Kellen Winslow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kellen Winslow

Winslow in 2008
No. 80
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1957-11-05) November 5, 1957 (age 67) East St. Louis, Illinois, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:	East St. Louis Senior
College:	Missouri (1975–1978)
NFL Draft:	1979 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13
Career history
As player:
San Diego Chargers (1979)
As administrator:
Central State (OH) (2008–2012) Athletic director Lakeland (2012–2013) Athletic director Florida A&M (2014) Athletic director
Career highlights and awards
3× First-team All-Pro (1980–1982) Second-team All-Pro (1987) 5× Pro Bowl (1980–1983, 1987) 2× NFL receptions leader (1980, 1981) NFL 1980s All-Decade Team NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team Los Angeles Chargers No. 80 retired Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame Consensus All-American (1978) 2× First-team All-Big Eight (1977, 1978) Second-team All-Big Eight (1976) Missouri Tigers No. 83 retired
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 541 Receiving yards: 6,741 Receiving touchdowns: 45
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is a former American football player. He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Kellen Winslow is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995). Many people consider him one of the best tight ends in football history.

Winslow played his entire NFL career from 1979 to 1987 with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers picked him in the first round of the 1979 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football for the Missouri Tigers. He was named an All-American in 1978. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kellen Winslow started playing football late, only in his senior year of high school. He was known for being both big and fast. The Missouri Tigers recruited him, and he played for them from 1975 to 1978. He was one of the team's top players for catching passes in his last two seasons. After college, he was one of the most highly-rated players entering the NFL draft.

The San Diego Chargers traded up to pick Winslow as the 13th player overall. Over the next nine seasons, he was named a first-team All-Pro three times. He also played in the Pro Bowl five times. After an injury cut short his first season (1979), Winslow became a key player in coach Don Coryell's offense. From 1980 to 1983, he led the league in receptions twice. His success changed how tight ends were used. Before him, tight ends were mostly known for blocking, not catching many passes.

Some of Winslow's career highlights include scoring five touchdowns in one game against the Oakland Raiders. He also played a starring role in the 1981 playoff game known as the Epic in Miami. In 1984, Winslow was on track to break records when a serious knee injury sidelined him for a year. He returned to play from 1985 to 1987 but did not fully regain his earlier form. He planned to play a tenth year, but his knee problems forced him to retire after one preseason game in 1988.

Early Life and High School Football

Kellen Winslow was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on November 5, 1957. He was the third of seven children. He went to East St. Louis Senior High School. He did not play high school football until his senior year. Before that, he described himself as a "nerd" who enjoyed playing chess.

He tried football as a sophomore but quit after a week. This was because of tough "two-a-days" practices. As a junior, he worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) and had no time for sports. His coach, Cornelius Perry, convinced him to try football again in his senior year. The coach told Winslow that football could help him pay for college.

In his only year with the East St. Louis Flyers, Winslow caught 17 passes. He was voted to the 1974 All-Southwestern Conference first team as an end. His team's season ended with a close 19–13 overtime loss in the championship game. Winslow felt sad, blaming himself for missing a difficult catch.

College Football Career

The University of Missouri recruited Winslow to play for the Tigers. The head coach, Al Onofrio, called him a promising player. Winslow thought he was recruited mostly because of his size, as his high school stats were not amazing. He played mostly on the junior varsity team in his first year. Then, he played more with the Tigers as a sophomore.

Winslow had a bigger impact as a junior, increasing his catches from 16 to 25. He was chosen for the 1977 All-Big Eight first team as a tight end. Before his senior year, an Associated Press (AP) article called him "probably the best player" for the new head coach, Warren Powers. Powers said Winslow was a rare talent.

In 1978, Winslow caught 29 passes. He was named a consensus All-American and second team All-Big Eight. He finished his college career with 71 catches for 1,089 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his last game, he scored another touchdown. Missouri beat Louisiana State University 20–15 in the 1978 Liberty Bowl.

Winslow's college achievements earned him many honors. He is in the Halls of Fame for the Missouri Tigers, Missouri Sports, and College Football. The Tigers also retired his No. 83 jersey.

College Statistics

College Honors

• First-team All-Big Eight (1977)
• Second team All-Big Eight (1978)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1978)
• Missouri Tigers Hall of Fame inductee (1990)
• Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee (1994)
• Missouri Tigers No. 83 retired (1995)
• College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2002)

Professional Football Career

Joining the NFL

Kellen Winslow was seen as the best tight end prospect for the 1979 NFL draft. Experts praised his size, speed, and strength. Many expected him to be picked early in the first round.

