When it comes to linebackers, the New England Patriots have had a blessed history. Jerod Mayo, Mike Vrabel, Rob Ninkovich, Dont’a Hightower, Junior Seau, and Andre Tippett. These are all men who have, over time, contributed to the team’s storied legacy – each, of course, deserving of their own articles. Last week, Steve McGuire wrote about famed pass rusher Houston Antwine. This week, we’re covering a man one who made not only one all-decade team, but two. A man who still holds the postseason sack record. A man who, over the course of his career, recorded 582 tackles, 86 sacks, and five interceptions. A three-time Super Bowl champion, and one of the greatest Patriots players of all time. This week, we’re excited to detail the legend himself: Willie McGinest.
New England Patriots of the Past: Willie McGinest
All-Star Uprising
During his high school sports career, McGinest managed to earn all-state honors in both football and basketball. Not surprising considering his 6′ 5″ stature. His talent in football, however, was especially notable. In 1989, he would be selected to “all-star” teams, including all-city, all-state, and all-region. As a senior in high school, McGinest recorded 107 tackles, 18 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Also worth mentioning, his height advantage allowed him to block four kicks that year.
Ultimately, his talent on the gridiron would earn him a place on the University of Southern California’s team as a defensive end. While at USC, McGinest earned all-conference honors three years in a row. As a senior, he earned All-American and All-Pac-10 conference honors and was named a Lombardi Award finalist. McGinest not only received a degree in Public Administration from the university in 1994, but recorded 193 tackles, 29 sacks, and 48 tackles for loss while doing so.
New England on the Clock
After a dismal season in 1993, the Patriots earned the fourth first-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. That pick was used on McGinest, who would be among the first draft class to play for the team’s new owner, Robert Kraft. Only two players from that draft class – McGinest and Marty Moore, another linebacker – would remain with the team long enough to see their first Super Bowl win in 2001.
McGinest helped carry the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI with 49 tackles, an interception returned 46 yards for a touchdown and a team-leading nine and a half sacks. During the championship game, McGinest was able to sack Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. The Patriots ultimately lost that Super Bowl 21 – 35, but McGinest’s story had only just begun.
The team fought on and, under direction from head coach Bill Belichick and leadership from quarterback Tom Brady, make their way to another three additional Super Bowls during McGinest’s career. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and made two separate all-decade Patriots teams (All-1990s and All-2000s). Ten years after being released by the Patriots, and seven years after retiring from the NFL, McGinest was selected to the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2015. To date, he still holds the NFL records for most career postseason sacks (16) and most sacks in a playoff game (4.5).
A Patriot for Life
After being released from the Patriots in 2006, McGinest signed with the Cleveland Browns and played there for three years before retiring. McGinest ended his career a Patriot, signing a one-day contract to officially retire in New England. Coach Belichick spoke strongly of McGinest during the press conference prior to his Hall of Fame induction.
“[Those] kinds of guys – McGinest and [Lawrence Taylor] – they had that ability to reach down at that point in time and give their best and in a lot of cases make the difference. He had a lot of those plays, and not just rushing the passer either – against the run, blowing up a short yardage play where somebody else ends up making it. So, I think there’s a little bit of that ‘gamesmanship’ maybe is the right word – but knowing this is it, and I’m going to reach down, I’ve got a little bit extra and here it is.”
Following retirement, McGinest has seen a successful career in sports broadcasting as an analyst. He’s also been a vocal supporter of the Patriots through thick and thin, and still remains a role model for Patriots players on both sides of the ball.
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