If you are a fan of American football, you might have heard of Jerick McKinnon and Dennis McKinnon, two players who have made their mark in the National Football League (NFL). Jerick McKinnon is a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, while Dennis McKinnon is a former wide receiver who played for the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys. But are they related? The answer is no.
Jerick McKinnon: The Jet
Jerick McKinnon was born on May 3, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Frances and Rungie McKinnon. He has a half-brother, Lester Norwood, who played college football for the Florida Gators. Jerick McKinnon attended Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he played football and ran track. He was a versatile athlete who played quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He was also a star sprinter and long jumper on the track team.
McKinnon went on to play college football at Georgia Southern University, where he was recruited as a quarterback. He played in a triple-option offense that utilized his speed and agility. He switched to running back in his senior year and led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. He was named first-team All-SoCon in 2013.
McKinnon was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Vikings, mostly as a backup and a special teams player. He had his best season in 2017, when he rushed for 570 yards and three touchdowns, and caught 51 passes for 421 yards and two touchdowns.
McKinnon signed a four-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, but he missed the entire season due to a torn ACL. He suffered another setback in 2019, when he had to undergo another surgery on his knee. He finally made his debut for the 49ers in 2020, but he played only eight games before being placed on injured reserve again.
McKinnon joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 as a free agent. He won his first Super Bowl ring as a member of the Chiefs team that defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LVII. He finished the season with 322 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and 253 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
McKinnon is nicknamed “Jet” because of his explosive speed and acceleration. He is known for his versatility, durability and work ethic. He is also involved in various charitable causes, such as supporting children with cancer and donating to food banks.
Dennis McKinnon: The Silky D
Dennis McKinnon was born on August 22, 1961, in Quitman, Georgia. He attended South Miami High School in Miami, Florida, where he played football as a wide receiver. He also excelled in basketball and baseball.
McKinnon played college football at Florida State University, where he was a walk-on. He earned a scholarship after his sophomore year and became a starter in his junior year. He caught 64 passes for 1,134 yards and nine touchdowns in his college career.
McKinnon was not drafted by any NFL team in 1983, but he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He made the roster as a punt returner and a backup receiver. He scored two touchdowns in his rookie season, one on a punt return and one on a reception.
McKinnon became a regular starter for the Bears in 1984, when he caught 31 passes for 555 yards and seven touchdowns. He was part of the legendary Bears team that won Super Bowl XX in 1985, defeating the New England Patriots by a score of 46-10. McKinnon caught four passes for 80 yards and one touchdown in the Super Bowl.
McKinnon missed the entire 1986 season due to a knee injury that required surgery. He came back in 1987 and scored two more punt return touchdowns, setting a franchise record at the time. His best season was in 1988, when he caught 45 passes for 704 yards and three touchdowns.
McKinnon left the Bears after the 1989 season and signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He played only one season with the Cowboys, catching nine passes for 91 yards and no touchdowns. He retired from the NFL after the 1990 season.
McKinnon finished his NFL career with 194 receptions for 3,012 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also returned 129 punts for 1,191 yards and three touchdowns, and scored a rushing touchdown. He was named one of the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time by the team in 2019.
McKinnon released his autobiography, Chicago Bear #85 Silky D Bares All, in August 2019. He revealed his personal struggles with addiction, depression and domestic violence, as well as his insights on the NFL and the Bears. He also shared his friendship with the late Chet Coppock, a legendary Chicago sports broadcaster.
Conclusion
Jerick McKinnon and Dennis McKinnon are two NFL players who share a last name but are not related. They have different backgrounds, careers and achievements, but they both have shown resilience, passion and talent in their respective fields. They are both examples of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in the NFL and beyond.
