College Football Hall of Famer Bob McKay dies at age 78

2 sources1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 6:35 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

College Football Hall of Famer Bob McKay dies at age 78
Summary

Bob McKay, a former University of Texas offensive tackle and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, died Thursday at the age of 78. A key contributor to the Longhorns' success in the late 1960s, McKay played a pivotal role in the team's "Wishbone" offense under coach Darrell Royal. During his tenure in Austin, he helped lead the program to two Southwest Conference titles and back-to-back Cotton Bowl wins, including the 1969 national championship season. Following his collegiate career, McKay was selected 21st overall in the 1970 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played six seasons in Cleveland before finishing his nine-year professional career with the New England Patriots, appearing in 105 regular-season games. McKay also earned induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2012 for his earlier athletic achievements in his hometown of Crane.

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By the Numbers
  • Bob McKay died Thursday at age 78.
  • He played offensive tackle at the University of Texas from 1966 to 1969.
  • McKay earned consensus first-team All-American honors during the 1969 national championship season.
  • He played six seasons with the Cleveland Browns and three with the New England Patriots.
  • He appeared in 105 NFL regular-season games and started in three separate playoff years.
Latest Updates
  • 6:35 PMYahoo SportsBob McKay, one of greatest offensive lineman in Texas Longhorns history, dies at age 78
  • 5:27 PMYahoo SportsFormer Browns, Pats lineman, College Hall of Famer dies
What they're saying
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Bob McKay, the towering offensive tackle who helped define the University of Texas’ “Wishbone” offense and later spent nine seasons in the NFL, died Thursday. He was 78. McKay was a first-team All-American, a national champion and a College Football…

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Bob McKay was an All-American offensive tackle on Texas' 1969 national champions and played nine seasons in NFL.

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