying McCown's role as the primary backup going into the 2018 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/09/03/sam-darnold-named-starter-new-york-jets-opener-vs-detroit-lions/1186211002/#:~:text=Sam%20Darnold%20will%20start%20at,the%201970%20NFL%2DAFL%20merger. | title=Sam Darnold named starter for Jets' opener vs. Lions | work=[[The Detroit News]] | date=September 3, 2018 | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref> With Darnold inactive due to a right foot injury, McCown started in Week 10 against the [[2018 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]], where he finished with 135 passing yards and two interceptions as the Jets lost 41–10.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joyce |first=Greg |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Josh McCown looked far from a 'spring chicken' for Jets |url=https://nypost.com/2018/11/12/josh-mccown-looked-far-from-a-spring-chicken-for-jets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041309/https://nypost.com/2018/11/12/josh-mccown-looked-far-from-a-spring-chicken-for-jets/ |archive-date=January 24, 2019 |access-date=January 23, 2019 |work=[[New York Post]] |language=en}}</ref> Following a bye week, the Jets played against the Patriots in Week 12, where McCown finished with 276 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Jets lost 27–13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iannazzone |first=Al |date=November 25, 2018 |title=Jets can't keep up with Pats, suffer fifth loss in row |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/patriots-defense-todd-bowles-1.23894556 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123223505/https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/patriots-defense-todd-bowles-1.23894556 |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 23, 2019 |work=[[Newsday]] |language=en}}</ref> During Week 13 against the Titans, McCown finished with 128 passing yards and an interception as the Jets lost 26–22.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Titans shake off ugly start, rally to edge Jets |url=https://www.newschannel5.com/sports/nfl/tennessee-titans/titans-shake-off-ugly-start-rally-to-edge-jets-26-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123223805/https://www.newschannel5.com/sports/nfl/tennessee-titans/titans-shake-off-ugly-start-rally-to-edge-jets-26-22 |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 23, 2019 |publisher=[[WTVF]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Darnold returned from his injury and started the remainder of the 2018 season for the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sam Darnold 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DarnSa00.htm |access-date=December 16, 2023 |publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>  McCown played in 4 games, with 3 starts, in 2018 and completed 60 of 110 passes for 539 yards, 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions.<ref name="pfr" />

=== Philadelphia Eagles ===
==== 2019 ====
On June 17, 2019, McCown announced his retirement from the NFL in a letter to ''[[The Players' Tribune]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-announces-his-retirement-from-nfl-0ap3000001034017 | title=Josh McCown announces his retirement from NFL | work=[[NFL.com]] | date=June 17, 2019 | access-date=December 16, 2023 | author=Patra, Kevin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCown |first=Josh |date=June 17, 2019 |title=One Heck of a Journey |url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/josh-mccown-nfl-retirement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003855/https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/josh-mccown-nfl-retirement |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |work=[[The Players' Tribune]]}}</ref> That same day, it was also announced that [[ESPN]] had hired McCown as an NFL analyst.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Josh McCown joins ESPN |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/06/17/josh-mccown-joins-espn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617211917/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/06/17/josh-mccown-joins-espn/ |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref>

