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{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1983)}} | |||
{{Infobox NFL player | |||
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}} | |||
|Color=Maroon | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} | |||
|fontcolor=White | |||
{{Infobox Canadian Football League biography | |||
|Name=Reggie McNeal | |||
| name = Reggie McNeal | |||
|Image= | |||
| image = Reggie_McNeal_Oct_18_2008.JPG | |||
|Caption= | |||
| alt = | |||
|DateOfBirth={{birth date and age|1983|9|20}} | |||
| caption = McNeal signing autographs after a Toronto Argonauts CFL game on October 18, 2008 | |||
|Birthplace={{flagicon|USA}} ] | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|9|20}} | |||
|DateOfDeath= | |||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
|Deathplace= | |||
| death_date = | |||
|Height_ft=6 | |||
| death_place = | |||
|Height_in=2 | |||
| number = 8 | |||
|Weight_lbs=205 | |||
| import = yes | |||
|Position=], ] | |||
| position1 = Wide receiver | |||
|number=10 | |||
| position2 = Quarterback | |||
|College=] | |||
| height_ft = 6 | |||
|DraftedYear=2006 | |||
| height_in = 2 | |||
|DraftedRound=6 / Pick 193 | |||
| weight_lb = 205 | |||
|Career Highlights= | |||
| college = ] | |||
|CFLAllStar= | |||
| high_school = ] | |||
|ProBowls= | |||
| NFLDraftedYear = 2006 | |||
|Awards= | |||
| NFLDraftedRound = 6 | |||
|Honors= | |||
| NFLDraftedPick = 193 | |||
|Retired #s= | |||
| NFLDraftedTeam = ] | |||
|Records= | |||
| playing_years1 = 2006 | |||
|Stats=Y | |||
| playing_team1 = ] | |||
|PFR=McNeRe00 | |||
| playing_years2 = {{CFL Year|2007}}–{{CFL Year|2010}} | |||
|DatabaseFootball= | |||
| playing_team2 = ] | |||
|NFL= | |||
| playing_years3 = {{CFL Year|2011}} | |||
|CBS=416610 | |||
| playing_team3 = ]* | |||
|ESPN= | |||
| playing_years4 = {{CFL Year|2011}} | |||
|SportsIllustrated= | |||
| playing_team4 = ] | |||
|years=2006<br>2007 | |||
|teams=]<br>]* (]) | |||
:<small>*Practice squad</small> | :<small>*Practice squad</small> | ||
|career_highlights = | |||
|CollegeHOF= | |||
* Second-team All-] (]) | |||
|HOF= | |||
| CFL = 1334 | |||
| CBS = 416610 | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Reginald Parrish McNeal''' (born |
'''Reginald Parrish McNeal''' (born September 20, 1983) is an American former professional ] player. He played five seasons in the ] (CFL). He played ] at ]. | ||
== |
==Early life== | ||
McNeal attended ], where he was a four-sport star in football, track, basketball and baseball. He was named East Texas Player of the Year as a senior after leading the football team to a 15–1 record and a Class 5A Division II state championship. McNeal rushed for 159 yards and threw for 223 in the state title game, bringing his team back from a 21–3 deficit despite an ankle injury. For the season, he completed 134 of 307 passes for 2385 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns. McNeal also played defensive back in critical stages of games, once returning an interception for a touchdown to clinch a playoff victory: it was one of seven INTs he recorded as a senior. He earned All-district ] honors as a junior, was named the SuperPrep Offensive Player of the Year, and was the SuperPrep All-America #3 quarterback prospect in the country. He played in the 2002 ]. | |||
Also an excellent ] athlete, McNeal was one of the top sprinters in Texas, timed in a 10.36-second ], and he finished third in state in that event. He also won the district title in the ] with a best of 21.1 seconds.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/recruiting/s/rmcneal.html| title = ESPN.com: RECRUITING - Prospect profile: Reggie McNeal}}</ref> | |||
==College career== | ==College career== | ||
===2002 season=== | ===2002 season=== | ||
Earned National Offensive Player of the Week honors after coming off the bench to throw an A&M freshman record 4 touchdowns and lead the Aggies to a 30–26 victory over then No. 1 ] at ]. This performance earned McNeal the starting job at quarterback the following week against the ], but he sprained his ankle and missed most of the rest of that season. For the year, McNeal completed 24-of-45 passes (53.3 percent) for 456 yards and 6 touchdowns, while rushing for 137 yards on 37 attempts. | |||
Earned National Offensive Player of the Week honors after coming off the bench to throw an A&M freshman record 4 TDs and lead the Aggies to a 30-26 victory over then top-ranked ] at ]. This performance earned McNeal the starting job at quarterback the following week against ], but he sprained his ankle and missed most of the rest of that season. For the year, McNeal completed 24-of-45 passes (53.3 percent) for 456 yards and 6 touchdowns, while rushing for 137 yards on 37 attempts. | |||
===2003 season=== | ===2003 season=== | ||
