Age: 23
College: Missouri
Height: 6’2” Weight: 200
Prelude:
Son of Ernie
McMillan, a former NFL offensive tackle, McMillan was an All-Big 8 selection in
his last collegiate season and was taken by the Jets in the third round of the
1988 NFL draft. In an effort to bring greater speed to the defensive backfield,
the club used three of its first four picks on defensive backs (the other two were
Terry Williams and James Hasty). He became the starting free safety and proved
to be one of the fastest in the league at that position.
1988 Season Summary
Appeared in 13
of 16 games
[Bracketed
numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]
Sacks – 0
Interceptions
– 8 [2, tied with Terry Hoage, Vestee Jackson & Carl Lee, 1st in AFC]
Most
interceptions, game – 3 at Miami 10/23
Int. return
yards – 168 [2]
Most int.
return yards, game – 57 (on 3 int.) at Miami 10/23
Int. TDs – 2 [1, tied with Carl Lee]
Fumble
recoveries – 0
Tackles – 80
Scoring
TDs – 2
Points – 12
Awards &
Honors:
NFL Defensive
Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
2nd
team All-AFC: UPI
Pro Bowl
Jets went 8-7-1
to finish fourth in the AFC East while leading the conference in interceptions
(24).
Aftermath:
Daring and
aggressive, McMillan was again selected to the Pro Bowl in 1989 after
intercepting six passes, one of which he returned 92 yards. However, a change
in defensive schemes affected his performance adversely in 1990. His play
became marked by inconsistency and, following the ’92 season, he was signed by
the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. McMillan failed to last the year with
the Eagles and made appearances with the Chiefs and Browns in what was his
final season. Overall, over the course of six years he intercepted 22 passes,
five of which he returned for touchdowns, but he failed to live up to the
promise of his first two seasons in the NFL.
[Updated 8/4/13]
[Updated 11/29/14]
[Updated 8/4/13]
[Updated 11/29/14]
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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie
of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized
organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise
Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league
itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year).
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