Isaiah McKenzie

Isaiah McKenzie (born April 9, 1995) is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

McKenzie plays primarily at wide receiver and punt returner but has also seen playing time at the NFL level as a running back and cornerback.

College career

McKenzie's first two years with the Georgia Bulldogs saw him accumulate 190 receiving yards and 195 rushing yards, as he was primarily used as a kick returner. After Kirby Smart replaced Mark Richt as head coach, McKenzie was more prominently featured in the Georgia passing game. He caught 44 receptions for 633 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior, becoming the Bulldogs' top receiver. Leading into the 2017 NFL Draft, draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. compared McKenzie to Antonio Brown due to similarities in their kick-return abilities and athleticism.

Professional career

Denver Broncos

McKenzie was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, 172nd overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft.

On September 11, 2017, in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on ''Monday Night Football'', McKenzie returned three punt returns for 48 net yards in his NFL debut. On September 24, against the Buffalo Bills, McKenzie recorded his first career rushing attempt, a four-yard carry. He totaled four receptions for 29 yards on the season.

On September 10, 2018, McKenzie was waived by the Broncos and was re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 25, 2018. He was waived again on November 2, 2018.

Buffalo Bills

On November 5, 2018, McKenzie was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills.

2018

McKenzie was used as the primary kick returner, but also saw significant time on offense. He scored his first NFL touchdown, rushing 6 yards on a jet sweep, against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 25. Against the New York Jets, he was used in the run game after LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory suffered injuries, rushing for 22 yards on four carries with another touchdown to go with 47 receiving yards in the 27–23 loss. He had 18 receptions for 179 receiving yards to go along with 66 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on the season.

2019

McKenzie's kick return role decreased after the Bills added free agent kick returner Andre Roberts, but he still found decent playing time on special teams and as a gadget player on offense. He caught 27 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, in addition to rushing 8 times for 49 yards. McKenzie played a big role in helping the Bills defeat the Tennessee Titans in week 5, as his 46-yard reception helped set up the game-winning touchdown.

For the Bills' final game of the 2019 season, against the Jets, he was pressed into service as a reserve cornerback, as the Bills were resting the starters and the backups suffered injuries.

2020

On March 30, 2020, McKenzie re-signed with the Bills.

On November 15, 2020, in a Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals, McKenzie threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Josh Allen on a trick play during the 32–30 loss. This was McKenzie's first career touchdown pass. In the Bills' final game of the 2020 season against the Miami Dolphins, McKenzie had arguably his best game as a professional, catching six passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, his first career special teams score on his only punt return of the season.

In the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, McKenzie recorded one catch for a six-yard touchdown during the 38–24 loss.

2021

On March 29, 2021, McKenzie signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Bills.

On August 26, 2021, McKenzie was fined $14,650 for violating the NFL's COVID-19 protocol.

McKenzie became the primary kick returner in 2021, but was benched after fumbling a kickoff in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Due to starting slot receiver Cole Beasley being diagnosed with COVID-19, McKenzie was utilized more in a week 16 game against the New England Patriots. He caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Bills beat the Patriots 33–21.

2022

On March 13, 2022, McKenzie signed a two year extension with the Buffalo Bills. McKenzie had a hot start to the season as the Bills' primary slot receiver with Beasley's departure from the team, catching 17 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns within the first six games. He was also the leading receiver for the Bills during a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. He finished the season with a career high of 42 receptions, 423 yards, and four touchdowns.

On March 17, 2023, McKenzie was released by the Bills.

Indianapolis Colts

On March 22, 2023 McKenzie signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Business ventures

In 2020, McKenzie and his friends Mel Rodriguez and Chase McKenzie opened LaTraila Barbecue, a restaurant in Miami Lakes, Florida.

Notes

References

External links

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Buffalo Bills bio

{{DEFAULTSORT:McKenzie, Isaiah
1995 births
Living people
American football return specialists
American football wide receivers
Buffalo Bills players
Denver Broncos players
Georgia Bulldogs football players
Indianapolis Colts players
Players of American football from Miami
American Heritage School (Florida) alumni