Jacque MacKinnon
Jacque Harold MacKinnon was an American professional football player who was a tight end, playing most of his career in the American Football League with the San Diego Chargers. He also was a member of the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League and the Southern California Sun in the World Football League. He played college football at Colgate University.
Early years
Born and raised in Dover, New Jersey, MacKinnon attended Dover High School. He was a running back in football, a sprinter in track and a center in basketball.He accepted a football scholarship from Colgate University, where he was a standout at halfback.
Professional career
MacKinnon was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 33rd round of the 1962 AFL draft and the Philadelphia Eagles in the 20th round of the 1961 NFL draft. As the last player selected in the 1961 NFL draft, he was designated Mr. Irrelevant, however, he was the only such player ever to be selected as an All-Star, before Brock Purdy in 2024.He opted to sign with the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League to play as a fullback. In 1966, he was moved to tight end to take advantage of his blocking and receiver skills. Head coach, Sid Gillman, employed MacKinnon with Dave Kocourek in the first "twin tight-end" formations seen in professional football. He was on the Chargers' 1963 AFL Championship team in their victory over the Boston Patriots. He was an AFL All-Star in 1966 and 1968. In 1968, he averaged 19.6 yards per reception, posting 33 receptions for 646 yards and 6 touchdowns.
On April 29, 1970, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a future draft pick, but he refused to report and instead opted to retire.
On September 15, 1970, he signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders, at the time part of the National Football League. In 1974, he signed with the Southern California Sun in the World Football League to play tight end.
In 1976, he was a part of the initial four former players, that were inducted posthumously into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame.