Ladd McConkey is one of the most exciting players in college football. The Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver has been a key contributor to the team’s success in the past two seasons, helping them win two consecutive national championships. He has also impressed fans and analysts with his speed, agility, and versatility, playing multiple positions on offense and special teams.
But who is Ladd McConkey, and where does he come from? Is he related to Phil McConkey, another former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants in the 1980s? Here is everything you need to know about the Georgia star’s family and background.
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Ladd McConkey’s Early Life and High School Career
Ladd McConkey was born on November 11, 2001, in Chatsworth, Georgia. He is the son of Benji and Brittany McConkey, and has a sister named Lauren. His father, Benji, was a star quarterback at Dalton High School, while his brother, Hinton, played quarterback for the University of West Georgia in Division II in 2018.
Ladd attended North Murray High School in Chatsworth, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track. He played various positions on the football team, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back, punter, and return specialist. He led his team to a 9-1 record and the school’s first ever region championship in his senior year. He finished the year with 36 total touchdowns and 3,051 total yards, earning the offensive player of the year award for his region.
Ladd was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, but he did not receive many offers from major college programs. He committed to the University of Georgia on February 2, 2020, after receiving a late scholarship offer from the Bulldogs.
Ladd McConkey’s College Career at Georgia
Ladd redshirted his first year at Georgia and was initially a member of the scout team. He made his debut in 2021 as a redshirt freshman and quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle and playmaking ability. He caught five touchdowns with 28 receptions for 430 yards in 15 games. He also rushed for one touchdown and returned punts and kicks for the Bulldogs. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week after the win over Auburn, where he had 135 receiving yards and one touchdown.
In 2022, Ladd continued to shine as a sophomore. He led the team with 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. He also added two rushing touchdowns and averaged 19.1 yards per kick return. He was selected as a second-team All-SEC wide receiver by the coaches and media. He had some memorable performances throughout the season, such as scoring two touchdowns against Oregon in the season opener, catching a touchdown against Florida in the rivalry game, and rushing for a 70-yard touchdown against Mississippi State.
Ladd capped off his sophomore season with a stellar performance in the national championship game against Alabama. He caught five passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed catch in the end zone that gave Georgia a 20-7 lead in the third quarter. He helped Georgia defeat Alabama 65-7 and claim their second consecutive national title.
Is Ladd McConkey Related to Phil McConkey?
Many fans have wondered if Ladd McConkey is related to Phil McConkey, another former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants from 1984 to 1988. Phil McConkey was known for his clutch catches and punt returns for the Giants, especially in Super Bowl XXI, where he had six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
However, there is no evidence that Ladd and Phil are related. They have different last names (McConkey vs. McConkey), different birthplaces (Georgia vs. New York), and different college backgrounds (Georgia vs. Navy). They also do not look alike or share any common relatives.
According to Sportskeeda, Ladd has never met Phil or spoken to him. Ladd said that he grew up watching Phil’s highlights on YouTube and admired his style of play. He also said that he would love to meet Phil someday and learn from him.
Therefore, it is safe to say that Ladd McConkey is not related to Phil McConkey by blood or marriage. They are just two talented wide receivers who share a similar passion for football and a similar last name.