The San Diego Chargers traded up to the 13th pick to select Winslow. They were very happy, as they thought he was the best player in the draft. Coach Don Coryell said the Chargers needed a tight end. Their current players were older and might retire soon. Winslow was happy to join the Chargers because he liked to catch the ball. He knew Coach Coryell's team loved to pass.

Rookie Season (1979)

Winslow signed with the Chargers less than three weeks after the draft. Coach Coryell said Winslow had great potential and could play both tight end and wide receiver. In his rookie season, Winslow played both roles. He was the second tight end and also a third wide receiver.

He scored his first career touchdown in week 2. An injury to another player made Winslow a starter. He then caught seven passes, leading the Chargers in receptions. However, he also had some struggles, like losing a key fumble. His season ended in week 7 due to a broken left leg. He finished with 25 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Winslow later said the injury helped him learn and improve.

Breakthrough Season (1980)

Winslow catching a touchdown pass during the 1980 season.

In the 1980 season, Winslow aimed to become the top tight end. He had a great game in week 2 against the Oakland Raiders. He caught 9 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Coach Coryell used Winslow in many different positions to create mismatches.

Winslow became a key part of the Chargers' "Air Coryell" offense. He led the league with 89 catches, setting a new NFL record for tight ends. He also became the first tight end since 1967 to gain over 1,000 receiving yards. He helped the Chargers win their second straight division title. He was named a Pro Bowler and first-team AP All-Pro.

In the playoffs, Winslow had fewer catches in the first game. This was partly due to an injury to another tight end, which forced Winslow into a more traditional blocking role. The Chargers lost the AFC Championship game to Oakland.

The "Epic in Miami" (1981)

The 1981 season started slowly for Winslow. Teams were covering him more closely. But with a new wide receiver, Wes Chandler, Winslow got more chances. A big highlight was a 55–21 win against the Oakland Raiders. Winslow caught 13 passes for 144 yards and 5 touchdowns. His five touchdowns tied an NFL record for a single game.

San Diego finished the season strong, winning their third straight division title. Winslow led the league in receptions for the second year in a row. He had 88 catches for 1,075 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was again named to the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro first team. He even won co-MVP at the Pro Bowl.

Winslow played amazingly in the Chargers' playoff game against the Miami Dolphins. This game, known as the Epic in Miami, was played in very hot and humid conditions. He caught 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked a potential game-winning field goal at the end of the game. His 13 catches set a new playoff record. He did all this despite leaving the game several times due to dehydration and cramps. A famous picture shows Winslow being helped off the field by his teammates.

Many people praised Winslow's performance in the Miami game. Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka said Winslow showed what it takes to be great. An ESPN article later called it one of the best single-game playoff performances ever.

The next week, the Chargers lost the AFC Championship game to Cincinnati. The game was played in extremely cold and windy conditions, known as the Freezer Bowl. Winslow said he wouldn't send his dog out in that weather.

Strike-Shortened Season (1982)

Winslow around 1982

The 1982 season was shorter due to an NFL players strike. Winslow was frustrated by the strike. On the field, his success continued. His 54 catches were the most in the AFC. He was again named a Pro Bowler and AP first-team All-Pro.

San Diego made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–28, with Winslow scoring two touchdowns. However, in the next game against the Dolphins, Winslow played with a twisted ankle. He had only one catch, and Miami won 34–13. This was the last playoff game of his career.

Productive Year (1983)

The Chargers had a disappointing 1983 season and missed the playoffs. But Winslow still had a great year. He caught 14 passes for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns in one game, breaking his own team record for catches. He finished the year with 88 catches for 1,172 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was voted to another Pro Bowl. Over the five years from 1979 to 1983, Winslow had caught more passes than any other player.

Injury and Return (1984-1987)

1984: Two weeks after announcing his retirement, Winslow returned to action against the Houston Oilers.

In the 1984 season, Winslow had a contract dispute and briefly retired. He returned and played well, even setting a new team record with 15 catches in one game. However, in week 8, he suffered a very serious knee injury. His knee was severely damaged, requiring surgery. Winslow was glad he had a guaranteed contract, meaning he would still be paid.

He worked hard to recover in 1985. He returned to play in week 7, almost a year after his injury. He had some good blocks but fewer catches. He finished the season with 25 catches and no touchdowns. He admitted he would "never be the Kellen Winslow of old" due to the injury.

