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.
Rosey Grier played his college football at Penn St from 1952-’55.
He excelled not only at DT and DE but also as a track man in discus, javelin, and shot put.
Selected by the New York Giants in the 3rd round (31st overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft.
First played at RDE his rookie season, and then in ’56 moved to DT after the Giants acquired Andy Robustelli from the Rams.
Played for the Giants through the ’62 season, where the team built on a strong defense, reached the title game 5 times- winning once.
Traded to the Rams and helped form the famous Fearsome Foursome defensive line.
Tore Achilles tendon during the 1966 season, ending his career.
After retirement he spent some time working the TV circuit hosting the Rosey Grier Show in LA, and landed guest roles on Wild Wild West, Man From UNCLE, Kojak, Make Room for Granddaddy, CHIPS, Quincy M.E., and Daniel Boone.
During the 70’s he also became a mainstay celebrity on TV game and talk shows and was involved in movies.
Since then he’s lived a full and busy life through community service and charitable causes, and has written 6 books.
ACCOLADES:
Top 100 Most Influential Student Athletes
New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame 1996
Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award
Pro Bowl 1956, ’60
All Pro 1956, 1958, 1959
NOTES:
In 1968, Rosey Grier was a bodyguard to Robert and Ethel Kennedy and helped detain Sirhan Sirhan after he assassinated RFK, by inserting his thumb into the gun’s hammer and snapping Sirhan’s arm.
Rosey Grier is also (unintentionally) hilariously known for his role in the movie The Thing with Two Heads.
Grier is one of the personalities and great players of the early NFL that has not gotten his due from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
CARDS: Skybox 1992, Fleer 1990, Gameday 1992, Pro Set 1989 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home SENT: 1/2/21 RECEIVED: 1/23/21 (21 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
At 6’7, 270, Joe Jacoby played OT at Louisville from 1978-’80.
Unselected in the 1981 NFL Draft ironically because of his size, Joe signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins.
Comically he was almost released by the team when they mistook him for a defensive lineman in his rookie preseason.
One of 18 lineman brought into camp his rookie year.
Jacoby almost quit in camp when his fellow future ‘Hogs’ talked him out of it.
From there he’d go down as one of the greatest free agent finds in Redskins history.
Started 13 games as a rookie and then a streak of 55 from 1983-’85 before he was sidelined with a knee injury.
In 1984, became the first Redskins offensive lineman to score a TD- which became affectionately known as the ‘Jake Quake’.
A notorious gym rat, he built on over 30 pounds of bulk by the 1986 season, while still maintaining his agility.
Feared run blocker, notable for being the lead lineman in the Redskins’ ‘Counter trey’ play.
In 1988, saw action at both right and left tackle during the season, taking over LT fulltime in ’89.
Held down the spot through 1992, when Joe saw duty at LG.
Limited to 5 games in 1993 as injuries finally took their toll.
Retired due to a back injury after 140 starts, 170 games, and three Super Bowl wins.
Currently is enjoying coaching at the college level.
Skybox 1990, #80Fleer 1990, #157Pro Set 1989, #427
ACCOLADES:
Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor
All-Pro 1983-’84, ’87
Pro Bowl 1983-’86
Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
NFL 1980’s All-Decade Team
Washington Redskins 90 Greatest Players
NOTES:
Joe had emerged to be on a short list for me recently as he appeared in 4 set needs for me. He’s got a wonderful autograph. Strong blue with nice curves.
Joe definitely belongs into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As he’s considered a ‘senior’ now, he faces a logger jam to get into the hall, but in 2023 he did receive his first nomination.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
