He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats, earning consensus All-American honors and setting team career receiving records.

He attended Washington High School in Los Angeles,[citation needed] then transferred to Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California, and was a student and a letterman in football and track helping the Dons win the CIF LA 4-A CITY Football Championship.

[4] Despite his efficiency, Northcutt's 2002 season is most memorable for a critical drop on third down in the Browns playoff matchup against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

On March 4, 2007, Northcutt signed a five-year, $17 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent.

On September 5, 2010, Northcutt was waived in the Lions' final cuts before the start of the regular season.

He has since joined a recreational flag football league at the North Ave turf fields.