Kellen Boswell Winslow (born November 5 1957) is a hall of fame former professional American football tight end with the University of Missouri and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game.

NFL career

He was drafted in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Chargers and played for them until 1987, when he retired from football due to injury. Winslow is frequently credited, along with Ozzie Newsome and John Mackey, with redefining the position of tight end. Historically, tight ends were primarily blockers who also ran short pass routes. Winslow had the size to block and the speed to get downfield quickly along with great athletic ability to both make difficult catches and run well with the ball after the catch. He led the NFL in receptions in 1980 and 1981, becoming the first tight end ever to lead the league in receptions in back to back seasons. He also exceeded the 1,000 yards receiving milestone in 3 different seasons, including setting a single season record for receiving yards (a record that still stands) by a tight end with a whopping 1,290 yards in the 1980 season.

In a 1982 (1981 season), playoff game against the Miami Dolphins that became known as The Epic In Miami, Winslow caught a playoff record 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, while also blocking a field goal with seconds remaining to send the game to overtime in one of the greatest single player efforts in NFL history. What made Winslow's performance all the more memorable was that fact during the game he was treated for a pinched nerve in his shoulder, dehydration, and severe cramps, and received three stitches in his lower lip. After the game, a picture of Winslow being helped off the field by his teammates[1] became an enduring image in NFL Lore.

Winslow played in five Pro Bowls, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. In his nine NFL seasons, Winslow caught 541 passes for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns. Kellen was a consensus All-Pro in 1980, 1981, and 1982. He is also a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. His jersey has not, as yet, been retired by the San Diego Chargers and his #80 is currently worn by wide receiver Malcolm Floyd. Winslow is currently working as a college football announcer with Fox Sports Net.

In 1999, he was ranked number 73 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

Kellen Winslow Jr.

Winslow's son, Kellen Winslow II, also plays tight end in the NFL. Winslow II was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft out of the University of Miami by the Cleveland Browns, the team the Chargers traded with to draft the elder Winslow in 1979.

Kellen Winslow II wears his father's number 80 as a sign of respect for his accomplishments.

External links

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile

Donate to Wikimedia