Became the Aggies' starting QB, starting in 11 games and playing in all 12. Completed 113-of-221 passes for 1,782 yards with 8 touchdown and 7 interceptions on the season. Connected on a career-best 91-yard touchdown pass to ], which ranked in a tie for the fourth-longest pass play in school history. Rushed for 370 net yards and 4 touchdowns on 127 attempts, with a long run of 33 yards. Passed for a career-best 259 yards on 11-of-18 passing against Kansas and totaled 330 yards (259 passing, 71 rushing). Threw a season-best 3 touchdown passes against Baylor. | Became the Aggies' starting QB, starting in 11 games and playing in all 12. Completed 113-of-221 passes for 1,782 yards with 8 touchdown and 7 interceptions on the season. Connected on a career-best 91-yard touchdown pass to ], which ranked in a tie for the fourth-longest pass play in school history. Rushed for 370 net yards and 4 touchdowns on 127 attempts, with a long run of 33 yards. Passed for a career-best 259 yards on 11-of-18 passing against Kansas and totaled 330 yards (259 passing, 71 rushing). Threw a season-best 3 touchdown passes against Baylor. | ||
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In his 2004 season, McNeal passed for 2,791 yards and 14 touchdowns on 200-of-344 attempts. He passed for more than 200 yards in 10 games, including a career-best 298 against the ]. He rushed for 718 yards (breaking ]'s A&M QB record) and eight touchdowns on 151 rushes. Had two 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 139 on 22 carries against the ]. He set a school record for greatest offensive yards of a season with his 3,509 yards on 495 plays (7.1 per play gain). | In his 2004 season, McNeal passed for 2,791 yards and 14 touchdowns on 200-of-344 attempts. He passed for more than 200 yards in 10 games, including a career-best 298 against the ]. He rushed for 718 yards (breaking ]'s A&M QB record) and eight touchdowns on 151 rushes. Had two 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 139 on 22 carries against the ]. He set a school record for greatest offensive yards of a season with his 3,509 yards on 495 plays (7.1 per play gain). | ||
McNeal was named semifinalist for the ] and first-team All-] quarterback by the '']''. He was named National Offensive Player of the Week by the ] and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for four touchdowns and 386 yards of total offense against ]. He was named the ] Offensive Player of the Game against ] by ]-TV. He was also heralded as "the most complete dual-threat quarterback in the nation" by ].<ref name="aggie_athletics">{{cite press release|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|date=August 18, 2005|title='04 O'Brien Semifinalist McNeal Named to Award's 2005 "Watch List"|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?PRID=10114|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128005729/http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?PRID=10114|archive-date=November 28, 2005}}</ref> | |||
===2005 season=== | ===2005 season=== | ||
Before the 2005 season, McNeal appeared on the cover of ], a great honor within the state of Texas, alongside ] of ]. After his acclaimed junior campaign, Texas A&M entered the 2005 season with high hopes for both McNeal and the entire Aggie squad. Both failed to deliver, however, as A&M stumbled to a 5–6 record and did not qualify for a bowl game. McNeal played in 10 games, missing the season finale against Texas because he was injured in the previous game against ]. For the season, he logged a career-high 16 touchdown passes (9 interceptions), completing 141-of-265 passes (53.2%) for 1963 yards. He led NCAA Division I QBs in rushing average at 6.9 yards (96-for-664), pacing the Aggies with four 100-yard rushing games. He passed for 349 yards and five touchdowns against ] and also rushed six times for 100 yards, earning the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award, the ] Player of the Week award and ] award. | |||
McNeal returned to action in January 2006 for the postseason ] in ], and led West team to 35–31 win with 9-of-11 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions). He also rushed four times for 32 yards. | |||
Before the 2005 season, McNeal graced the cover of ], a great honor within the state of Texas, alongside ] of ]. After his stellar junior campaign, Texas A&M entered the 2005 season with high hopes for both McNeal and the entire Aggie squad. Both failed to deliver, however, as A&M stumbled to a 5-6 record and did not qualify for a bowl game. McNeal played in 10 games, missing season finale against Texas because he was injured in the previous game against the ]. For the season, he logged a career-high 16 TD passes (9 INTs), completing 141-of-265 passes (53.2%) for 1963 yards. He led NCAA Division I QBs in rushing average at 6.9 yards (96-for-664), pacing the Aggies with four 100-yard rushing games. He passed for 349 yards and five TDs against ] and also rushed six times for 100 yards, earning the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award, the ] Player of the Week award and ] award. | |||
==Professional career== | |||
