Thomas McKenzie facts for kids
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| No. 48, 4, 9, 52, 11 | |
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| Position: | Defensive end |
| Personal information | |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Etiwanda (Ca) |
| Undrafted: | 2005 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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Thomas "T.J." McKenzie is a former professional player of indoor American football. He was known for playing as a defensive lineman, which means he helped stop the other team from scoring.
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Early Life and High School
Thomas McKenzie grew up in Etiwanda, California. He went to Etiwanda High School there.
Playing Professional Indoor Football
Indoor football is a version of American football played in smaller arenas. The field is shorter, and the game is often faster. Thomas McKenzie played for several teams in different indoor football leagues.
Time with the Marion Mayhem
After the 2006 season, McKenzie joined the Marion Mayhem. This team was part of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). Thomas was a very strong player for the Mayhem. He even set a CIFL record by getting 4.0 sacks in one game. A sack happens when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
Joining the Fort Wayne FireHawks
In 2010, the Mayhem's season ended suddenly. McKenzie and other players then joined the Fort Wayne FireHawks. The FireHawks had already earned a spot in the playoffs. In the last game of that season, McKenzie broke his own record. He got 5.5 sacks against the Chicago Cardinals.
Playing for the Northern Kentucky River Monsters
In 2011, McKenzie decided to play for the Northern Kentucky River Monsters. This team was part of the new Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). He chose this team instead of the Marion Blue Racers, which had replaced the Mayhem. Thomas set many records in the UIFL's first season. He was even named the Defensive Player of the Year for his excellent play.
Back with the Marion Blue Racers
For the 2012 season, McKenzie returned to Marion. He signed to play with the Marion Blue Racers. He had played in Marion before with the Mayhem. That season, McKenzie made 20 tackles and 12 sacks. His 12 sacks were the fourth most in the UIFL. This earned him a special mention on the All-UIFL North Team.
The Blue Racers went back to the CIFL for the 2013 season, and McKenzie stayed with them. Even though the team had a tough season, McKenzie played very well. He was named to the 1st Team All-CIFL for the third time in his career.
McKenzie signed with the Blue Racers again for the 2014 season. He also sometimes played as a fullback, which is an offensive position. In the 2014 CIFL Championship Game, he scored two touchdowns, one at each position. His team lost the game 38–26 to the Erie Explosion. Despite the loss, McKenzie was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2014 season.