However, on August 17, 2019, McCown signed with the Eagles following injuries to the team's backup quarterbacks, [[Nate Sudfeld]] and Cody Kessler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Adam |date=August 17, 2019 |title=Josh McCown ending retirement to sign with Eagles |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001042176/article/josh-mccown-ending-retirement-to-sign-with-eagles |access-date=September 18, 2019 |work=[[NFL.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817151550/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001042176/article/josh-mccown-ending-retirement-to-sign-with-eagles |archive-date=August 17, 2019 }}</ref> In Week 2 against the Falcons, McCown briefly came into the game to relieve an injured [[Carson Wentz]] for a few plays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Zack |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Eagles' Carson Wentz was evaluated for concussion in 1st half vs Falcons; but did he also hurt his ribs? |url=https://www.nj.com/eagles/2019/09/eagles-carson-wentz-leaves-falcons-game-with-possible-ribs-injury-replaced-briefly-by-josh-mccown-will-he-play-in-the-2nd-half.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918013548/https://www.nj.com/eagles/2019/09/eagles-carson-wentz-leaves-falcons-game-with-possible-ribs-injury-replaced-briefly-by-josh-mccown-will-he-play-in-the-2nd-half.html |archive-date=September 18, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |publisher=[[NJ.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In Week 14, against the Giants, McCown almost entered the game as a wide receiver due to injuries among the Eagles' receiver corps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2019 |title=McCown was getting ready to play WR ... really |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/40-year-old-josh-mccown-was-getting-ready-play-wr-monday-night |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020419/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/40-year-old-josh-mccown-was-getting-ready-play-wr-monday-night |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]] Philadelphia}}</ref> McCown mentored Wentz, and several wide receivers on the [[practice squad]], as the Eagles won four straight games to win the division title and reach the playoffs after a 5–7 start marred by numerous injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Zack |date=January 6, 2020 |title=Eagles' Josh McCown is the next great NFL head coach, and the Giants should hire him ... now |url=https://www.nj.com/eagles/2020/01/eagles-josh-mccown-is-the-next-great-nfl-head-coach-and-the-giants-should-hire-him-now.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207213719/https://www.nj.com/eagles/2020/01/eagles-josh-mccown-is-the-next-great-nfl-head-coach-and-the-giants-should-hire-him-now.html |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |publisher=[[NJ.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher=[[NJ.com]] | url=https://www.nj.com/eagles/2019/10/how-eagles-josh-mccown-is-mentoring-carson-wentz-now-like-he-did-sam-darnold-with-the-jets-heres-where-he-sees-similarities.html | title=How Eagles' Josh McCown is mentoring Carson Wentz now like he did Sam Darnold with the Jets | date=October 5, 2019 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Rosenblatt, Zack}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-eagles-beat-new-york-giants-win-nfc-east/ | title=PLAYOFF BOUND: Eagles Beat Giants To Win NFC East In Week 17 | publisher=[[CBS News]] | date=December 29, 2019 | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2019.htm | title=2019 Philadelphia Eagles | publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref>

In the Wild Card Round of the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs]], McCown entered the game in the first quarter in relief of an injured Wentz, who suffered a [[helmet-to-helmet collision]] with the Seahawks' [[Jadeveon Clowney]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jan/06/jadeveon-clowney-carson-wentz-tackle-eagles-seahawks-playoffs#:~:text=Wentz%20left%20the%20game%2C%20which,the%20rest%20of%20the%20game. | title=Eagles say 'dirty' hit knocked Carson Wentz out of playoff loss to Seahawks | work=[[The Guardian]] | date=January 6, 2020 | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref> McCown, who was 40 years old at the time, became the oldest quarterback to make his postseason debut, passing [[Vince Evans]], whose postseason debut was at 35 years old.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kracz |first=Ed |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Josh McCown "Left It All Out There" |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/josh-mccown-left-it-all-out-there |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428075609/https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/josh-mccown-left-it-all-out-there |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en}}</ref> McCown was also the first player since [[Sonny Jurgensen]] in 1974 to complete his first-ever playoff pass at the age of 40.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwab |first=Frank |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Carson Wentz knocked out with head injury in first quarter of his first playoff start |publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/carson-wentz-heads-back-to-locker-room-with-injury-in-first-quarter-of-his-first-playoff-start-221830688.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106022016/https://sports.yahoo.com/carson-wentz-heads-back-to-locker-room-with-injury-in-first-quarter-of-his-first-playoff-start-221830688.html |archive-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JurgSo00/gamelog/post/ | title=Sonny Jurgensen | publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref> Overall, McCown completed 18 of 24 passes for 174 yards with no touchdowns nor turnovers and a passer rating of 94.8, while rushing 6 times for 23 yards and being sacked 6 times, leading the Eagles to three field goals in a 17–9 loss to the visiting Seahawks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoJo01/gamelog/2019/ | title=Josh McCown | publisher=[[Pro Football Reference]] | accessdate=December 16, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mcall.com/2020/01/05/at-age-40-and-in-playoff-debut-josh-mccown-wishes-he-could-have-done-just-a-little-bit-more/ | title=At age 40 and in playoff debut, Josh McCown wishes he could have done just a little bit more | work=[[The Morning Call]] | date=January 5, 2020 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Moore, Tom}}</ref> He later revealed during an interview that he tore his hamstring off of the bone in the second quarter, but continued to play.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/01/11/philadelphia-eagles-qb-josh-mccown-played-playoff-game-with-gruesome-injury/ | title=Philadelphia Eagles QB Josh McCown played playoff game with gruesome injury | work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] | date=January 10, 2020 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Bowen, Les}}</ref>

==== 2020 ====
Following the playoff loss, the Eagles offered McCown a role on the team's coaching staff for the 2020 season, but he declined, as he was still interested in continuing his playing career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLane |first=Jeff |date=January 22, 2020 |title=Eagles had interest in keeping Josh McCown as a coach, possibly offensive coordinator |url=https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/josh-mccown-eagles-offensive-coordinator-retire-coach-carson-wentz-20200123.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428172634/https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/josh-mccown-eagles-offensive-coordinator-retire-coach-carson-wentz-20200123.html |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref> On September 6, 2020, the Eagles signed McCown to their practice squad to serve as an emergency quarterback, making him the oldest practice squad player in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blinn |first=Michael |date=September 7, 2020 |title=Josh McCown signs with Eagles practice squad in historic move |url=https://nypost.com/2020/09/07/eagles-add-josh-mccown-to-practice-squad-at-41-year-old/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913192703/https://nypost.com/2020/09/07/eagles-add-josh-mccown-to-practice-squad-at-41-year-old/ |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |access-date=September 7, 2020 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-announce-practice-squad-that-includes-qb-josh-mccown | title=Eagles announce practice squad that includes QB Josh McCown | publisher=[[Philadelphia Eagles]] | date=September 6, 2020 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=McPherson, Chris}}</ref> While on the Eagles' practice squad, McCown worked [[Remote work|remotely]] from his home in Texas, becoming the first NFL player in history to work remotely.<ref name="remote">{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/30156/heres-how-josh-mccown-will-play-for-the-eagles-in-texas | title=Here's how Josh McCown will play for the Eagles ... in Texas | publisher=[[ESPN]] | date=September 10, 2020 | accessdate=20 March 2025 | author=McManus, Tim}}</ref> He video conferenced into team meetings, and threw the football with his sons, who were high school players.<ref name="remote"/> Tim McManus of [[ESPN.com]] speculated that McCown working remotely was due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], stating that "The McCown signing is a creative answer to a question teams across the sport have been asking themselves this offseason: What happens if the quarterback room gets the [[coronavirus]]?"<ref name="remote"/>

=== Houston Texans ===
On November 7, 2020, McCown was signed to the Texans' active roster off of the Eagles' practice squad.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 2020 |title=Houston Texans Transactions (11–7–20) |publisher=[[Houston Texans]] |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-11-7-20 |url-status=live |access-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020421/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-11-7-20 |archive-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref> He served as the third-string quarterback behind starter [[Deshaun Watson]] and backup [[A. J. McCarron]] during the 2020 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/25598/adding-tyrod-taylor-gives-texans-contingency-plan-for-deshaun-watson%EF%BB%BF-less-season | title=Adding Tyrod Taylor gives Texans 'contingency' plan for Deshaun Watson-less season | publisher=[[ESPN]] | date=March 17, 2021 | accessdate=January 3, 2024 | author=Barshop, Sarah}}</ref> He was released on March 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/roundup-texans-release-veteran-qb-josh-mccown | title=Roundup: Texans release veteran QB Josh McCown | website=[[NFL.com]] | date=March 1, 2021 | access-date=December 16, 2023}}</ref> 