McNeal returned to action in January 2006 for the postseason ] game in ], and led West team to 35-31 win with 9-of-11 passing for 211 yards and two TDs (no INTs). He also rushed four times for 32 yards. | |||
===NFL draft=== | ===NFL draft=== | ||
McNeal's inconsistent play in 2005, questions about his durability and his lack of NFL-style quarterback skills put his chances of being selected in the ] in jeopardy.<ref name="Espn.com NFL draft card">{{cite press release|work=Espn.com|title=Espn.com draft card | url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=9291&univLogin02=stateChanged}}</ref> However, after impressive ] results, where he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash,<ref name="RealFootball365.com draft preview">{{cite press release|publisher=RealFootball365.com |title=Is Reggie McNeal an NFL caliber quarterback? |url=http://www.realfootball365.com/college/articles/2005/12/reggie-mcneal-nfl281205.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928083518/http://www.realfootball365.com/college/articles/2005/12/reggie-mcneal-nfl281205.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref> McNeal was drafted by the ] as a ] in the sixth round of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/draft.htm |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== |
===NFL=== | ||
McNeal played in all four of the Bengals' preseason games, and recorded 3 catches for 46 yards and 1 touchdown, plus 2 rushes for 13 yards. He was waived September 2 and signed to the practice squad September 6. He was signed to 53-player roster on September 19, and was placed on the inactive list for Games 3–9. Made his NFL debut on November 19 in Game 10 at New Orleans and also played November 26 at Cleveland. McNeal was in uniform as designated third QB on inactive list for Games 5–7, due to an ] that sidelined QB ]. McNeal recorded his first (and only) offensive stat in the NFL against the ] on ], December 18, when he lined up at quarterback and scrambled for eight yards on third down, giving the Bengals the first down. The Bengals released McNeal on September 1, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.nfltrans02sep02,0,7540404.story|title=NFL Transactions|newspaper=]|access-date=September 2, 2007|date=September 2, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927193111/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.nfltrans02sep02,0,7540404.story <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> | |||
===CFL=== | |||
Fans who defended McNeal's career point to his record-breaking junior year in which he led Texas A&M to a ] appearance. They also cite the difficult environment at Texas A&M, as McNeal played under two philosophically different head coaches, three offensive coordinators, and several different position coaches at A&M. It has been speculated that the quality of Texas A&M's recruiting saw a sharp decline in ]'s last years, and that the talent surrounding McNeal was sparse and underdeveloped. In addition, it is generally conceded that the offensive schemes run by coach ] did not properly utilize McNeal's talent. Competition from ], another record-breaking QB who was very popular with Aggie players and fans alike, may have slowed McNeal's development. | |||
====Toronto Argonauts==== | |||
On October 2, 2007, McNeal signed with the ] of the ] and was added to their practice roster. He was released by the team on October 16, 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=transact&func=display&tid=1659|title=2007-10-16: Argonauts Transactions|publisher=CFL|access-date=October 30, 2007|date=October 16, 2007}}</ref> only to re-sign with the Argonauts on March 20, 2008.<ref name=resign>{{cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=23283&writer=0|title=Re-sign QB McNeal; sign receivers Bonner, Gray and Miller|publisher=CFL.ca|access-date=March 20, 2008|date=March 20, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Though he was originally signed to be a backup quarterback, McNeal played in his very first CFL game on August 7, 2008, at ] as an emergency ] due to the injuries suffered by the Argonauts' receiving corps.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=700502|title=McNeal ready to be on the receiving end|last=Masters|first=Mark |date=August 5, 2008|publisher=Nartional Post|access-date=August 8, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> McNeal became the first quarterback to be started at receiver by the team since ] back in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.argonauts.ca/uploads/assets/TOR/Game_Notes/RegSeason8_gamenotes_vsMTL_Aug15_2008.pdf|title=Argonauts August 15, 2008 Game Notes|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918002559/http://argonauts.ca/uploads/assets/TOR/Game_Notes/RegSeason8_gamenotes_vsMTL_Aug15_2008.pdf|archive-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> In his debut, McNeal finished with a game-high of 101 receiving yards on 6 ] in a 45–21 loss to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/statistics/statsGame/id/326|title=Toronto @ Hamilton: Thu Aug 07|date=August 7, 2008|work=Game Stats|publisher=CFL.ca|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811023346/http://www.cfl.ca/statistics/statsGame/id/326|archive-date=August 11, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> McNeal would finish the 2008 season with 43 receptions for 606 yards and two touchdowns. | |||
