Oct. 19, 2004
LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV receiving great Keenan McCardell was acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft choices Tuesday. The trade was finalized just prior to the NFL's trading deadline of 1 p.m. PT today.
McCardell will be reunited with his college head coach, Wayne Nunnely, who led the Rebels from 1986-89 and is now a defensive line coach for the Chargers. McCardell will be inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 4 at the MGM Grand Hotel.
McCardell is coming off his second Pro Bowl season in 2003 when he caught 84 passes for 1,174 yards (14.0) and a career-high eight touchdowns for the Bucs. He was named the team's most valuable player by the local media. Last season he became the 17th player all-time to reach 700 career receptions. He ranked fifth in the NFC in both catches and yards.
McCardell has 724 career catches which ranks fifth among active players. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark five times in his career (1996, `97, `00, `01, `03), including three of the last four seasons. McCardell has started 134 of 162 games through 12 seasons and has missed only three games in the last nine years. He currently has a streak of 79 consecutive games with at least one reception dating back to Dec. 20, 1998. His career totals include 724 catches, 9,370 yards, 12.9 avg. and 52 touchdowns. McCardell also has caught 51 passes and scored five touchdowns in 13 postseason games.
With the addition of McCardell, UNLV now has seven players currently on official NFL rosters, including one on Injured Reserve. Five of the former Rebels played for the school under head coach John Robinson, who came to UNLV in 1999.
PLAYER AT UNLV POS CURRENT NFL TEAM
Sam Brandon 1997-2001 DB Denver BroncosLarry Croom 2002-03 RB Arizona CardinalsDominic Furio (IR) 2000-03 C Philadelphia EaglesKeenan McCardell 1987-90 WR San Diego ChargersAnton Palepoi 2000-01 DL Denver BroncosKevin Thomas 1997-2001 DB Buffalo BillsKeith Washington 1991-94 DL New York Giants