In October 2021, it was reported that the 42-year-old McCown, who was coaching high school football in Texas at the time and had not officially retired as a player, still had some interest from several NFL teams in potentially signing with them after his high school season was over.<ref name="interest">{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/josh-mccown-still-being-closely-monitored-by-nfl-teams-who-could-pursue-veteran-for-mentor-role/ | title=Josh McCown still being closely monitored by NFL teams, who could pursue veteran for mentor role | publisher=[[CBS Sports]] | date=October 3, 2021 | accessdate=20 March 2025 | author=La Canfora, Jason}}</ref> However, he did not end up signing with any more NFL teams.<ref name="interest"/> Overall, McCown played in 102 regular season games, starting 76, during his NFL career, completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 17,731 yards, 98 touchdowns, and 82 interceptions while also rushing for 1,106 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had a record of 23 wins and 53 losses as a starter.<ref name="pfr"/> [[NFL Films]] released two shorts about McCown; "The Man of Many Jerseys" in 2017 and "The Lumberjack Quarterback" in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XneD_bnEU_g | title=Josh McCown: The Man of Many Jerseys | publisher=[[NFL Films]] | date=November 10, 2017 | accessdate=20 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P20SzmmhqM8 | title=Josh McCown: The Lumberjack Quarterback | publisher=[[NFL Films]] | date=October 28, 2020 | accessdate=20 March 2025}}</ref>

==Professional statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

===NFL===
====Regular season====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="3"| Games
! colspan="8"| Passing
! colspan="4"| Rushing
! colspan="2"| Sacks
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! Record !! {{abbr|Cmp|Completions}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{tooltip|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|[[Passer rating|<span style="color:black;">Rtg</span>]]|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Average}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Sck|Sacks}} !! {{abbr|SckY|Yards lost due to sack}} !! {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} !! {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}}
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] !! [[2002 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 2 || 0 || – || 7 || 18 || 38.9 || 66 || 3.7 || 0 || 2 || 10.2 || 1 || 20 || '''20.0''' || 0 || 5 || 50 || 1 || 0
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] !! [[2003 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 8 || 3 || 1–2 || 95 || 166 || 57.2 || 1,018 || 6.1 || 5 || 6 || 70.3 || 28 || '''158''' || 5.6 || 1 || 25 || 174 || 10 || 2
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] !! [[2004 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| '''14''' || '''13''' || 6–7 || 233 || '''408''' || 57.1 || 2,511 || 6.2 || 11 || 10 || 74.1 || 36 || 112 || 3.1 || 2 || 31 || 263 || '''12''' || 5
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] !! [[2005 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 9 || 6 || 3–3 || 163 || 270 || 60.4 || 1,836 || 6.8 || 9 || 11 || 74.9 || 29 || 139 || 4.8 || 0 || 18 || 101 || 5 || 3
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 2 || 0 || – || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 Oakland Raiders season|OAK]]
| 9 || 9 || 2–7 || 111 || 190 || 58.4 || 1,151 || 6.1 || 10 || 11 || 69.4 || 29 || 143 || 4.9 || 0 || 14 || 92 || 11 || 3
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 Carolina Panthers season|CAR]]
| 2 || 0 || – || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 4 || −3 || −0.8 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 
|-
! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] !! [[2009 Carolina Panthers season|CAR]]
| 1 || 0 || – || 1 || 6 || 16.7 || 2 || 0.3 || 0 || 0 || 39.6 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 6 || 0 || 0
|- 
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] !! [[2011 Chicago Bears season|CHI]]
| 3 || 2 || 1–1 || 35 || 55 || 63.6 || 414 || 7.5 || 2 || 4 || 68.3 || 12 || 68 || 5.7 || 0 || 7 || 43 || 2 || 0 
|-
! [[2012 NFL season|2012]] !! [[2012 Chicago Bears season|CHI]]
| 0 || 0 || – || colspan="16"| {{abbr|DNP|Did not play}}
|-
! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] !! [[2013 Chicago Bears season|CHI]]
| 8 || 5 || 3–2 || 149 || 224 || 66.5 || 1,829 || '''8.2''' || 13 || 1 || '''109.0''' || 13 || 69 || 5.3 || 1 || 11 || 37 || 3 || 1 
|-
! [[2014 NFL season|2014]] !! [[2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 11 || 11 || 1–10 || 184 || 327 || 56.3 || 2,206 || 6.7 || 11 || '''14''' || 70.5 || 25 || 127 || 5.1 || 3 || 36 || 235 || 10 || 4
|-
! [[2015 NFL season|2015]] !! [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]]
| 8 || 8 || 1–7 || 186 || 292 || 63.7 || 2,109 || 7.2 || 12 || 4 || 93.3 || 20 || 98 || 4.9 || 1 || 23 || 137 || 9 || '''6'''
|-
! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] !! [[2016 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]]
| 5 || 3 || 0–3 || 90 || 165 || 54.5 || 1,100 || 6.7 || 6 || 6 || 72.3 || 7 || 21 || 3.0 || 0 || 18 || 126 || 7 || 4
|-
! [[2017 NFL season|2017]] !! [[2017 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 13 || '''13''' || 5–8 || '''267''' || 397 || '''67.3''' || '''2,926''' || 7.4 || '''18''' || 9 || 94.5 || '''37''' || 124 || 3.4 || '''5''' || '''39''' || '''264''' || 11 || 4
|-
! [[2018 NFL season|2018]] !! [[2018 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 4 || 3 || 0–3 || 60 || 110 || 54.5 || 539 || 4.9 || 1 || 4 || 55.8 || 5 || 32 || 6.4 || 0 || 7 || 35 || 0 || 0 
|- 
! [[2019 NFL season|2019]] !! [[2019 Philadelphia Eagles season|PHI]]
| 3 || 0 || – || 3 || 5 || 60.0 || 24 || 4.8 || 0 || 0 || 72.1 || 2 || −2 || −1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 
|-
! [[2020 NFL season|2020]] !! [[2020 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 0 || 0 || – || colspan="16"| {{abbr|DNP|Did not play}}
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name="pfr"/> !! 102 !! 76 !! 23–53 !! 1,584 !! 2,633 !! 60.2 !! 17,731 !! 6.7 !! 98 !! 82 !! 79.7 !! 248 !! 1,106 !! 4.5 !! 13 !! 235 !! 1,563 !! 81 !! 32
|}

====Playoffs====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="3"| Games
! colspan="8"| Passing
! colspan="4"| Rushing
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! Record !! {{abbr|Cmp|Completions}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{tooltip|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|[[Passer rating|<span style="color:black;">Rtg</span>]]|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Average}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}}
|-
! [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|2019]] !! [[2019 Philadelphia Eagles season|PHI]]
| 1 || 0 || – || 18 || 24 || 75.0 || 174 || 7.2 || 0 || 0 || 94.8 || 5 || 23 || 4.6 || 0  
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name="pfr"/> !! 1 !! 0 !! 0–0 !! 18 !! 24 !! 75.0 !! 174 !! 7.2 !! 0 !! 0 !! 94.8 !! 5 !! 23 !! 4.6 !! 0 
|}