Critics of his record typically cite A&M team performance. During McNeal's four-year career at Texas A&M, the Aggies were 0-4 against rival Texas, 0-2 against Virginia Tech, 0-2 against Nebraska, 1-3 against Texas Tech, 1-3 against Oklahoma, and were invited to only one post-season bowl game where they were on the wrong end of a 38-7 drubbing by the ].<ref name="aggie_athletics2">{{cite press release|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|title=Texas A&M Football History|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/index2.php?SID=MFB&pageID=153}}</ref> McNeal was not considered a "vocal leader," and although he was voted by his teammates onto the Aggies Leadership Council as a senior, this came after two of his backups were voted onto the council in previous seasons, perhaps speaking to the players' perception of his leadership skills. | |||
In 2009, McNeal finished the season with 24 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns. On June 8, 2010, McNeal re-signed with the Argonauts. He recorded 13 catches for 175 yards and no touchdowns during the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allstarincagency.com/contract-division/reggie-mcneal-71.php |title=AllStarInc | Player Bio for Reggie McNeal |access-date=May 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903192645/http://www.allstarincagency.com/contract-division/reggie-mcneal-71.php |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }}</ref> | |||
==Professional career== | |||
=== |
====Calgary Stampeders==== | ||
On May 19, 2011, McNeal was traded to the Calgary Stampeders, along with defensive lineman ], for wide receiver ] and defensive lineman ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=366263 |title=Argonauts, Stampeders complete six-player deal |website=tsn.ca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522090219/http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=366263 |archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> | |||
Reggie was picked by the ] in the 6th round of the ] as a ]. Played in all four of the Bengals' preseason games, and recorded 3 catches for 46 yards and 1 TD, plus 2 rushes for 13 yards. Was waived Sept. 2 and signed to the practice squad Sept. 6. Signed to 53-player roster on Sept. 19, and was placed on the inactive list for Games 3-9. Made his NFL debut in Game 10, Nov. 19 at New Orleans and also played Nov. 26 at Cleveland. McNeal was in uniform as designated third QB on inactive list for Games 5-7, due to an ] that sidelined QB ]. McNeal recorded his first (and only) offensive stat in the NFL against the ] on ], ], when he lined up at quarterback and scrambled for eight yards on third down, giving the Bengals the first. The Bengals released McNeal on September 1, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.nfltrans02sep02,0,7540404.story|title=NFL Transactions|publisher='']''|accessdate=2007-09-02|date=2007-09-02}}</ref> | |||
=== |
====Edmonton Eskimos==== | ||
On |
On July 28, 2011, Reggie McNeal was released by the Calgary Stampeders and signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ktre.com/story/15170482/reggie-mcneal-has-a-new-team|title=Reggie McNeal has a new team|date=July 29, 2011 }}</ref> | ||
On August 12, 2011, Reggie McNeal was released by the Edmonton Eskimos. McNeal only appeared in one game for the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://boxscorenews.com/edmonton-eskimos-add-veteran-receiver-prechae-rodriguez-p24677-72.htm|title=Edmonton Eskimos Add Veteran Receiver Prechae Rodriguez}}</ref> McNeal retired from Pro Football in 2012 due to a serious back injury.<ref>http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/membership/12th-man-magazine-articles/appreciating-am.aspx/</ref> | |||
] | |||
==Criminal charges== | ==Criminal charges== | ||
<!-- Commented out: ] --> | |||
In the early morning of Sunday, December 3, 2006, McNeal was arrested and charged with resisting arrest at The Red Door, a nightclub in downtown ]. McNeal allegedly pushed an off-duty ] officer while trying to get into the club after it closed.<ref name="khou.com">{{cite press release|publisher=KHOU|title=Former Aggie Star Quarterback Out on Bond|url=http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou061203_cd_reggiemcneal.4e053bab.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206020828/http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou061203_cd_reggiemcneal.4e053bab.html|archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref> Stemming from the same evening's events, McNeal also faced drug possession charges for having a cigarette which contained ], a prescription ] and also a popular street drug.<ref name="kristv.com">{{cite press release|publisher=KRIS|title=Bengals rookie McNeal also facing drug charge after arrest|url=http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5789393&nav=Bsmj|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927205321/http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5789393&nav=Bsmj|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> | |||
