Takk McKinley Never Quit, Now on Doorstep of Jets Roster

Takk McKinley's NFL career has been a roller coaster of sorts.

A first-round pick out of UCLA in 2017, the former Falcon and Brown was out of football for the entirety of the 2023 season. By many accounts, McKinley's playing days were considered over.

But after a year away from the game he loved, and with doubt, he would ever be able to return, the now father of two knew he didn't want to go out the way he did before.

"Knowing I didn’t have a mom or dad growing up, I was raised by my grandma and my auntie and they could have easily given up on me but they didn’t give up on me," McKinley stated. "So, for me, it was like I can't give up on myself. Like I’m speechless right now, but I’m just grateful to be in front of you guys and just have the interview. McKinley’s ain’t no quitters man, I got two kids and they look up to me. I’d be quitting on them if I quit on myself."

A previous connection with Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, though, allowed McKinley to keep chasing an NFL dream. Something the Jets coaching staff was all too pleased to give him.

In New York's win over the Giants, McKinley recorded a game-high 2.5 sacks and was a constant presence against the run.

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The only issue for McKinley is that he's competing with other players on the 53-man roster. With only a couple of spots to spare, the Jets need to decide whether or not McKinley is worth keeping on the roster.

His performance in the preseason, though, has shown that his NFL career is far from over, though.