Congratulations to Willis McGahee #23, running back for the Broncos. McGahee narrowly won the BadaSSitude Player of the Week award in a tight race. Rodgers and Jones both finished with eight votes, while Jackson finished with seven. McGahee had a great game last week, carrying the ball 20 times for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns.
McGahee, born October 21, 1981, attended the University of Miami. While at Miami, McGahee broke several records. In 2002, he broke several records by carrying the ball 282 times for 1,753 yards (6.2 yards average) and 28 touchdowns. Only three other running backs have ever ran for more touchdowns in a college season. McGahee helped to lead the Hurricanes to an undefeated, number one ranked 2002 season. Miami played in the national championship game, where Miami lost in double overtime to Ohio State. McGahee suffered a gruesome injury when his knee was bent backwards, causing tears in his ACL, PCL, and MCL (major ligaments in the knee).
He entered the 2003 NFL draft, and was chosen 23rd overall by the Bills. He was considered to be a top five pick prior to his knee injury. McGahee became the Bills’ starting running back the following season. During the season, McGahee rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored thirteen touchdowns, the fourth most in the league. He rushed for a career high 1,247 yards during the following season. In 2006, McGahee did not perform as well in comparison with previous seasons, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards with six touchdowns.
McGahee was eventually traded to Baltimore. In his first season with them, he rushed for 1,207 yards and 7 rushing TDs. McGahee also made his first Pro Bowl in 2007, on the strength of five 100+ yard games, and a streak of seven straight games with a rushing TD. Eventually he would lose his starting job to Ray Rice, and became Rice’s backup.
On July 20, 2011, McGahee was traded to the Broncos. He became the primary running back in week two and rushed for 101 yards on 28 carries and a 1 yard touchdown run. McGahee turned a great game last week, with 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns. McGahee looks great this season for the Broncos, and will be their featured back for years to come.
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