Charles McKee (American football)

Charles Mckee (born February 2, 1950) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. He also was a member of the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League (WFL). He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1972 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Arizona.

Charles McKee

Personal information
Born:	(1950-02-02) February 2, 1950 (age 75)
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
Position:	Wide receiver
High school:	Phoenix (AZ) Union
College:	Arizona
NFL draft:	1972: 2nd round, 52nd pick
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (1972)* Minnesota Vikings (1972) New England Patriots (1972)* Detroit Wheels (1974) Denver Broncos (1975)* New York Jets (1975)*
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Early life

Mckee attended Phoenix Union High School, where he practiced football and basketball. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Arizona, finishing his career with 85 receptions for 1,652 receiving yards (school record) and 19 touchdowns (school record).^[1] His nickname was "Earl the Pearl".^[2]

As a junior, he was second on the team with 26 receptions for 496 yards and 9 touchdowns (led the team). As a senior, he was a co-captain and the team's deep threat, posting 43 receptions for 854 receiving yards (205 yards against Oregon State University) and 5 touchdowns. He also played in the Senior Bowl.^[3]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

McKee was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1972 NFL draft. He had a disappointing training camp and was waived before the season started on September 11.^[4]

Minnesota Vikings

On September 19, 1972, he was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings and placed on the taxi squad. He was cut on October 20.

New England Patriots

On November 27, 1972, he was signed by the New England Patriots to the taxi squad.^[5] He was released on September 12, 1973.^[6]

Detroit Wheels

In 1974, he was signed by the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League.^[7] In the third game, he broke his right hand against The Hawaiians and was placed on the disabled list. For the season he posted 6 receptions for 91 yards (long of 46). After finishing in last place (1–13 record), the league folded the team.

Denver Broncos

In 1975, he signed with the Denver Broncos but was released on July 28.^[8]

New York Jets

On August 5, 1975, he was signed by the New York Jets and was released on August 11.^[9]