Reggie McKenzie played G at Michigan from 1968-’71.
He earned multiple accolades over his college career including earning All-Big 10 Honors and Consensus (1970,’71), All American Honors (1971).
Selected in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
A nasty pulling guard with outstanding run blocking skills, McKenzie cleared the way for OJ Simpson’s historical 2,000 yard rushing season.
Known as the leader of the offensive line- that was called ‘The Electric Company.’
Started every game from 1972 to 1980 at LG,
A knee injury during week 6 of 1981 sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Played a final season in Buffalo in 1982 before hopping over to Seattle in 1983.
Started every game for Seattle in 1983 before a nagging shoulder injury caught up with him during the ’84 season.
After retiring Reggie became a philanthropist and businessman.
ACCOLADES:
Michigan Sports Hall of Fame 1994
Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame 2016
College Football Hall of Fame 2002
University of Michigan Hall of Honor 2004
NOTES:
I guess the Pro Football Hall of Fame which routinely stiffs offensive linemen felt that Joe DeLamielleure was enough to induct into the hall from the Bills line. Reggie to me not being in the hall is a great injustice.
I fought my way through a torrential downpour and traffic from the north part of town all the way to New Braunfels to see Aaron. I had printed his hack card on a whim a few months ago since he had signed in person for me in the past. When I originally printed the card I made a mistake and hadn’t updated the back so I had to reprint it with the correct player information. Aaron really liked the hack card I gave him and he gave it to his son.
We talked briefly about the game that was played today (Vanderbilt) and how Texas toppled #7 all the way from #20. I also lamented about how people have been treating Arch- which he wholeheartedly agreed. As I left I realized that the hack card he signed for me in bronze had smeared. Luckily my friend Mark had a white eraser and we were able to take most of it off and have him resign it properly. It looks fantastic!
I had a Score 1990 of Andre sitting around forever and a day that I had gotten from a friend way, way back in 2012. I finally got another one, though it’s messy to add to the collection now that Fleer is one of my set chases.
Since I posted about Andre way back in 2011, he has gotten the accolades that he deserves and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
