Kellen Winslow facts for kids

Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is a famous American former professional football tight end. He played in the National Football League (NFL). Many people think he is one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the league. Winslow played his entire NFL career from 1979 to 1987 with the San Diego Chargers. He was picked in the first round of the 1979 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Missouri Tigers. He earned All-American honors in 1978. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Winslow started his football journey late. He didn't play until his senior year of high school. He was known for his unusual mix of size and speed. 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 being named an All-American as a senior, he was a highly-rated player for the NFL draft. The San Diego Chargers traded up to pick Winslow as the 13th overall player. Over nine seasons, he was named a first-team All-Pro three times and a Pro Bowler five times. After an injury cut short his first season in 1979, Winslow became a key part of coach Don Coryell's offense. He led the league in receptions twice from 1980 to 1983. His success in the passing game changed how tight ends were used. Before him, tight ends were mostly seen as good blockers who caught passes only sometimes. 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. Winslow was on track to break records in 1984 when a serious knee injury kept him out for a year. He recovered enough to play from 1985 to 1987. However, he generally didn't play as well as he did before the injury. Winslow planned to play a tenth year, but his knee problems forced him to retire after one game in the 1988 preseason.

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

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 didn't play high school football until his senior year. Before that, he described himself as a "nerd" who played chess. He tried football as a sophomore but quit after a week because of tough 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 it 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. The Flyers' season ended with a close 19–13 overtime loss in the championship game. Winslow felt sad and blamed himself for missing a difficult catch in the end zone.

College Football Career

The University of Missouri recruited Winslow to play football for the Tigers. The head coach, Al Onofrio, called him a "great future prospect." 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. He increased his total catches from 16 to 25. He was chosen as a tight end for the 1977 All-Big Eight first team. Going into 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, he caught 29 passes. He was voted 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 as a Tiger, he scored another touchdown. Missouri beat Louisiana State University 20–15 in the 1978 Liberty Bowl.

Winslow's college achievements later brought him many honors. He has been inducted into 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

NFL Draft

Winslow was seen as the "best prospect at tight end" for the 1979 NFL draft. Many expected him to be picked early in the first round. The San Diego Chargers, who were supposed to pick 20th, made a trade with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the 13th spot. They wanted to draft Winslow. The Chargers were very happy, as they thought Winslow was the best player in the draft. Coach Don Coryell said the Chargers needed a tight end. Winslow was also happy, as he liked to catch the ball and knew Coryell's team focused on passing.

1979 Season

Winslow signed with the Chargers less than three weeks after the draft. Coach Coryell said he was a "big strong man" with "great potential." Winslow played as both a tight end and a wide receiver. He caught his first career touchdown in his rookie season. When an injury forced him into the starting lineup, he had seven catches, leading the team. However, he also lost a key fumble in a game. An article from the Los Angeles Times said he was inconsistent.

Winslow's season ended in week 7 because of a broken left leg. He finished with 25 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns. He later said the injury helped him. It gave him a chance to learn and see things from a different angle.

1980 Season

Winslow catching a touchdown pass during the 1980 season.

Winslow had a chance to become the top tight end in the 1980 season. The previous starter retired. Winslow 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.

As the season went on, 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 to gain over 1,000 receiving yards since 1967. He helped the Chargers win their second straight division title. He was voted a Pro Bowler and first-team AP All-Pro.

In the playoffs, Winslow caught only one pass in the first game. This was partly because another tight end, Greg McCrary, got injured. The Chargers often used two tight ends. Winslow had to play a more traditional tight end role, which meant fewer chances to catch passes. The Chargers lost the AFC Championship game to Oakland.

1981 Season: The "Epic in Miami"

The 1981 season started slowly for Winslow. Teams were covering him more closely after his great previous year. But with the arrival of wide receiver Wes Chandler, Winslow got more chances. A big highlight was a game against the Oakland Raiders. Winslow caught 13 passes for 144 yards and 5 touchdowns. His five receiving touchdowns tied an NFL record that still stands. The 13 catches tied a team record.

San Diego improved their record and won their third straight division title. Winslow led the league in receptions for the second year in a row. He finished with 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. It was a 41–38 overtime win, played in very hot weather. This game became known as the Epic in Miami. He had 13 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked a possible game-winning field goal at the end of regular time. He said blocking the kick gave him more satisfaction than all his catches. He achieved these stats despite leaving the game many times due to dehydration and cramps. After the game, a famous picture showed Winslow being helped off the field by his teammates.

His performance in the Miami game was highly praised. Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka said Winslow showed what it takes to be great. An ESPN article in 2012 called it the second-best single-game playoff performance ever.

The next week, Winslow scored a touchdown in the AFC Championship game. However, the Chargers lost 27–7 to Cincinnati in very cold and windy conditions. This game was called the Freezer Bowl. Winslow joked that he wouldn't send his dog out in that weather.

1982 Season

Winslow around 1982

The 1982 season was shorter because of an NFL players strike. Winslow was impatient with the strike. He believed that changes like ending the NFL draft would help players earn more. On the field, his success continued. His 54 catches were the most in the AFC. His 721 yards were second only to his teammate, Wes Chandler. For the third year in a row, he was named a Pro Bowler and AP first-team All-Pro.

