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Porkins said 03/04, 07:42 AM
Ok, this is going to be tough as there are precious few guy to choose from, but I like the idea as something different, and I hate to back down from a TD.

I'm going with Jacque MacKinnon from mighty Colgate U.

In 1961, MacKinnon was the final pick, taken by the Eagles. Like Kenney, he didn't play for the team that drafted him, signing instead with the AFL's San Diego Chargers.

It's hard to compare stats because Kenney was a QB and MacKinnon began as a FB. He had some success in the backfield but eventually switched to TE where he excelled. He's also listed as having played both guard and tackle on the o-line.


You said that "Kenney is the only Mr. Irrelevant to make it to the pro bowl."

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend!

MacKinnon was TWICE an AFL all-star, the equivalent of a pro-bowl appearance. Plus, he earned All-Pro honors in 1968- something Kenney never did.

MacKinnon played for 10 seasons for the Chargers and Raiders- one year more than Kenney. He also won a championship in 1963.

Best of all? MacKinnon is considered a Chargers' all-time great, and was inducted in the San Diego Hall of Fame in 1976. Now THAT is impact.

Porkins said 03/05, 07:26 AM
Hold up- the AFL was looked down upon, but to call it the CFL of its day? I thought Broadway Joe successfully debunked such rumors. Sammy Baugh, Lance Allworth, George Blanda...were they lesser players?

The fact is, MacKinnon was good enough that he made an NFL roster after the merger, even at the end of his career.

I admit he didn't set records or have gaudy stats. But as much as I love numbers, they must be used with caution.


Heck, Brian Griese has more yards than Sid Luckman. But who do you think was the better Bear?



Although his positions didn't normally yield big numbers, he had not one, but 2 standout seasons.

Plus, as a FB, TE, and O-lineman, he had to be an accomplished blocker witha wide range of skills. He was a strong receiver- his yds/rec were consistently high and in his all-star years he averaged over 30 yds/game- great for a TE in that era. AND he could run the ball.

I'll concede that Kenney had a great, record-setting year. And for a final pick he did quite well for himself. But comparing the bodies of work, he falls a little shy.

A passing record or enshrinement in a Team HOF? Which is more reflective of a player's stature?

Porkins said 03/06, 07:29 AM
Great job.

Mac played TE in college, but played whatever role SD needed. The team recognized his talent at his true position, which is where he spent most of his career.

4.4 career ypc as a rusher, 18.8 yds/rec as a TE and 20 receiving TDs- not bad for the position.

But again, I can't just argue numbers. Kenney's 17,277 yards are more than Mac ever had, for sure. But QB compared to TE? This has to go beyond numbers.

See Griese versus Luckman in my #2.

Yes, this TD is about productivity. But that's more than racking up stats- it's about the impact you make for your team.


Kenney was a decent QB for lousy teams. His KC was 58-77-1 (.430) with 2 winning seasons. Not too productive as a QB and team leader.

Mac was good enough to play for teams that went 84-48-8 (.629) and had only ONE losing year.

So, with apologies to Nick Bakay, let's look at the tale of the tape.

YEARS PLAYED
BK: 9
JM: 10

"PRO BOWLS"
BK: 1
JM: 2

ALL-PRO
BK: 0
JM: 1

WIN %
KC: .430
SD/OAK: .629

JM: SD HOF member

Mac's career lasted longer, resulted in more recognition, and included a championship. Plus he earned his spot on much better teams.