In 1986, Winslow improved. He caught 64 passes for 728 yards and 5 touchdowns. He later said he was still playing cautiously that season.

Before the 1987 season, Winslow had surgery on his knee to remove scar tissue. He felt better and could run more easily. The season was shortened by a players strike, which Winslow sat out. When he returned, he felt he was playing at a high level again. He made his 500th career reception, becoming only the second tight end to reach that milestone. He finished with 53 catches and earned his fifth Pro Bowl nomination. His teammates named him their offensive player of the year.

Retirement (1988)

Winslow expected to play in 1988, but his knees continued to be a problem. He had another surgery and struggled in preseason games. On August 29, Winslow announced he was suspended by the Chargers. He said he could no longer play due to his knee. The Chargers said he was fit and suspended him for refusing to play. This led to a dispute over his guaranteed salary.

On September 30, Winslow and the Chargers reached an agreement, and he officially retired. Winslow felt the Chargers had treated him poorly. He later described his career as "like a fairy tale," feeling lucky for his coaches and teams.

Legacy and Impact

Winslow around 1982

Over his nine years in the NFL, Winslow caught 541 passes for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, his reception total ranked 14th in league history. He played in five Pro Bowls and was named to three AP All-Pro first teams. After he retired, he was named to the NFL's All-1980s team, 75th anniversary team, and 100th anniversary team. In 1995, Winslow was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Chargers Hall of Fame. The Chargers retired his No. 80 jersey in 2023.

Winslow is widely seen as one of the best tight ends ever. He is also credited with changing how tight ends are used in the NFL. Before Winslow, tight ends mostly blocked and ran short routes. Winslow showed he could run deep routes as fast as wide receivers. The Chargers used him in many different positions during games. He could line up as a wide receiver, slotback, or traditional tight end.

Many coaches credit Winslow with creating the "H-back" position. This position uses a player who can block and also catch passes deep downfield. Former coach Jon Gruden called Winslow the first "joker" in the NFL. Coach Bill Belichick noted that today's highly paid pass-catching tight ends are "all direct descendants of Kellen Winslow." Winslow himself gave credit to Coach Coryell for finding new ways to use his skills.

Winslow was part of the coin toss ceremony at Super Bowl XXIX in 1995. He was there representing the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1995 and the 75th Anniversary Team.

Winslow is often included in lists of the top 100 NFL players. The Sporting News ranked him No. 73 in 1999. An NFL Network series placed him at No. 67 in 2010. In 2019, USA Today journalists ranked him at No. 79.

Professional Statistics

Professional Honors

• 3× First-team Associated Press All-Pro (1980, 1981, 1982)
• Second-team Associated Press All-Pro (1987)
• 5× Pro Bowl (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987)
• 2x NFL receptions leader (1980, 1981)
• San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
• Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame inductee (1995)
• Los Angeles Chargers No. 80 retired (2023)
• NFL team of the quarter-century, 1960–84
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• NFL 75th anniversary team
• NFL 100th anniversary team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1995)

Records

NFL Records

The 2023 NFL Record & Fact Book lists one league record for Winslow:

• Most touchdown receptions, game: 5 (week 12, 1981; tied with Bob Shaw and Jerry Rice)

Los Angeles Chargers Records

The Los Angeles Chargers 2023 Media Guide lists six franchise records for Winslow:

• Most points, game: 30 (week 12, 1981)
• Most touchdowns, game: 5 (week 12, 1981)
• Most touchdown receptions, game: 5 (week 12, 1981)
• Most playoff touchdowns, career: 4 (tied with three others)
• Most playoff receptions, game: 13 (divisional playoffs, 1981)
• Most playoff receiving touchdowns, career: 4 (tied with Charlie Joiner)

Personal Life

After retiring from football, Winslow worked in marketing for a nutrition company. He earned a law degree from the University of San Diego in 1993. He worked for a time as a sports agent and also as a radio commentator for his college team, the Missouri Tigers. Later, he was a college football announcer for Fox Sports Net.

Winslow also held several sports administration jobs. He was the athletic director at Central State University, vice president for athletics at Lakeland College, and director of athletics at Florida A&M University.

Winslow has two sons. His son, Kellen II, also played tight end in the NFL.

Winslow has spoken out in favor of affirmative action, especially in football. He talked about the lack of African Americans in non-playing roles during his Hall of Fame speech. When his son wanted to sign with the University of Washington, Winslow objected because the coaching staff had no African Americans. His son eventually signed with the University of Miami instead. Winslow said this was about "a black father teaching his black son about the ways of the world."