From missionary work in Brazil to an NFL Super Bowl title
In short: Tanner McKee’s path to the gridiron was anything but linear. Before leading a championship offense, he spent two years serving as a full-time missionary abroad. This unique detour shaped a quarterback who eventually rose from a late-round draft pick to a Super Bowl champion.
Born in 2000 and raised in Corona, California, McKee's early athletic career was marked by high-profile accolades, including an MVP nod at the 2018 Polynesian Bowl. However, his trajectory took a significant detour before he reached the collegiate level. This period not only delayed his entry into college football until 2020 but also provided him with the ability to speak Portuguese. He attended Centennial High School during his formative years. His early success included a notable appearance in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
At Stanford University, McKee faced a competitive environment where he had to fight for playing time. After appearing in just one game during his freshman year, he eventually secured the starting role against USC in 2021. His breakout moment came in his fourth collegiate start, where he led an unranked Cardinal team to a stunning upset over the #3 ranked Oregon Ducks, highlighted by an 87-yard drive to tie the game. During his first year at Stanford, he completed three passes for 62 yards against Oregon. He also competed for the starting position with teammate Jack West in 2021.
Despite being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft as the 188th overall pick, McKee's professional rise was steady. He made his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles in late 2024, eventually earning a start against the New York Giants where he threw for 269 yards without a turnover. This momentum culminated in him winning a Super Bowl title with the Eagles after their victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He entered the league as a relief player for Kenny Pickett during Week 17 of 2024. In his first start against the Giants, he recorded two touchdowns and zero turnovers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tanner McKee
- Also: Wikidata — Tanner McKee · CC0
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