Kellen Winslow Sr.

Lore & Background

Winslow had a late start to his football career, not playing until his senior year of high school. Noted for his unusual combination of size and speed, he was recruited by the Missouri Tigers, where he played from 1975 to 1978, ranking among the team's reception leaders during his last two seasons. He was named All-American as a senior, entering the NFL draft as one of the highest-regarded prospects for the league. San Diego traded up to draft Winslow with the 13th overall pick in the draft. Over the next nine seasons, he was named first-team All-Pro twice (1980, 1982) and second-team All-Pro once (1981), and a Pro Bowler five times. After a promising rookie season (1979) was ended by injury, Winslow became a key figure in head coach Don Coryell's offense from 1980 to 1983, twice leading the league in receptions. His success in the passing game had long-term effects on the usage of tight ends, who had previously been perceived as good blockers who would catch occasionally. Highlights for Winslow included a three-touchdown performance against the Oakland Raiders and a starring role in the 1981 playoff game known as the Epic in Miami. Winslow was progressing at a record-breaking pace in 1984 when a serious knee injury knocked him out of the game for a year. He recovered enough to play from 1985 to 1987, but generally failed to recapture his pre-injury form. Winslow planned to return for a tenth year in the league but after a single appearance in the 1988 preseason the condition of his knees forced him to retire.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over the powder blue turf as Fouts snapped the ball in the fourth quarter. Winslow lined up at the line of scrimmage, eyes locked on the quarterback. He broke off a sharp route toward the sideline, drawing two defenders with his sheer momentum. The spiral arrived perfectly, and he secured the catch before hitting the ground, extending the Chargers' lead in a classic divisional showdown.

Reader's Guide

Kellen Winslow Sr. played his entire NFL career (1979–1987) with the San Diego Chargers. He was a first-round pick (13th overall) in the 1979 NFL draft. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. He led the league in receptions twice (1980 and 1981). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. His jersey number is not specified in the source article.

Did You Know?

• Winslow did not play football until his senior year of high school.
• He set an NFL record for tight ends with 89 receptions in 1980.
• He scored three touchdowns in a single game against the Oakland Raiders.
• He played in the 1981 playoff game known as the Epic in Miami.