{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Zack Bailey | image = | image_size = | alt = | caption = | current_team = | number = | position = Offensive guard | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|11|8}} | birth_place = Summerville, South Carolina, U.S. | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 5 | weight_lbs = 315 | high_school = Summerville | college = South Carolina | undraftedyear = 2019 | pastteams = * Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2019|2020}}) * Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2020|2021}})* * Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2021}})* * Washington Football Team / Commanders ({{NFL Year|2021|2022}})* * Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2022|2023}}) * Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2024}})* * New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2024}}) * Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2025}})* | status = | statseason = 2024 | statweek = | statlabel1 = Games played | statvalue1 = 2 | highlights = | pfr = BailZa01 }} '''Zackary Dalton Bailey''' (born November 8, 1995) is an American professional football offensive guard. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in {{NFL Year|2019}}. He later had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Football Team / Commanders.
==Early life and education== Bailey was born on November 8, 1995, and grew up in Summerville, South Carolina. He attended Summerville High School, where he played football for coach John McKissick, the all-time most winningest coach at any level. He played left guard and helped them reach the second round of the playoffs as a senior, being a finalist for the state "Mr. Football" award. Rivals.com ranked him a four-star prospect and the second-best player in the state, as well as the fifth-best offensive guard nationally. He had numerous scholarship offers after graduating in 2015, and decided to enroll at South Carolina.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/football/roster/player/zack-bailey/|publisher=South Carolina Gamecocks|title=Zack Bailey|date=22 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114991072/the-state/|newspaper=The State|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 19, 2014|page=C3|title=Gamecocks scarce at Shrine Bowl|author=McLemore, Dwayne}} {{Open access}}</ref>
As a true freshman in 2015, Bailey appeared in 12 games and started five, two of those at left guard and the remaining three as a center. The following year, he was South Carolina's "most consistent and highest performing offensive lineman," starting every game at left guard, several as a team captain, and being named the co-winner of the Offensive Tenacity Award (with Hayden Hurst).<ref name="auto1"/> He changed his position from interior lineman to right tackle as a junior in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114991513/the-state/|newspaper=The State|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 28, 2017|page=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114991639/the-state/ B2]|author=Dearing, Chris; Kendall, Josh|title=Why is Zack Bailey raising his coach's blood pressure?}} {{Open access}}</ref>
In 2017, Bailey appeared in nine games, all but one as a starter, missing four after an injury in the third match of the season (against Kentucky). He was selected to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Fall Academic Honor Roll and was named by the league's coaches a third-team all-conference player. After contemplating whether to enter the NFL draft or return for a senior season, Bailey opted to return to the team in 2018 so he could get a degree, becoming the first member of his family to do so.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114991903/the-herald/|newspaper=The Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 17, 2018|page=B1|title=Zack Bailey stuck around for senior day – now it's here|author=Kendall, Josh}} {{Open access}}</ref>
As a senior, Bailey returned to his former position of left guard and was named team captain, starting 12 games and being named second-team all-conference by the league's coaches and Associated Press (AP). He was given the Offensive Tenacity Award and was selected to the East–West Shrine All-Star game. In the regular season finale, he suffered a broken right fibula, and as a result missed the Belk Bowl. Bailey graduated in December 2018 with a degree in criminal justice, finishing his college career with 46 games played and 38 starts.<ref name="auto1"/>
==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 5 1/8 | weight = 299 | dash = 5.21 | ten split = 1.80 | twenty split = 3.06 | shuttle = 4.88 | cone drill = 7.71 | vertical = 28.0 | broad ft = 8 | broad in = 7 | bench = 24 | arm span = 33 | hand span = 9 5/8 | note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/zack-bailey/32004241-4969-7604-1b25-a545ad33dc93 |title=Zack Bailey Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1002521&DraftYear=2019 |title=2019 NFL Draft Scout Zack Bailey College Football Profile |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}</ref> }}
===Tampa Bay Buccaneers=== Bailey was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but was only able to participate in three events due to his injury.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=27378|website=nflcombineresults.com|title=Zack Bailey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/josh-kendall-blog/article226919549.html|newspaper=The State|url-access=subscription|title=NFL Combine 2019: Zack Bailey not full speed yet|date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> He went unselected in the 2019 NFL draft, but afterwards was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article229765724.html|newspaper=The State|url-access=subscription|title=South Carolina's Zack Bailey signs with Tampa Bay after draft|date=April 27, 2019}}</ref> He was the only undrafted rookie to make the final roster,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/09/03/theres-a-lot-to-like-about-this-bucs-53-man-roster/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|author=Stroud, Rick|date=September 2, 2019|title=There's a lot to like about this Bucs 53-man roster }}</ref> but suffered an injury shortly afterwards and was placed on injured reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/c-nate-trewyn-promoted-following-zack-bailey-injury|publisher=Tampa Bay Buccaneers|title=C Nate Trewyn Promoted Following Zack Bailey Injury|author=Smith, Scott|date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> At the final roster cuts in {{NFL Year|2020}}, Bailey was released,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/09/06/the-bucs-53-man-roster/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|title=See the Bucs' 53-man roster|author=Encina, Eduardo A.