Ronald McKinnon is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for several years. He was born on December 14, 1972, in Miami, Florida, and attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he played football and was named to the All-Dade County team.
After high school, McKinnon went on to play college football at the University of North Alabama, where he was a standout linebacker. He was named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995 and was a two-time All-American.
McKinnon was then drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals for four seasons, from 1996 to 1999, and was a key member of their defense. He started 47 games during his time with the team and recorded 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
In 2000, McKinnon signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He played for the Saints for three seasons, from 2000 to 2002, and was again a key member of their defense. He started 42 games during his time with the team and recorded 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
McKinnon then signed with the Arizona Cardinals again in 2003 and played for them for two more seasons, from 2003 to 2004. He started 27 games during his second stint with the team and recorded 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
McKinnon's final season in the NFL was in 2005, when he played for the New Orleans Saints again. He started 9 games that season and recorded 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.
Overall, McKinnon played in 141 NFL games over the course of his career and started 125 of them. He recorded 13.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles during his time in the league.
After retiring from football, McKinnon went on to work as a high school football coach in Florida. He also founded the Ronald McKinnon Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged youth in the Miami area.
🏈