Kenny McKinley Elected To USC Hall Of Fame
By Tylor Walden
Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Denver Broncos helmet on the field against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Before he became a Denver Bronco, Kenny McKinley was one of the first players that was recruited by Steve Spurrier to play for the South Carolina football program is now being recognized for his hard work for the program.
Kenny McKinley, who passed away back in 2010, is one of eight players elected to the inaugural South Carolina University’s athletic Hall of Fame. He will be formally honored on September 10th with a ceremony and will be introduced on September 12th, when the South Carolina Gamecocks play the Kentucky Wildcats.
Former #Broncos WR Kenny McKinley elected to inaugural @GamecocksOnline HOF class: [http://t.co/I4Nus3EG23] pic.twitter.com/gWTUliELYC
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 2, 2015
During his time with South Carolina, Kenny McKinley became the school’s all time leader with 207 receptions. This also placed him in the Southeastern Conference’s record books as only the fifth player in SEC history to record 200 or more receptions in a career. Currently, he is third on the list. He also was the 12th player in the conference’s history to record more than 2,700 receiving yards.
Kenny McKinley was a fifth round draft choice by the Denver Broncos back in 2009. He was the team’s primary kick returner and was an impact player on special teams. He ended up on the injured reserved list with a knee injury towards the end of his rookie year.
It is a shame that we will never see what kind of career Kenny McKinley would have had playing in the pros, but at the same time it is great to see that he is being recognized for his hard work at the collegian level. His determination to becoming a solid receiver definitely did not go unnoticed and he will forever hold his place not only in South Carolina history, but in history of the entire Southeastern Conference.
Kenny McKinley was taken from the world far too early. Being honored by the entire university will hopefully keep to the name of his good spirits, hard work, and determination.