In 2012, Reggie was found to be carrying marijuana in his car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_e91ba8de-b4a6-53be-8e54-7d1aa150bc03.html?mode=story|title = Former Aggie quarterback Reggie McNeal plans to challenge marijuana charge| date=December 24, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
<!-- FAIR USE of reggiemcnealmugshot.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:reggiemcnealmugshot.jpg for rationale --> | |||
In the early morning of Sunday, December 3rd, 2006, McNeal was arrested and charged with resisting arrest at The Red Door, a nightclub in downtown ]. McNeal allegedly pushed an off-duty ] officer while trying to get into the club after it closed.<ref name="khou.com">{{cite press release|publisher=KHOU|title=Former Aggie Star Quarterback Out on Bond|url=http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou061203_cd_reggiemcneal.4e053bab.html}}</ref> Stemming from the same evening's events, McNeal also faced drug possession charges for having a cigarette which contained ], a prescription ] and also a popular street drug, especially in the ] area.<ref name="kristv.com">{{cite press release|publisher=KRIS|title=Bengals rookie McNeal also facing drug charge after arrest|url=http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5789393&nav=Bsmj}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist|30em}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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{{Texas A&M Aggies quarterback navbox}} | |||
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{{Bengals2006DraftPicks}} | |||
{{succession box | title=Texas A&M Starting Quarterbacks | before=] | years=2002-2005 | after=]}} | |||
{{end box}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:McNeal, Reggie}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:McNeal, Reggie}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 13:01, 29 October 2024
American gridiron football player (born 1983)This article uses bare URLs, which are uninformative and vulnerable to link rot. Please consider converting them to full citations to ensure the article remains verifiable and maintains a consistent citation style. Several templates and tools are available to assist in formatting, such as reFill (documentation) and Citation bot (documentation). (August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
No. 8 | |
McNeal signing autographs after a Toronto Argonauts CFL game on October 18, 2008 | |
Born: | (1983-09-20) September 20, 1983 (age 41) Lufkin, Texas, U.S. |
---|---|
Career information | |
CFL status | American |
Position(s) | WR, QB |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
College | Texas A&M |
High school | Lufkin |
NFL draft | 2006, round: 6, pick: 193 |
Drafted by | Cincinnati Bengals |
Career history | |
As player | |
2006 | Cincinnati Bengals |
2007–2010 | Toronto Argonauts |
2011 | Calgary Stampeders* |
2011 | Edmonton Eskimos
|
Career highlights and awards | |
Career stats | |
| |
Reginald Parrish McNeal (born September 20, 1983) is an American former professional football player. He played five seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Texas A&M University.
Early life
McNeal attended Lufkin High School, where he was a four-sport star in football, track, basketball and baseball. He was named East Texas Player of the Year as a senior after leading the football team to a 15–1 record and a Class 5A Division II state championship. McNeal rushed for 159 yards and threw for 223 in the state title game, bringing his team back from a 21–3 deficit despite an ankle injury. For the season, he completed 134 of 307 passes for 2385 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns. McNeal also played defensive back in critical stages of games, once returning an interception for a touchdown to clinch a playoff victory: it was one of seven INTs he recorded as a senior. He earned All-district basketball honors as a junior, was named the SuperPrep Offensive Player of the Year, and was the SuperPrep All-America #3 quarterback prospect in the country. He played in the 2002 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Also an excellent track & field athlete, McNeal was one of the top sprinters in Texas, timed in a 10.36-second 100-meter dash, and he finished third in state in that event. He also won the district title in the 200-meter dash with a best of 21.1 seconds.
