Bob McKay, the offensive tackle who helped make Texas’ wishbone offense one of the most dominant rushing attacks in college football and later spent nine seasons in the NFL, died Thursday, Sept. 10. McKay was born Dec. 27, 1947, in Seminole, Texas, and grew up in nearby Crane. He starred at Crane High School before accepting a scholarship to the University of Texas.
He played his final two college seasons, 1968 and 1969, under coach Darrell Royal and became a central figure on the offensive line as Texas developed its wishbone attack. "Bob McKay was accomplished in everything he did, from his remarkable football career to his professional life, but nothing meant more to him than his family," National Football Foundation president & CEO Steve Hatchell said. "He was a gentle giant and simply one of those people you loved being around.
More than a great football player, Bob was a great person and a good friend. "We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the entire McKay family." Texas went 9-1-1 in 1968, won the Southwest Conference championship and finished No. 3 nationally. The Longhorns won the Cotton Bowl that season, defeating Tennessee 36-13.
In 1969, with McKay anchoring the line, Texas went 11-0 and won the national championship by beating Notre Dame 21-17 in the Cotton Bowl. With McKay in the starting lineup during his two seasons, Texas went 20-1-1 and won two Southwest Conference titles. More news: Bears Mainstay and Super Bowl Star Dies at 68 McKay was named a consensus first-team All-American and first-team All-Southwest Conference selection in 1969.
He also played in the Coaches All-America Game and Hula Bowl after his senior season. He was the first member of Texas' 1969 national championship team selected for the College Football Hall of Fame. The Cleveland Browns selected McKay with the 21st pick in the first round of the 1970 NFL draft.
He played six seasons for Cleveland and three for the New England Patriots. Over his nine-year NFL career, he appeared in 105 games and started 71. More news: Former Giants, Broncos Wide Receiver Dies at 57 McKay helped both the Browns and Patriots reach the playoffs, starting games in 1971, 1972 and 1976.
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