Keenan McCardell

fontcolor at NFL.comKeenan Wayne McCardell (born January 6, 1970 in Houston, Texas) is an American football wide receiver who currently is a free agent. He previously played for the San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins, and went to UNLV.

High school years

Keenan McCardell attended Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas, and was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was the team's starting quarterback.

College career

McCardell starred at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, where his speed and athleticism enabled him to become one of the premier wide receivers in the NCAA.

NFL career

McCardell was selected in the 12th round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. Unfortunately, he never saw the field in a Redskins’ uniform and was cut after the 1991 season. He signed with the Browns in 1992. He saw his first regular season action, but only recorded 1 catch for 8 yards. His 1993 season wasn’t much better in terms of catches, but he did score his first professional touchdown. He would score 3 more before the 1993 season was over. His production steadily increased during his time in Cleveland. Although he only started 5 games in 1995, he racked up 56 catches, 709 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Following the season, he became a free agent.

His production on the field was so impressive that the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to his first big contract and made him their #1 receiver. Some wondered if he could handle the #1 spot. He put those concerns to rest as he amassed 85 catches, 1,129 yards, 3 touchdowns, and earned himself a trip to the NFL Pro Bowl, his first ever. With the emergence of fellow teammate and Jimmy Smith, he was reduced to the #2 spot, but was still a major threat to defenses around the league. The duo were known as "Thunder and Lightning", with McCardell as "Thunder" because of his ability to run routes in the middle of the field with no fear of being hit hard by defenders. His best season was in 2000, when he caught 94 passes for 1,207 yards and 5 touchdowns.

After the 2001 season, McCardell, along with many Jaguar starters, were waived due to salary cap reasons. He was signed by the Buccaneers for the 2002 season to complement former New York Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. The Buccaneers would go on to win Super Bowl XXXVII, beating the AFC Champion Oakland Raiders 48-21. He became the team’s primary receiver late in the 2003 season mainly due to a dispute between Johnson and the Buccaneers organization, which ultimately ended in Johnson being “paid to stay away” and traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

McCardell started the 2004 season as a holdout with the Buccaneers. While he waited for a pay raise and worked out on his own, the Chargers traded for him. They exchanged a 3rd and 5th round draft pick in the 2005 draft. In 2005, he was the team’s 2nd leading receiver behind only tight end Antonio Gates, totaling 70 catches, 917 yards, and a career-high 9 touchdown receptions.

On December 4, 2005, in a game against the Oakland Raiders, McCardell became the 13th player in NFL history to record 800 career receptions. He is also 20th on the all-time list for yardage by a receiver.

At the end of the 2005 season, his career totals were: 825 catches, 10,680 yards, and 62 touchdown passes.

On March 1, 2007 McCardell was released by the San Diego Chargers.