Jerick McKinnon, affectionately known as “Jet” among the football community, has become a household name in the NFL for his remarkable agility and speed. His journey to professional stardom began at Georgia Southern, where he showcased his talents before being snapped up by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Since then, he’s left his mark on the league with several teams, including a memorable stint with the San Francisco 49ers. McKinnon is a crucial player for the Kansas City Chiefs, having re-signed with them on May 2, 2023. Despite an injury setback that saw him miss the latter part of the regular season, he made a triumphant return in time for Super Bowl LVIII on February 10, 2024. His resilience and determination have only added to his reputation as a formidable athlete on the field.
A Versatile Athlete
A versatile athlete, Jerick McKinnon spent time at quarterback and tailback during his four seasons at Georgia Southern as part of a dynamic rushing attack. He racked up more than 1,000 yards on the ground during his junior and senior campaigns, tallying 3,899 rushing yards during his illustrious career on campus. He also threw 12 touchdowns and ran for 42 more, demonstrating his dual-threat ability. He was named the MVP of the 2013 GoDaddy Bowl after leading his team to a 26-20 victory over Bowling Green with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown.
A Rising Star in the NFL
Jerick McKinnon entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. He immediately impacted as a rookie, rushing for 538 yards and averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also proved a reliable receiver out of the backfield, catching 27 passes for 135 yards. He continued to impress in his second season, recording 271 rushing yards, 173 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He also returned 12 kickoffs for 338 yards, showcasing his versatility.
In 2016, Jerick McKinnon became the Vikings’ lead back after Adrian Peterson suffered a season-ending injury. He finished the year with 539 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns. He also set a career-high with 43 receptions, proving his value as a pass-catcher. He followed that up with another solid season in 2017, rushing for 570 yards, catching 51 passes for 421 yards, and scoring five touchdowns. He helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
A Bumpy Road to Recovery
After four productive seasons with the Vikings, Jerick McKinnon signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. However, his tenure with the 49ers was marred by injuries that kept him off the field for two consecutive seasons. He tore his ACL in the final practice before the 2018 season opener, sidelining him for the entire year. He then suffered a setback in his recovery and underwent another surgery in 2019, forcing him to miss another season.
Jerick McKinnon finally made his long-awaited debut for the 49ers in 2020, playing in 16 games and starting in four. He rushed for 319 yards, caught 33 passes for 253 yards, and scored six touchdowns. He led all NFL running backs with nine receiving touchdowns, showing his knack for finding the end zone. He also became the first player in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in each of his first two games with a new team. He helped the 49ers reach the playoffs, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round.
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A New Chapter with the Chiefs
After one season with the 49ers, Jerick McKinnon became a free agent in 2021. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.27 million with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining a potent offence led by Patrick Mahomes. He quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, impressing them with his work ethic and versatility. He played in 14 games and started in two, rushing for 248 yards, catching 28 passes for 197 yards, and scoring three touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams, returning 11 kickoffs for 264 yards.
Jerick McKinnon suffered a hamstring injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, forcing him to miss the final two games of the regular season. He recovered in time for the playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl. He rushed for 69 yards, caught 17 passes for 158 yards, and scored two touchdowns in three postseason games.
He had a career-high ten receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, helping the Chiefs secure their second consecutive conference title. He also had six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although the Chiefs lost 31-24.
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A Bright Future Ahead for Jerick McKinnon
As free agency approaches in March, there’s anticipation about whether Jerick McKinnon will remain with the Chiefs or take his prowess to another team. Regardless of his next move, McKinnon’s financial acumen and on-field highlights have firmly established him as a millionaire athlete. His estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, a testament to his nine seasons of dedication and skill in the league.
In sum, Jerick “Jet” Jerick McKinnon’s journey through the ranks of American football is a story of athletic brilliance and personal discipline. While his professional life is celebrated, his private life remains private. He has not shared details about his dating life despite rumors and speculations. He has also been the subject of unfounded claims about his sexuality, which have no bearing on his performance or character. He has chosen to focus on his craft and his goals rather than on the noise and distractions. With a career that continues to soar, McKinnon’s legacy in the NFL is as dynamic as his nickname suggests.