17 Facts About Phil McConkey

Phil McConkey's father worked side jobs and managed to pay for Phil and his sister, Debbie, to attend private schools.

Phil McConkey attended Canisius High School, and during that time Canisius didn't lose a football game during McConkey's last three seasons when they were one of the top teams in the state.

Phil McConkey played both defensive back and wide receiver, earning local honors, but in his senior year in 1975 he still weighed only 140 pounds.

Phil McConkey knew the only way he could attend college was on a scholarship, but he received no offers until he earned an appointment to the US Naval Academy.

Phil McConkey played college football for the Navy Midshipmen, catching 56 passes for 1,028 yards, while gaining 1,039 special teams return yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

Phil McConkey had completed his mandatory five years in the US Navy as an officer and helicopter pilot when he decided to try to play professional football at age 27.

Phil McConkey weighed barely 160 pounds and hadn't played football in five years.

Phil McConkey was signed by the Giants as a 27-year-old rookie.

Phil McConkey was the first Navy Midshipman to join the NFL after four full years of service since Roger Staubach in 1969.

Phil McConkey played four games with the Packers in 1986, then was re-signed by the Giants for the season's last 12 games.

Phil McConkey caught a 28-yard touchdown pass in New York's divisional playoff win over the San Francisco 49ers a few weeks earlier.

Phil McConkey picked up the weapon, which was taken by a security officer, who in turn returned it to the police officer who was unaware it was missing.

Phil McConkey played for the Giants for two more seasons as the team's primary punt returner and reserve wide receiver.

Phil McConkey finished his six NFL seasons with a Super Bowl ring, 67 receptions for 1,113 yards and two touchdowns, 228 punt returns for 1,832 yards, and 69 kickoff returns for 1,324 yards in 84 games.

In 1990, Phil McConkey ran for the United States House of Representatives for the 12th Congressional District of New Jersey, encompassing parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Morris and Warren counties.

Phil McConkey still participates in athletics, including Masters Track events.

Phil McConkey is married to Erin McConkey and has a daughter, May In 2013, he was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.