Keenan McCardell's journey through the National Football League (NFL) is a testament to his skill and perseverance as a wide receiver. Born on January 6, 1970, in Houston, Texas, McCardell honed his athletic abilities at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he played college football. His performance at UNLV caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 12th round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
Although McCardell's initial years in the NFL were challenging, with limited playing time and opportunities, he remained focused on improving his game. After spending time on the Redskins' practice squad, he was released and subsequently signed by the Cleveland Browns in 1992. It was with the Browns that McCardell began to showcase his potential as a reliable receiver. Over four seasons in Cleveland, he developed into a dependable target, amassing over 2,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
In 1996, McCardell's career took a significant turn when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move proved to be a pivotal moment, as he became an integral part of the Jaguars' offense. Teaming up with quarterback Mark Brunell and fellow receiver Jimmy Smith, McCardell helped form one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos. During his six seasons with the Jaguars, he recorded over 500 receptions, 6,393 receiving yards, and 30 touchdowns. His performance earned him two Pro Bowl selections in 1996 and 1997.
McCardell's tenure with the Jaguars ended in 2002 when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His arrival in Tampa Bay coincided with the team's rise to prominence, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl XXXVII. McCardell played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' championship run, catching two touchdown passes in the Super Bowl against the Oakland Raiders. His time with the Buccaneers further solidified his reputation as a clutch performer in high-stakes games.
After his stint with Tampa Bay, McCardell continued his career with the San Diego Chargers, where he played from 2004 to 2006. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, he remained a productive receiver, contributing to the Chargers' potent offense led by quarterback Drew Brees and later Philip Rivers. McCardell's veteran presence and experience were invaluable to the team's young receiving corps.
In 2007, McCardell signed with the Washington Redskins, the team that had originally drafted him. Although his second tenure with the Redskins was brief, it marked the conclusion of his 17-year NFL career. Over the course of his career, McCardell accumulated 883 receptions, 11,373 receiving yards, and 63 touchdowns, ranking him among the top receivers of his era.
Following his retirement as a player, McCardell transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players. His post-playing career has included coaching roles with various NFL teams, where he has continued to contribute to the sport he loves.
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