Kenny King (running back) facts for kids
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | March 7, 1957 Clarendon, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 203 lb (92 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Clarendon (TX) | ||||||
| College: | Oklahoma | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1979 / Round: 3 / Pick: 72 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Kenneth Leon King (born March 7, 1957) is a former American football player. He was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played mostly for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Kenny King also played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was a starting player for the Raiders in Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII.
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Early Life and High School Football
Kenny King grew up in Clarendon, Texas. He was a very talented running back at Clarendon High School. Many people thought he was one of the best in Texas. In 2008, he was honored for his achievements. He was added to the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame.
College Football Career
After high school, Kenny King went to the University of Oklahoma. He played both tailback and fullback. He played in a special offensive style called the wishbone offense. This offense used three running backs and focused on running the ball.
In 1976, King was the team's top rusher. He ran for 791 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. He also shared the backfield with Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. The Heisman Trophy is given to the best college football player each year.
Professional Football Journey
Starting in the NFL
After college, the Houston Oilers picked Kenny King in the 1979 NFL Draft. He was chosen in the third round. After playing one season with the Oilers, King was traded. He joined the Oakland Raiders.
Playing for the Raiders
King spent most of his NFL career with the Raiders. He moved with the team when they relocated to Los Angeles in 1982. He became a key player for them.
In Super Bowl XV, Kenny King made history. He caught an 80-yard touchdown pass. This was the longest touchdown reception in Super Bowl history at the time. The Raiders won that game 27-10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His record stood for many years. It was later broken in Super Bowl XXXI.
Later Career
After his time in the NFL, King played one season in the CFL. He played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1987. He played in two games before he retired from football.