College career
2002 season
Earned National Offensive Player of the Week honors after coming off the bench to throw an A&M freshman record 4 touchdowns and lead the Aggies to a 30–26 victory over then No. 1 Oklahoma at Kyle Field. This performance earned McNeal the starting job at quarterback the following week against the University of Missouri, but he sprained his ankle and missed most of the rest of that season. For the year, McNeal completed 24-of-45 passes (53.3 percent) for 456 yards and 6 touchdowns, while rushing for 137 yards on 37 attempts.
2003 season
Became the Aggies' starting QB, starting in 11 games and playing in all 12. Completed 113-of-221 passes for 1,782 yards with 8 touchdown and 7 interceptions on the season. Connected on a career-best 91-yard touchdown pass to Jamaar Taylor, which ranked in a tie for the fourth-longest pass play in school history. Rushed for 370 net yards and 4 touchdowns on 127 attempts, with a long run of 33 yards. Passed for a career-best 259 yards on 11-of-18 passing against Kansas and totaled 330 yards (259 passing, 71 rushing). Threw a season-best 3 touchdown passes against Baylor.
2004 season
In his 2004 season, McNeal passed for 2,791 yards and 14 touchdowns on 200-of-344 attempts. He passed for more than 200 yards in 10 games, including a career-best 298 against the University of Wyoming. He rushed for 718 yards (breaking Bucky Richardson's A&M QB record) and eight touchdowns on 151 rushes. Had two 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 139 on 22 carries against the University of Colorado. He set a school record for greatest offensive yards of a season with his 3,509 yards on 495 plays (7.1 per play gain).
McNeal was named semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and first-team All-Big 12 quarterback by the Dallas Morning News. He was named National Offensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for four touchdowns and 386 yards of total offense against Oklahoma State. He was named the Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Game against Texas Tech by ABC-TV. He was also heralded as "the most complete dual-threat quarterback in the nation" by ESPN.
2005 season
Before the 2005 season, McNeal appeared on the cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football, a great honor within the state of Texas, alongside Vince Young of Texas. After his acclaimed junior campaign, Texas A&M entered the 2005 season with high hopes for both McNeal and the entire Aggie squad. Both failed to deliver, however, as A&M stumbled to a 5–6 record and did not qualify for a bowl game. McNeal played in 10 games, missing the season finale against Texas because he was injured in the previous game against Oklahoma. For the season, he logged a career-high 16 touchdown passes (9 interceptions), completing 141-of-265 passes (53.2%) for 1963 yards. He led NCAA Division I QBs in rushing average at 6.9 yards (96-for-664), pacing the Aggies with four 100-yard rushing games. He passed for 349 yards and five touchdowns against SMU and also rushed six times for 100 yards, earning the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award, the Walter Camp Player of the Week award and Cingular All-America Player of the Week award.
McNeal returned to action in January 2006 for the postseason East-West Shrine Game in San Antonio, Texas, and led West team to 35–31 win with 9-of-11 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions). He also rushed four times for 32 yards.
Professional career
NFL draft
McNeal's inconsistent play in 2005, questions about his durability and his lack of NFL-style quarterback skills put his chances of being selected in the 2006 NFL draft in jeopardy. However, after impressive NFL combine results, where he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash, McNeal was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as a wide receiver in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft.
NFL
McNeal played in all four of the Bengals' preseason games, and recorded 3 catches for 46 yards and 1 touchdown, plus 2 rushes for 13 yards. He was waived September 2 and signed to the practice squad September 6. He was signed to 53-player roster on September 19, and was placed on the inactive list for Games 3–9. Made his NFL debut on November 19 in Game 10 at New Orleans and also played November 26 at Cleveland. McNeal was in uniform as designated third QB on inactive list for Games 5–7, due to an appendectomy that sidelined QB Anthony Wright. McNeal recorded his first (and only) offensive stat in the NFL against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, December 18, when he lined up at quarterback and scrambled for eight yards on third down, giving the Bengals the first down. The Bengals released McNeal on September 1, 2007.
