Kareem McKenzie

The Penn State lineman was selected as a third round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Kareem McKenzie became the right bookend to a New York offensive line that made the playoffs three of five years under Herman Edwards.

In his four seasons with Gang Green, he helped open up holes for running back sensation Curtis Martin, who led the league in rushing in 2004.

Sadly, 2004 would be McKenzie’s final year with the Jets, as he would join the crosstown rival New York Giants via free agency.

McKenzie would remain with the Giants for the remainder of his career. He retired at the end of the 2011 NFL season in splendid fashion with a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. The second time he had been a part of a Giants team that would defeat the Pats in the Super Bowl.

In retrospect, there was never a reason for the Jets not to re-sign the Right Tackle. Just another example of “one that got away.”