===UFL===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| {{abbr|GP|Games played}}
! colspan="8"| Passing
! colspan="4"| Rushing
|-
! {{abbr|Cmp|Completions}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{tooltip|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|[[Passer rating|<span style="color:black;">Rtg</span>]]|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Average}} !! {{abbr|TD|Touchdowns}}
|-
! [[2010 UFL season|2010]] !! [[2010 Hartford Colonials season|HAR]]
| 8 || 114 || 202 || 56.4 || 1,463 || 7.2 || 10 || 8 || 79.3 || 10 || 35 || 3.5 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.totalfootballstats.com/PlayerQB.asp?id=2601 | title=Josh McCown | publisher=TotalFootballStats.com | accessdate=August 3, 2016}}</ref> !! 8 !! 114 !! 202 !! 56.4 !! 1,463 !! 7.2 !! 10 !! 8 !! 79.3 !! 10 !! 35 !! 3.5 !! 0
|}

==Coaching career==
===Early career===
McCown previously spent time as a volunteer quarterbacks coach for the [[Marvin Ridge High School]] Mavericks of [[Waxhaw, North Carolina]].<ref name="Cohn">{{Cite web |last=Cohn |first=Grant |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Josh McCown speaks – Inside the 49ers |url=http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/josh-mccown-speaks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121195400/http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/josh-mccown-speaks/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Press Democrat]]}}</ref> The team's head coach said "He just walked into my office one day and asked if he could help out."<ref name="espn" /> In 2010, prior to signing with the Colonials, McCown began helping the Mavericks during the offseason.<ref name="Cash">{{Cite web |last=Cash |first=Rana L. |date=August 15, 2014 |title=Humbled and hopeful, Josh McCown adds chapter to NFL career |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/josh-mccown-buccaneers-starter-high-school-coach-north-carolina-bears-mike-glennon-fantasy-football/1pohszyvc5mkv1y0u4mceon0jm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121201233/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/josh-mccown-buccaneers-starter-high-school-coach-north-carolina-bears-mike-glennon-fantasy-football/1pohszyvc5mkv1y0u4mceon0jm |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=[[The Sporting News]]}}</ref> After the 2010 UFL season ended, McCown spent another offseason volunteering with the Mavericks.<ref name="Cash" /><ref name="espn" /> He then left the school upon being signed by the 49ers in August 2011 but returned once the 49ers released him in September 2011.<ref name="Cash" /><ref name="espn" /> Several days after Marvin Ridge lost its playoff game in November 2011, McCown was signed by the Bears.<ref name="espn" /> McCown was released by the Bears in August 2012 and immediately upon arriving home at the airport, McCown went straight to a Marvin Ridge game and joined the team while the game was in progress.<ref name="Wiederer">{{Cite web |last=Wiederer |first=Dan |date=March 1, 2014 |title=Josh McCown on free-agent journey for fulfillment |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/03/01/josh-mccown-on-free-agent-journey-for-fulfillment/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922181604/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-01/sports/ct-josh-mccown-bears-spt-0302-20140302_1_josh-mccown-phil-emery-free-agency/2 |archive-date=September 22, 2015 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name="espn" /> Similarly, days after Marvin Ridge lost its playoff game in November 2012, McCown was again signed by the Bears. McCown also spent time as the [[scout team]] quarterback while at Marvin Ridge, with one player saying "I don't think anybody in the country had a better scout-team quarterback."<ref name="espn" /> McCown also cooked pancakes for the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]] breakfasts on Fridays and spent time teaching physical education classes at Marvin Ridge.<ref name="espn" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Derwin L. |date=January 17, 2012 |title=Dare to be Great |url=http://www.derwinlgray.com/dare-to-be-great/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121210456/http://www.derwinlgray.com/dare-to-be-great/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |publisher=DerwinLGray.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | access-date=September 18, 2017 | url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13855381/chicago_tribune/ | title=After Bulls game ... it won't be pretty for Bears | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=December 25, 2011 | last=Haugh | first=David | pages=3–1}}</ref>