CFL
Toronto Argonauts
On October 2, 2007, McNeal signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and was added to their practice roster. He was released by the team on October 16, 2007, only to re-sign with the Argonauts on March 20, 2008.
Though he was originally signed to be a backup quarterback, McNeal played in his very first CFL game on August 7, 2008, at Ivor Wynne Stadium as an emergency wide receiver due to the injuries suffered by the Argonauts' receiving corps. McNeal became the first quarterback to be started at receiver by the team since Danny Barrett back in the 1980s. In his debut, McNeal finished with a game-high of 101 receiving yards on 6 receptions in a 45–21 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. McNeal would finish the 2008 season with 43 receptions for 606 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2009, McNeal finished the season with 24 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns. On June 8, 2010, McNeal re-signed with the Argonauts. He recorded 13 catches for 175 yards and no touchdowns during the 2010 season.
Calgary Stampeders
On May 19, 2011, McNeal was traded to the Calgary Stampeders, along with defensive lineman Adrian Davis, for wide receiver P.K. Sam and defensive lineman Miguel Robede.
Edmonton Eskimos
On July 28, 2011, Reggie McNeal was released by the Calgary Stampeders and signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.
On August 12, 2011, Reggie McNeal was released by the Edmonton Eskimos. McNeal only appeared in one game for the club. McNeal retired from Pro Football in 2012 due to a serious back injury.
Criminal charges
In the early morning of Sunday, December 3, 2006, McNeal was arrested and charged with resisting arrest at The Red Door, a nightclub in downtown Houston, Texas. McNeal allegedly pushed an off-duty Houston Police Department officer while trying to get into the club after it closed. Stemming from the same evening's events, McNeal also faced drug possession charges for having a cigarette which contained promethazine, a prescription antihistamine and also a popular street drug.
In 2012, Reggie was found to be carrying marijuana in his car.
References
- "ESPN.com: RECRUITING - Prospect profile: Reggie McNeal".
- "'04 O'Brien Semifinalist McNeal Named to Award's 2005 "Watch List"" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. August 18, 2005. Archived from the original on November 28, 2005.
- "Espn.com draft card". Espn.com (Press release).
- "Is Reggie McNeal an NFL caliber quarterback?" (Press release). RealFootball365.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007.
- "2006 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- "NFL Transactions". The Baltimore Sun. September 2, 2007. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
- "2007-10-16: Argonauts Transactions". CFL. October 16, 2007. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
- "Re-sign QB McNeal; sign receivers Bonner, Gray and Miller". CFL.ca. March 20, 2008. Retrieved March 20, 2008.
- Masters, Mark (August 5, 2008). "McNeal ready to be on the receiving end". Nartional Post. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
- "Argonauts August 15, 2008 Game Notes" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 18, 2010.
- "Toronto @ Hamilton: Thu Aug 07". Game Stats. CFL.ca. August 7, 2008. Archived from the original on August 11, 2008. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
- "AllStarInc | Player Bio for Reggie McNeal". Archived from the original on September 3, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
- "Argonauts, Stampeders complete six-player deal". tsn.ca. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011.
- "Reggie McNeal has a new team". July 29, 2011.
- "Edmonton Eskimos Add Veteran Receiver Prechae Rodriguez".
- http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/membership/12th-man-magazine-articles/appreciating-am.aspx/
- "Former Aggie Star Quarterback Out on Bond" (Press release). KHOU. Archived from the original on December 6, 2006.
- "Bengals rookie McNeal also facing drug charge after arrest" (Press release). KRIS. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
- "Former Aggie quarterback Reggie McNeal plans to challenge marijuana charge". December 24, 2012.
External links
- ESPN Player Profile: Reggie McNeal
- Toronto Argonauts profile page
- McNeal in Canada, hoping for another shot at NFL (Lufkin Daily News article)
Texas A&M Aggies starting quarterbacks | |
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Cincinnati Bengals 2006 NFL draft selections | |
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- 1983 births
- Living people
- American football quarterbacks
- American football wide receivers
- Calgary Stampeders players
- Canadian football quarterbacks
- Canadian football wide receivers
- Cincinnati Bengals players
- Edmonton Elks players
- Sportspeople from Lufkin, Texas
- Texas A&M Aggies football players
- Toronto Argonauts players