Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee, III (born October 21, 1981) is a former American football running back. He played college football for the University of Miami, and was recognized as an All-American. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He also played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||||
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| Born: | October 21, 1981 Miami, Florida | ||||||||||||||
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| High school: | Miami Central (West Little River, Florida) | ||||||||||||||
| College: | Miami (FL) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23 | ||||||||||||||
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Early years
McGahee was born in Miami, Florida. He attended Miami Central High School, and played for the Miami Central Rockets high school football team.
College
McGahee played college football as a runningback for the Miami Hurricanes.[1] He had 2,067 career rushing yards on 349 carries (5.9 avg.) for 31 touchdowns, which ranked 5th on school’s all time records list. He also caught 25 passes caught for 355 yards on a 13.1 average.
Professional career
Buffalo Bills
McGahee was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 23rd pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. McGahee did not play at all in his first season. This was because McGahee was only a rookie, was dealing with injuries, and Travis Henry was already a starter. However, McGahee passed 1,000 yards the next two seasons and scored 13 total times in 2004. In 2006, McGahee's rushing total dropped to 990 yards on 259 carries, plus six touchdowns. He wore #21.
Baltimore Ravens
The Bills traded McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens.[2] McGahee was voted to his only Pro Bowl in 2007 for Baltimore after rushing for 1,207 yards on 294 carries and eight total touchdowns. However, the Ravens missed the playoffs on a 5-11 mark. McGahee was about the only offensive brightspot for the Ravens that year, wearing #23.
In 2008, McGahee struggled with injuries. His statistics dropped to 170 attempts, 671 yards, and 7 scores, including a 77 yard touchdown to help win a game against the Dallas Cowboys. He was carted off the field after colliding (hitting into) Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark in an AFC Championship loss.
McGahee's playing time was limited by Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain in 2009 and 2010.
On July 26, 2011, McGahee (and Kelly Gregg, Derrick Mason, and Todd Heap) were released to help give younger players a chance and save salary cap space.[3]
Denver Broncos
McGahee signed with the Denver Broncos.[4] He rushed for 249 yards, 1,999 yards, and five total touchdowns for Denver.
Cleveland Browns
In 2014, McGahee played for the Cleveland Browns.[5]
Willis McGahee Media
McGahee signing autographs at Andrews Air Force Base, 2007
Other websites
References
- ↑ "MIAMI vs NEBRASKA (Jan 3, 2002)". Huskermax. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
- ↑ McGahee traded to Ravens, signs long-term deal-ESPN Retrieved August 31, 2012.
- ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg. "Release Tracker". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
- ↑ Willis McGahee to the Broncos if official-SB Nation||accessdate=September 22, 2011
- ↑ Schilken, Chuck (September 19, 2013). "Report: Willis McGahee passes physical, agrees to terms with Browns" – via LA Times.