Marlin McKeever facts for kids
| No. 86, 85 | |
| Born: | January 1, 1940 Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S. |
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| Died: | October 27, 2006 (aged 66) Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Tight end, linebacker |
| College | USC |
| AFL draft | 1961 / Round: 3 / Pick: 23 |
| Drafted by | San Diego Chargers |
| NFL draft | 1961 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4 |
| Drafted by | Los Angeles Rams |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1961–1966 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1967 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1968–1970 | Washington Redskins |
| 1971–1972 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1973 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Pro Bowls | 1 (1966) |
| Career stats | |
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Marlin Thomas McKeever (born January 1, 1940, died October 27, 2006) was a talented American football player. He played many positions, like defensive end, fullback, and punter, at the University of Southern California (USC). Later, in his 13-year career in the National Football League (NFL), he was a tight end and linebacker. Marlin was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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College Football Days
Marlin McKeever was a star player for the USC Trojans from 1958 to 1960. He was named an All-America player twice, which means he was one of the best college players in the country. During his junior and senior years, he caught more passes than anyone else on his team. His strong play as a linebacker also caught the eye of professional football teams.
Playing in the NFL
Marlin McKeever was chosen early in the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. This meant he was one of the top players picked to play professionally. He played in the NFL from 1961 to 1973.
He spent several years with the Rams (1961–1966). Then he played for the Minnesota Vikings in 1967. From 1968 to 1970, he was with the Washington Redskins. He returned to the Los Angeles Rams for 1971 and 1972. Finally, he played his last season in 1973 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 1966, Marlin was chosen for the Pro Bowl, an honor given to the best players in the league. During his time in the NFL, he was coached by five famous coaches who are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These coaches included George Allen and Vince Lombardi.
Life After Football
After his football career, Marlin McKeever became a stockbroker and worked as an executive for an insurance company. He also stayed connected to his college team, leading the Trojan Football Alumni Club. He became good friends with later USC coaches, like Pete Carroll.
Family and Film Appearances
Marlin and his brother, Mike McKeever, were the first twin brothers to both earn All-America honors in college football. They grew up together in Los Angeles.
The McKeever brothers even appeared in a movie! They were in the 1962 Three Stooges comedy film The Three Stooges Meet Hercules. They played twin characters named Ajax and Argo. Marlin also appeared in a 1965 episode of the TV show Perry Mason with some of his Los Angeles Rams teammates.
Sadly, his brother Mike passed away in 1967 after a car accident. Marlin himself was in a car accident in 1966 and was injured.
Later Years
Marlin McKeever passed away on October 27, 2006. He had fallen ill at his home and was taken to a hospital in Long Beach, California. He was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.
