Kellen Winslow

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Winslow's journey to stardom began late; he was a self-described "nerd" who played chess until his senior year of high school when coach Cornelius Perry convinced him to try football. After catching just 17 passes for the East St. Louis Flyers, he joined the Missouri Tigers, where he became a consensus All-American in 1978 with 29 receptions and 10 touchdowns over his career. The San Diego Chargers traded up to select Winslow with the 13th overall pick in 1979, moving seven spots ahead of their original selection. Despite a promising rookie season cut short by a fractured left fibula in week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks, he returned in 1980 to lead the league with 89 catches, breaking Mike Ditka's previous record of 75. His success in the passing game fundamentally changed how tight ends were utilized, shifting them from blockers who occasionally caught passes to primary offensive weapons.

In Their Own Story

The 1981 playoff run featured one of Winslow's most iconic moments: the "Epic in Miami." Earlier that season, he had delivered a stunning performance against the Oakland Raiders, catching 13 passes for 144 yards and five touchdowns, tying an NFL single-game record. In the AFC Championship Game, however, injuries to teammate Greg McCrary forced Winslow into a conventional tight end role with limited receiving opportunities, resulting in just three catches as San Diego lost 34–27 to Oakland. By 1984, Winslow was progressing at a record-breaking pace until a serious knee injury knocked him out for the entire year. Although he recovered enough to play from 1985 to 1987, he never fully recaptured his pre-injury form. After a single appearance in the 1988 preseason, the condition of his knees forced him to retire, ending a career that had transformed the NFL.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that Winslow was selected 13th overall after the Chargers traded with the Cleveland Browns, as he was initially expected to go to Cincinnati or Chicago. His rookie year in 1979 saw him serve as both a second tight end and third wide receiver before his injury ended his season early; he finished with 25 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns. In 1980, he became the first tight end to exceed 1,000 receiving yards since Jackie Smith in 1967, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He was named a Pro Bowler five times and a First-Team All-Pro three times during his career. Winslow's college achievements included leading the Missouri Tigers to a 20–15 victory over Louisiana State University in the 1978 Liberty Bowl, where he scored a touchdown. His number 83 jersey was retired by the Tigers.

Did You Know?

• Winslow did not play high school football until his senior year, having previously focused on chess and a job with UPS.
• He broke the NFL record for tight end receptions in 1980 with 89 catches, surpassing Mike Ditka's previous mark of 75.
• In a single game against the Oakland Raiders, Winslow caught five touchdowns, tying an NFL single-game record that has not been surpassed.
• The Chargers traded up seven spots to select Winslow with the 13th overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft.
• After a serious knee injury in 1984 kept him out for a year, he attempted a tenth season but retired after one preseason appearance due to his knees.