Amari Shemar McNeill (born June 8, 2003) is an American professional football defensive tackle. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Early life McNeill was born on June 8, 2003, in Atlanta, Georgia as one of two children to Sherry and Anthony McNeill. He was raised in Suwanee, Georgia where he attended Peachtree Ridge High School.Tennessee Volunteers Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026. While in high school, the tall McNeill played both offensive and defensive tackle and defensive end positions with the Peachtree Lions football team.NCSA Sports Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026.HUDL Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026. In 2020, McNeill helped the Lions to the state playoffs after the team's last appearance in 2016. Graduating in 2021, McNeill was rated a three-star recruiting prospect by 247Sports.247Sports Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
College career Tennessee After committing to the University of Tennessee in 2020, McNeill attained redshirt status for the 2021 season. He joined the Volunteers team on November 20, 2021, as a defensive lineman for the game against South Alabama. As a redshirt freshman, McNeill played six games during the 2022 season. He recorded three tackles and one pass breakup.Colorado Buffaloes Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026. He was rated a three-star prospect entering the transfer portal.
Colorado McNeill transferred in 2023 to the University of Colorado.Toppmeyer, Blake. Knoxville News Sentinel (Dec 7, 2020)."Tennessee football gains commitment from 3-star OL Amari McNeill." Retrieved August 21, 2026. He played with the Buffaloes as a defensive lineman in all 12 games. After playing for three seasons at Colorado, McNeill finished playing in 32 total games, starting in 12, finishing with 77 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, one pass breakup, and one blocked kick. His defensive totals ranked 66th in sacks and 85th in tackles for loss in Colorado football history.
Professional career McNeill signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.Spotrac Profile. Retrieved August 21, 2026.Strella, Charlie. Buffaloes Wire. (May 1, 2026)."Chiefs sign former Colorado football DT Amari McNeill to UDFA contract". Retrieved August 21, 2026. On August 30, he was waived as part of final roster cuts.
Personal life McNeill has a sister named Abria.
References
External links Colorado Buffaloes bio Tennessee Volunteers bio ESPN bio