search

40 Facts About Xavier McKinney

Dorothy Reza

Written by Dorothy Reza

Published: 12 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
40-facts-about-xavier-mckinney
Source: Bigblueview.com

Who is Xavier McKinney? Xavier Avis McKinney is a standout safety in the NFL, currently playing for the Green Bay Packers. Born on August 9, 1999, in Roswell, Georgia, McKinney's journey from high school star to professional athlete is nothing short of impressive. He honed his skills at the University of Alabama, where he earned accolades and set records. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2020, he quickly made a name for himself with his versatility and playmaking abilities. Now with the Packers, McKinney continues to shine, showcasing his leadership and defensive prowess. Let's dive into 40 key facts about his life and career.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xavier McKinney's journey from high school standout to NFL star showcases his impressive skills and leadership qualities, making him a valuable asset to any team.
  • With a new contract with the Green Bay Packers, McKinney's future looks promising as he continues to make a significant impact on the field with his playmaking abilities and versatility.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School Achievements
02College Career at Alabama
03Transition to the NFL
04Physical Attributes and Skills
05Career Highlights and Achievements
06Combine Performance and Measurements
07College Awards and Recognition
08NFL Contract and Future Prospects
09Career Milestones with the Giants
10Xavier McKinney: A Rising Star

Early Life and High School Achievements

Xavier McKinney's journey to the NFL began in Roswell, Georgia. His early years were marked by a passion for football, influenced by his sports-oriented family.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born on August 9, 1999, in Roswell, Georgia, McKinney grew up in a family that loved sports, pushing him towards football.

  2. High School Career: At Roswell High School, he recorded 82 tackles and seven interceptions in his senior year, becoming one of the top defensive players in his class.

  3. High School Awards and Recognition: Named the 2016 Georgia Class 7A Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, McKinney's high school career was nothing short of impressive.

College Career at Alabama

McKinney's college career at the University of Alabama solidified his reputation as a top defensive player. His versatility and playmaking skills were on full display.

  1. College Commitment: McKinney committed to Alabama, where he was a unanimous four-star prospect and a top-10 safety nationally.

  2. College Stats: As a true freshman in 2017, he played in 13 games. By his sophomore year, he had 73 tackles, two interceptions, and three sacks.

  3. College Accolades: In his junior year (2019), McKinney earned second-team All-America accolades from the AFCA, The Sporting News, and Walter Camp.

  4. College Records: McKinney finished 10th in the SEC in tackles with 95 in his junior season, leading Alabama in tackles.

  5. College Awards: Named a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, McKinney was also added to the Bednarik Award Watch List.

  6. College Recognition: Selected as one of Alabama's defensive players of the week multiple times, McKinney's leadership was evident.

Transition to the NFL

McKinney's transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2020 draft. His early years with the New York Giants showcased his potential.

  1. Draft Selection: On April 23, 2020, McKinney was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the NFL draft.

  2. NFL Debut: He made his NFL debut on September 20, 2020, against the Dallas Cowboys.

  3. Career Stats: By the end of his fourth season, McKinney had appeared in 49 games, recording 279 tackles, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

Physical Attributes and Skills

McKinney's physical attributes and skills have played a significant role in his success on the field. His versatility makes him a valuable asset.

  1. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 201 pounds, McKinney has the ideal build for a safety.

  2. College Position: At Alabama, he played as a safety but also saw action as a linebacker and cornerback.

  3. NFL Position: In the NFL, McKinney has primarily played as a safety, both free and strong, depending on the team's defensive scheme.

  4. Leadership Qualities: Known for his leadership, McKinney has been praised for his ability to read the game and make crucial plays.

  5. Playmaking Skills: His ability to intercept passes and make tackles has made him a valuable asset.

  6. Versatility: McKinney's ability to play both free and strong safety positions adds to his value.

Career Highlights and Achievements

McKinney's career has been filled with notable achievements and milestones. His impact on the field has been significant.

  1. Defensive Coordinator Impact: Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, McKinney is expected to bolster the Packers' secondary.

  2. Career Milestones: In his third season with the Giants, McKinney recorded three interceptions and 22 interception return yards.

  3. Pro Bowl Selection: For his outstanding performance in the 2023 season, McKinney was selected to the Pro Bowl.

  4. First-Team AP All-Pro: McKinney was also named a First-Team AP All-Pro, highlighting his consistent excellence.

  5. Career Interceptions: By the end of his fourth season, McKinney had recorded nine interceptions.

  6. Career Tackles: With 279 career tackles, McKinney has established himself as one of the most prolific tacklers in the NFL.