|date=September 6, 2020}}</ref> but afterwards re-signed to the practice squad.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://sportsforecaster.com/nfl/p/131833/Zack_Bailey/transactions|website=sportsforecaster.com|title=Zack Bailey Transactions & Injuries}}</ref> He was released from the practice squad on November 3.<ref name="auto"/>
===Minnesota Vikings (first stint)=== While a free agent, Bailey received tryouts from the Baltimore Ravens,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/late-for-work-11-5-midseason-grades-for-lamar-jackson-and-rest-of-offense|publisher=Baltimore Ravens|title=Late for Work 11/5: Midseason Grades for Lamar Jackson and Rest of Offense|date=November 5, 2020|author=Eck, Kevin}}</ref> New England Patriots,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_host_dt_akeem_spence/s1_14819_33347177|website=Yardbarker|title=Patriots host DT Akeem Spence|author=Levine, Ben|date=November 17, 2020}}</ref> and Minnesota Vikings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/vikings-have-a-tryout-with-guard-zack-bailey/|website=USA Today|title=Vikings have a tryout with guard Zack Bailey|author=White, Jack|date=December 2, 2020}}</ref> He was signed to the Vikings' practice squad on December 8.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-waive-holton-hill-three-year-experiment-zack-bailey|magazine=Sports Illustrated|title=Vikings Waive Holton Hill, Ending Three-Year Experiment|author=Ragatz, Will|date=December 8, 2020}}</ref> Bailey was signed to a futures contract in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.postbulletin.com/sports/vikings-qbs-nate-stanley-jake-browning-among-eight-to-sign-futures-contracts|newspaper=Post-Bulletin|title=Vikings QBs Nate Stanley, Jake Browning among eight to sign futures contracts|author=Tomasson, Chris|date=January 4, 2021}}</ref> He was waived at the final roster cuts in {{NFL Year|2021}}, but was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/minnesota-vikings-set-initial-53-man-roster-for-2021-season|magazine=Sports Illustrated|title=Minnesota Vikings Set Initial 53-Man Roster for 2021 Season|date=August 31, 2021|author=Ragatz, Will}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-practice-squad-tracker-team-173342947.html|website=Yahoo! Sports|title=Vikings practice squad tracker: Who will the team sign?|author=White, Jack|date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> He was released from the Vikings' practice squad on October 13, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/10/13/dalvin-cook-back-practicing-for-vikings-but-five-starters-sit-out/|newspaper=Twin Cities Pioneer Press|title=RB Dalvin Cook back at practice for Vikings, but five starters sit out|date=October 13, 2021|author=Tomasson, Chris}}</ref>
===Indianapolis Colts=== Two days after being released by the Vikings, Bailey was signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/team/players-roster/zack-bailey/|publisher=Indianapolis Colts|title=Zack Bailey}}</ref> He was then released on October 26.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/jahleel-addae-signed-practice-squad-safety-chargers-free-agent|publisher=Indianapolis Colts|title=Colts Sign S Jahleel Addae, TE Eli Wolf To Practice Squad, Release G Zack Bailey From Practice Squad|date=October 26, 2021}}</ref> He received a tryout from the Houston Texans after being released by the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportstalk790.iheart.com/content/2021-10-27-sources-texans-working-out-zack-bailey-tj-green/|publisher=iHeartMedia|title=Sources: Texans working out Zack Bailey, T.J. Green |date=October 28, 2021|author=Wilson, Aaron}}</ref>
===Washington Football Team / Washington Commanders=== On November 2, 2021, Bailey was signed by the Washington Football Team to the practice squad.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/podcast-washington-football-team-nfl-jaret-patterson-antonio-gibson-injury-wendell-smallwood|magazine=Sports Illustrated|title=Washington LISTEN: WFT Signs New RB Wendell Smallwood; Should Jaret Patterson Get More Carries?|author=Brener, Jeremy|date=November 2, 2021|access-date=December 22, 2022|archive-date=December 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222031857/https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/podcast-washington-football-team-nfl-jaret-patterson-antonio-gibson-injury-wendell-smallwood|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on December 23,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/12/23/taylor-heinicke-washington-covid-protocols/|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Washington QB Taylor Heinicke activated from covid-19 list as Cowboys game looms|author=Jhabvala, Nicki|date=December 23, 2021}}</ref> and activated one week later.