McCown also served as an assistant coach at [[Myers Park High School]] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], where his sons Owen and Aiden played. With his 2019 return to the NFL, the Eagles allowed him to fly to Charlotte on Mondays for high school practice and game planning, and then again on Fridays for game days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haugh |first=David |date=December 3, 2019 |title=Friday Night Flights: 24 hours with Eagles QB/high school coach Josh McCown |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28205417/friday-night-flights-24-hours-eagles-qb-high-school-coach-josh-mccown |url-status=live |access-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203182523/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28205417/friday-night-flights-24-hours-eagles-qb-high-school-coach-josh-mccown |archive-date=December 3, 2019}}</ref> In 2020, McCown moved to [[Rusk, Texas]] and began serving as an assistant coach at [[Rusk High School]], where Owen and Aiden now played.<ref name="rusk">{{cite web | url=https://tylerpaper.com/news/former-nfl-qb-josh-mccowns-sons-owen-and-aiden-transfer-to-rusk-from-myers-park/article_19726348-e367-11ea-adf8-8bf38c1eac4d.html | title=Former NFL QB Josh McCown's sons, Owen and Aiden, transfer to Rusk from Myers Park in North Carolina | work=[[Tyler Morning Telegraph]] | date=August 21, 2020 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Ogden, Brandon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3612253/2022/09/22/nfl-josh-mccown-coach/ | title=Josh McCown may jump from former NFL QB to head coach, but he's not jumping the line | work=[[The Athletic]] | date=September 22, 2022 | access-date=December 16, 2023 | author=Pompei, Dan}}</ref>

McCown, while still a player for the Houston Texans, interviewed for the Texans' head coach position in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barshop, Sarah |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Houston Texans interview QB Josh McCown, Jim Caldwell for head coach opening |publisher=[[ESPN]] |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30760674/houston-texans-interview-qb-josh-mccown-head-coach-opening |url-status=live |access-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125192833/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30760674/houston-texans-interview-qb-josh-mccown-head-coach-opening |archive-date=January 25, 2021}}</ref> He was also reportedly offered a position as associate head coach but turned it down.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/texans/2022/01/25/josh-mccown-turned-down-texans-associate-head-coach/80428924007/ | title=Report: Josh McCown turned down Texans' offer for associate head coach at the end of 2020 | work=[[USA Today]] | date=January 25, 2022 | accessdate=20 March 2025 | author=Lane, Mark}}</ref> He interviewed for the Texans' head coach position again in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/20/texans-josh-mccown-2022-coaching-vacancy/ | title=Texans complete interview for 2022 coaching vacancy with Josh McCown | work=[[USA Today]] | date=January 20, 2022 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Lane, Mark}}</ref>

===Carolina Panthers===
On February 10, 2023, McCown was hired by the Carolina Panthers as their quarterbacks coach under head coach [[Frank Reich]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Panthers agree to terms with Dom Capers, Josh McCown |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-agree-to-terms-with-dom-capers-josh-mccown |access-date=February 12, 2023 |publisher=[[Carolina Panthers]]}}</ref> On November 27, 2023, McCown was fired by the Panthers, alongside Reich and assistant head coach [[Duce Staley]], after a 1–10 start to the season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/panthers-fire-qbs-coach-josh-mccown-rbs-coach-duce-staley | title=Panthers fire QBs coach Josh McCown, RBs coach Duce Staley | publisher=[[NBC Sports]] | date=November 27, 2023 | accessdate=December 16, 2023 | author=Simmons, Myles}}</ref>

===Minnesota Vikings===
On February 27, 2024, McCown was hired to be the quarterbacks coach of the [[Minnesota Vikings]] under head coach [[Kevin O'Connell (American football)|Kevin O'Connell]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vikings.com/news/josh-mccown-quarterbacks-coach-2024 | title=Vikings Hire Josh McCown as Quarterbacks Coach | publisher=[[Minnesota Vikings]] | date=February 27, 2024 | accessdate=February 27, 2024 | author=Young, Lindsey}}</ref>