  7. Forced Fumbles: In his career, McKinney has forced two fumbles.

  8. Fumble Recoveries: Although he hasn't recorded any fumble recoveries, his ability to force fumbles is significant.

Combine Performance and Measurements

McKinney's performance at the NFL Combine showcased his athleticism and potential. His measurements were impressive.

  1. 40-Yard Dash Time: McKinney ran a 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds, indicating his speed and agility.

  2. Arm Length and Hand Span: With an arm length of 31 inches and a hand span of 8 3/4 inches, McKinney has the physical tools needed for his position.

  3. Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: At the Combine, he recorded a vertical jump of 34 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet 5 inches.

  4. Bench Press and Wonderlic Test: McKinney bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times and scored 26 on the Wonderlic test.

College Awards and Recognition

McKinney's time at Alabama was filled with numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting his impact on the field.

  1. College Awards and Recognition: Named defensive MVP of the 2018 Orange Bowl and a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award.

  2. College Team Leadership: As a junior, McKinney was selected as one of Alabama's defensive players of the week multiple times.

NFL Contract and Future Prospects

McKinney's new contract with the Green Bay Packers marks a significant step in his career. His future looks promising.

  1. NFL Contract: In 2024, McKinney signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.

  2. Packers' Defensive Scheme: Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers are expected to implement an aggressive defensive scheme.

  3. Leadership Role: McKinney is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the Packers' secondary.

  4. Impact on the Team: McKinney's arrival in Green Bay marks a significant addition to the team's defense.

  5. Packers' Season Outlook: The Packers are optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season.

Career Milestones with the Giants

McKinney's time with the New York Giants was marked by several career milestones. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top safeties in the NFL.

  1. Career Milestones with Giants: During his time with the Giants, McKinney played in 29 games, recording 279 tackles, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

  2. Packers' Roster Moves: The Packers have made several roster moves to strengthen their team, including the addition of McKinney.

  3. Future Prospects: With his new contract and the Packers' defensive scheme, McKinney is poised to make a strong impact in his new role.

Xavier McKinney: A Rising Star

Xavier McKinney's journey from Roswell, Georgia to the Green Bay Packers showcases his talent, versatility, and leadership. Starting at Roswell High School, he quickly made a name for himself with impressive stats and accolades. His college career at Alabama only solidified his reputation, earning him numerous awards and recognition.

Drafted by the New York Giants in 2020, McKinney's NFL debut was just the beginning. Over four seasons, he racked up 279 tackles, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a First-Team AP All-Pro nod.

Now with the Packers, McKinney's $68 million contract reflects his value. Under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, McKinney's skills align perfectly with the team's aggressive strategy. His leadership and playmaking abilities make him a key player for the Packers' future success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Xavier McKinney play in football?
Xavier McKinney shines as a safety, showcasing his skills on the defensive side of the ball. His agility and sharp instincts make him a key player in his team's lineup.
How did Xavier McKinney start his football career?
His journey to the big leagues began in high school, where he first made waves as a standout player. From there, McKinney took his talents to college football, further honing his skills before making the leap to the pros.
What makes Xavier McKinney stand out on the field?
What sets him apart are his exceptional ball-hawking abilities and leadership on the field. McKinney's knack for reading the game and making pivotal plays when his team needs him the most truly makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Has Xavier McKinney received any awards or recognition?
Throughout his career, McKinney has racked up several accolades, a testament to his hard work and dedication. From college honors to professional achievements, his trophy case is getting pretty crowded.
What teams has Xavier McKinney played for?
Starting his professional journey, McKinney has worn the jersey for some notable teams, leaving his mark with each squad. His contributions have not only helped his teams win games but also earned him a loyal fanbase.
Can Xavier McKinney's playing style be compared to any past or present players?
Sure, McKinney's style draws comparisons to some of the game's greats. His ability to combine physicality with strategic playmaking often reminds fans and analysts of legendary figures in football, though he's certainly carving out his own legacy.
What's next for Xavier McKinney?
Looking ahead, the sky's the limit for McKinney. With his talent and work ethic, fans are excited to see how he'll continue to evolve and impact the game. Whether it's breaking records or leading his team to victory, McKinney's future in football looks incredibly bright.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.