San Diego made the playoffs for the fourth straight season. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–28, with Winslow scoring two touchdowns in the final quarter. He had 7 catches for 102 yards. They then played the Dolphins again in Miami. Winslow had a twisted ankle and couldn't repeat his earlier performance. He had only one catch as Miami won 34–13. This was the last playoff game of his career.

1983 Season

The Chargers had a disappointing 1983 season and missed the playoffs. However, Winslow still had a great year. He had 14 catches for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns in a win against the Chiefs. This broke his own team record for single-game receptions. He finished the year with 88 catches for 1,172 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was voted to another Pro Bowl. Winslow had caught more passes than any other player from 1979 to 1983.

1984 Season: Injury and Comeback

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

Winslow wanted a new contract before the 1984 season. He had two years left on his current deal. He even said he would retire if they didn't agree. He played in week 1, then left the team. He criticized the team for not valuing players. The Chargers signed another tight end. Winslow later returned to the team, and they agreed on a new five-year contract.

Winslow missed one game but returned in week 3. He had 10 catches for 146 yards. Three weeks later, he broke the Chargers' single-game receptions record again with 15 catches for 157 yards. He was on track to break the league record for catches in a season. However, a serious knee injury stopped him.

In week 8, Winslow caught a pass and his knee twisted while he was tackled. He described himself as "flopping on the field." Doctors said his knee was severely damaged, like "spaghetti." Both his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) were hurt. Winslow was glad he had a guaranteed contract, which meant he would still be paid for five years, even if he couldn't play again.

1985 Season

Winslow's recovery was going well in April 1985. He hoped to return to play mid-season and be the best tight end again. He returned to action in week 7, almost a year after his injury. He caught two passes and made key blocks. He said the game felt "like old times." However, he was later used less in games. He was upset and missed a practice to promote a drink he invested in. He later returned and apologized.

Winslow was mostly used as a blocker or a distraction during the season. He finished with only 25 catches for 318 yards and no touchdowns in ten games. He struggled to break tackles and change directions after his injury. He said, "I'll never be the Kellen Winslow of old."

1986 Season

Winslow around 1986

Winslow improved in 1986. He caught 64 passes for 728 yards and 5 touchdowns. His coach said he moved more smoothly and played with more confidence. Winslow later said he was still playing carefully and scared during this season.

1987 Season

Winslow had surgery on his knee to remove scar tissue. He felt his running improved afterward. The 1987 season was shorter due to a players strike. Winslow did not play during the strike. He was upset that his jersey number was used by a replacement player.

On the field, Winslow was happy to be better at breaking tackles. His new coach, Al Saunders, said he was playing at a top level again. Winslow made his 500th career reception, becoming the second tight end to reach this mark. He finished with 53 catches in twelve games, second-most among NFL tight ends. His performances earned him his fifth Pro Bowl nomination and a spot on the AP All-Pro second team. His teammates named him their offensive player of the year. He felt he had regained respect from his team and the league.

1988 Season: Retirement

Winslow expected to continue his career in 1988. He was 30 years old and the second-longest playing Charger. He had another knee surgery and struggled with his knee during training camp. He told team officials he could not continue playing. The Chargers suspended him, saying he was fit to play but refused. This led to a disagreement about his guaranteed salary. Winslow eventually reached an agreement with the team and officially retired on September 30.

Winslow later called his career "like a fairy tale." He felt lucky to have played for his high school, college, and a coach like Coryell who used his skills well.

Legacy

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

Winslow around 1982

Winslow is widely seen as one of the best players at his position. He is also credited with changing how tight ends were used in the NFL. Before Winslow, tight ends were mainly blockers who ran short routes. Winslow said he could run as deep and fast as wide receivers. Coach Coryell quickly realized Winslow could play as both a wide receiver and a tight end. As his career went on, the Chargers used Winslow in many different positions. He might start a play in a blocking stance or a receiver's stance. He could also be put in motion to avoid defenders.

Winslow is credited with creating the "H-back" position. This position uses a player who can block and also run deep routes like a receiver. Coach Bill Belichick noted that today's high-paid pass-catching tight ends are "all direct descendants of Kellen Winslow." Winslow himself gave credit to Coach Coryell and his staff for using his abilities in new ways.

Winslow was part of the coin toss ceremony at Super Bowl XXIX. He is often featured on lists of the top 100 NFL players. For example, The Sporting News ranked him No. 73 in 1999.

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 says Winslow holds one league record:

• 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 says Winslow holds six team records:

• 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 and Other Work

After retiring, Winslow worked as a marketing vice president for a nutrition company. He earned a law degree from the University of San Diego in 1993. He worked for a while 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 various sports administration jobs. He was an athletic director at Central State University, Lakeland College, and Florida A&M University.

Winslow has been married twice and 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 didn't like that the coaching staff had no African Americans. His son eventually signed with the University of Miami instead.