==Personal life==
During the 2017 offseason, McCown, his wife Natalie, and their four children moved from Waxhaw, North Carolina to [[Waxahachie, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Jets' Josh McCown eager to turn back clock, win starting job |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/69797/jets-josh-mccown-eager-to-turn-back-clock-win-starting-job |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117191919/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/69797/jets-josh-mccown-eager-to-turn-back-clock-win-starting-job |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=November 17, 2017 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiederer |first=Dan |date=March 2, 2014 |title=McCown eyes future |url=http://danwiederer.com/pdf/Features_Enterprise/JoshMcCown.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117213358/http://danwiederer.com/pdf/Features_Enterprise/JoshMcCown.pdf |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=November 17, 2017 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |pages=8}}</ref> McCown later moved to Charlotte in 2018, and to Rusk, Texas in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wertz Jr. |first=Langston |date=July 27, 2018 |title=NY Jets QB Josh McCown's son plays at a Charlotte high school. How he's been doing? |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article215598745.html |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=[[The Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crane |first=Brianna |date=September 14, 2020 |title=NFL quarterback Josh McCown's Carmel Park home is on the market for $3.95M |url=https://charlotte.axios.com/231904/nfl-quarterback-josh-mccowns-carmel-park-home-is-on-the-market-for-3-4m/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]}}</ref><ref name="rusk"/> He is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=December 10, 2011 |title=Religious devotion prevalent in NFL |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/10/religious-devotion-prevalent-in-nfl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121185257/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-10/sports/ct-spt-1211-bears-chicago--20111211_1_tim-tebow-devin-hester-christian-athletes |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2015 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> He grew up a [[Dallas Cowboys]] fan.<ref name="Hill">{{Cite web |last=Hill Jr. |first=Clarence E. |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Josh McCown grew up Cowboys fan, but heart is in Cleveland for now |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article93865017.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121192501/http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article93865017.html |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |website=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]}}</ref> His inspiration for wearing No. 12, the jersey number that he wore the majority of his career, comes from [[Roger Staubach]], who also wore No. 12.<ref name="Hill" /> He was also a fan of Cowboys players [[Michael Irvin]], [[Emmitt Smith]], and [[Troy Aikman]], as well as quarterbacks [[Joe Montana]], [[John Elway]], and [[Randall Cunningham]].<ref name="lions" />

McCown is the older brother of former NFL quarterback [[Luke McCown]] and younger brother of former [[Texas A&M]] quarterback [[Randy McCown]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Josh McCown excited to face younger brother Luke |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Josh-McCown-excited-to-face-younger-brother-Luke/43300789-4169-4906-9e54-0b33deab1702 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127034403/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Josh-McCown-excited-to-face-younger-brother-Luke/43300789-4169-4906-9e54-0b33deab1702 |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]}}</ref> In 2003, the McCown brothers hosted the first-ever McCown Passing Camp in their hometown of Jacksonville, Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2010 |title=Camps Digest |url=https://www.news-journal.com/news/2010/jun/04/camps-digest/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127035358/https://www.news-journal.com/news/2010/jun/04/camps-digest/ |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=[[Longview News-Journal]] |location=Longview, Texas}}</ref> He is also the father of [[UTSA Roadrunners]] quarterback [[Owen McCown]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fredrickson |first=Kyle |date=December 29, 2021 |title=Owen McCown embraces NFL lineage in pursuit of becoming CU Buffs quarterback |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/12/29/owen-mccown-cu-buffs-quarterback-rusk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005005600/https://www.denverpost.com/2021/12/29/owen-mccown-cu-buffs-quarterback-rusk/ |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |work=[[The Denver Post]]}}</ref>

McCown is a member of the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]].<ref name="lions" /> He has served in Pro Athletes Outreach and Coaches Time Out, which are both ministries.<ref name="browns" /> He has also spent time speaking to church youth and men's groups during the offseason.<ref name="lions" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Josh McCown}}
{{footballstats|pfr=M/McCoJo01}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:McCown, Josh}}
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