OT Kaleb McGary returns to Washington Football for senior year.

4 of 4

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies walks down the sidelines during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Heroic path to the NFL

Kaleb McGary has earned the right to take any NFL contract offered this year and run with it. After all, his path to the pros has been an even more compelling story off the field. An excellent account of McGary’s tribulations appeared on February 9, 2018, written by Seattle Times Adam Jude. The article discusses family bankruptcy, Kaleb’s diagnosis and grueling battle to overcome AFIB, and the most recent tragedy of losing the family home to a fire.

If there was ever a young man who needed to turn pro to help out the family, Kaleb McGary would certainly be on that list. Two homes and a ton of health procedures over the span of three years. A huge NFL paycheck could go a long way for the McGary family right now. instead, Kaleb McGary’s girlfriend, Brianna Shannon, has set up a GOFUNDME donation page to help offset the costs for the family.

Staying a Husky

But he didn’t take the easy early payout. He stayed with UW. For all the headlines and social media that brings hope and faith in humanity to its knees, this type of story brings all of those positives upright and standing at full attention once more. Not just about a young man, but about the entire family. If you want a feel good story, check out this second-and previous- article by the same Adam Jude. If you can read both articles without your eyes misting up, you are a better person than I am.

Next: Washington Football 2019 recruiting lining up behind Corey Luciano

In summary, McGary is NFL ready. He put up a 35 inch vertical leap despite weighing in at 318 pounds at the last UW Combine Day. Beyond that, the 2018 NFL Draft is not as loaded with offensive tackles as some years. But in the end, it comes down to loyalty. I’m grateful that he is coming back. Here’s hoping he has one helluva year and lands in the first round of that 2019 NFL Draft. While that would mean great things for the Washington Football team, to me this one is about Kaleb McGary. I’m hopeful that it all proves to be worth it someday. And a solid NFL career would be a great step on his way to that destination.

Home/Football