Keenan McCardell: Information from Answers.com

McCardell starred at UNLV, where his speed and athleticism enabled him to become one of the premier wide receivers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Professional career

Washington Redskins

McCardell was selected in the 12th round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, but he never took the field in a Redskins’ uniform. He, however, got a Super Bowl ring with the Redskins while being on injured reserve. McCardell was cut after the 1991 season.

Cleveland Browns

McCardell signed with the Cleveland Browns in 1992. He saw his first regular season action, but only recorded 1 reception for eight yards. His 1993 season wasn't much better in terms of catches, but he did score his first professional touchdown. He would record three more before the 1993 season was over. His production steadily increased during his time in Cleveland. Although he only started five games in 1995, he racked up 56 catches, 709 yards, and four touchdowns. Following the season, he became a free agent. He finished his career with the Browns with 80 receptions for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Before the 1996 season the Jacksonville Jaguars signed McCardell to his first big contract. During his first season with the team he made 85 catches for 1,129 yards and three touchdowns, and earned himself a trip to his first ever Pro Bowl. With the emergence of fellow teammate Jimmy Smith the Jaguars had one of the best duos at wide receiver in the NFL. They earned the nickname "Thunder and Lightning" with McCardell as "Thunder" because of his ability to run routes in the middle of the field.^[3] After the 2001 season, McCardell, along with many other Jaguar starters, were waived due to salary cap reasons. He finished his six year career with the Jaguars recording 499 receptions for 6,393 yards and 30 touchdowns.^{[citation needed]}

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

McCardell signed with the Tampa Buccaneers before the 2002 season. The Buccaneers would go on to win Super Bowl XXXVII, beating the AFC Champion Oakland Raiders 48-21 with McCardell scoring two touchdowns in that game. He became the team’s primary receiver late in the 2003 season, making his second Pro Bowl, mainly due to a dispute between receiver Keyshawn Johnson and the Buccaneers organization, which ultimately ended in Johnson being traded to the Dallas Cowboys for Joey Galloway.

McCardell started the 2004 season as a holdout with the Buccaneers after wanting a new contract.

San Diego Chargers

After the dispute with the Buccaneers McCardell was traded to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for a third and fifth round draft pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. In 2005, he was the team’s second leading receiver behind only tight end Antonio Gates, totaling 70 catches for 917 yards, and a career-high nine 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.

On March 1, 2007, McCardell was released by the Chargers. In three years with the team he totaled 137 receptions for 1,747 yards and ten touchdowns.

Houston Texans

On July 23, 2007 McCardell signed with the Houston Texans, but was eventually cut on August 31, without playing a game for the team.

Washington Redskins

On October 1, 2007 McCardell signed with the Washington Redskins. He played in ten games for the team recording 22 receptions for 256 yards and a touchdown.

References

^ "General Information." Black Middle School. Retrieved on April 20, 2009.
^ "Distinguished HISD Alumni." Houston Independent School District.
^ Thunder and Lightning making some noise again Smith, McCardell each have 100-yard days

v • d • e Washington Redskins 1991 NFL Draft selections

Bobby Wilson • Ricky Ervins • Keith Cash • Jimmy Spencer • David Gulledge • Keenan McCardell

Draft Years: 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009