<ref name="auto"/> Bailey received a reserve/future contract with the team on January 15, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://riggosrag.com/2022/01/15/meet-washington-first-signings-reserve-future-contracts/|website=Riggo's Rag|publisher=FanSided|title=Meet Washington's first signings to reserve/future contracts for 2022|author=Trotta, Jerry|date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> Bailey was released by Washington on May 16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/16/washington-commanders-make-multiple-moves-including-claiming-offensive-tackle-from-denver-broncos/|website=USA Today|title=Commanders make multiple moves, including claiming offensive tackle from Broncos|date=May 16, 2022|author=Manning, Bryan}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Chargers=== On May 17, 2022, Bailey was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2022/5/17/23107245/chargers-news-zack-bailey-commanders|website=Bolts From The Blue|agency=SB Nation|title=Chargers claim OG Zack Bailey off waivers|author=Peterson, Michael|date=May 17, 2022}}</ref> He was waived at the final roster cuts in August,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2022/8/29/23327575/chargers-2022-cuts-tracker-news-nfl-bandy-gaziano|website=Bolts From The Blue|agency=SB Nation|title=Chargers 2022 Cuts Tracker: DT Christian Covington among latest cuts reported|date=August 30, 2022|author=Peterson, Michael}}</ref> but was afterwards brought back on the practice squad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2022/9/1/23332486/chargers-practice-squad-news-nfl-bandy-rountree-reed|website=Bolts From The Blue|author=Peterson, Michael|date=September 1, 2022|agency=SB Nation|title=Chargers sign 14 players to practice squad}}</ref> He received an elevation to the active roster for the Chargers' Week 13 game against the Las Vegas Raiders,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-activate-tackle-zack-bailey|publisher=Los Angeles Chargers|title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Tackle Zack Bailey|date=December 3, 2022}}</ref> and made his NFL debut in the loss, appearing on four special teams snaps.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BailZa01.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Zack Bailey Stats}}</ref> He signed a reserve/future contract on January 17, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign 12 Players to Contracts|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-12-players-to-contracts|website=Chargers.com|date=January 17, 2023}}</ref>
On August 29, 2023, Bailey was waived by the Chargers and re-signed to the practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Reduce Roster to 53 Players|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-reduce-roster-to-53-players-2023|website=Chargers.com|date=August 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign 12 Players to Practice Squad|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-12-players-to-practice-squad|website=Chargers.com|date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> He was promoted to the active roster on September 23.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign Zack Bailey to Active Roster|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-zack-bailey-to-active-roster|website=Chargers.com|date=September 23, 2023}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve on December 9.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chargers Place Zack Bailey on Injured Reserve; Elevate Stephen Anderson|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-place-zack-bailey-on-injured-reserve-elevate-stephen-anderson-2023|website=Chargers.com|date=December 9, 2023}}</ref>
===Atlanta Falcons=== On July 24, 2024, Bailey was signed by the Atlanta Falcons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Waack |first1=Terrin |title=Falcons sign 2 offensive linemen prior to training camp |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/julien-davenport-zack-bailey-offensive-tackles-signed-transaction |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |access-date=25 July 2024}}</ref> He was waived on August 25.<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcons begin 53-man roster cutdown, release 13 players|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/transaction-13-players-released-donavan-mutin-lukas-denis-bradlee-anae|author=Waack, Terrin|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=August 25, 2024}}</ref>
===New York Jets=== On November 5, 2024, Bailey was signed to the New York Jets practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets Sign OL Zack Bailey, OL Matt Cindric to Practice Squad|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-zack-bailey-matt-cindric-to-practice-squad-11-05-2024|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> He signed a reserve/future contract with New York on January 6, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets Sign 10 Players to Reserve/Future Contracts|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-10-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-01-06-2025|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=January 6, 2025}}</ref> On June 12, Bailey was waived by the Jets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greenberg |first1=Ethan |title=Jets Sign G Marquis Hayes and DE Kingsley Jonathan |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-marquis-hayes-kingsley-jonathan-06-12-2025 |website=newyorkjets.com |access-date=13 June 2025}}</ref>
===Minnesota Vikings (second stint)=== On August 19, 2025, Bailey signed with the Minnesota Vikings.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Craig |title=Vikings Sign RB Xazavian Valladay & OL Zack Bailey |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/xazavian-valladay-zack-bailey-signed-max-tooley-waived |website=vikings.com |access-date=20 August 2025}}</ref> However, Bailey was waived by Minnesota during roster cuts on August 24.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vikings Announce Roster Reductions|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/roster-reductions-waived-released-2025|author=Peters, Craig|website=Vikings.com|date=August 24, 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/football/roster/player/zack-bailey/ South Carolina bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bailey, Zack}} Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:American football offensive guards Category:American football centers Category:American football offensive tackles Category:Players of American football from Summerville, South Carolina Category:Players of American football from Berkeley County, South Carolina Category:South Carolina Gamecocks football players Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Category:Minnesota Vikings players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:Washington Football Team players Category:Washington Commanders players Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:Atlanta Falcons players Category:New York Jets players