Phil McConkey’s Super Bowl XXI Story is Glorious
By Neal Lynch
Phil McConkey was one of my favorite players for the New York Giants. I have visual proof:
That’s me with the blonde hair in the snapback.
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With the First Pick
Why was Phil one of my favorites? Was it the mullet? The mustache? The fact that he was a Parcells Guy who was perfect for the Giants and was essentially invisible with three other teams? Well, when you’re five or six years old, it doesn’t take much to win you over, but the sheer enthusiasm and unbridled emotion can go a long way.
McConkey wasn’t a starting wide receiver, he was a kick and punt returner who was more known for his ability to get the crowd fired up with his towel waving and pylon demolishing abilities.
The Navy Midshipman played six seasons in the NFL from 1984-1989, most of which with the G-Men. All but two of his 67 career receptions came with Big Blue and he totaled two touchdowns during the regular season. Phil would match that career total in the postseason of January 1987.
Those who are old enough to remember or who have worn out the VHS cassette of “Giants Among Men“…
…know how close McConkey came to scoring a touchdown on the flea flicker pass from Phil Simms and how bittersweet that moment was for the Buffalo product. But, almost thirty years later, to see and hear McConkey’s account of what happened on his accidental ricochet catch off Bavaro for a touchdown in the fourth quarter is euphoric.
It makes me wonder, who’s gonna be 2016’s Phil McConkey? I’d take 53 Phil McConkeys on my roster.