Isaiah McKenzie Bio
Isaiah McKenzie (born April 9, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. McKenzie plays primarily at wide receiver and punt returner but has also seen playing time at the NFL level as a running back and cornerback. Throughout his NFL career, McKenzie has been known for his versatility, speed, and ability to contribute on offense, special teams, and defensive snaps when needed.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah McKenzie was born on April 9, 1995, in Miami, Florida. He attended American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, where he developed his skills as a multi-position player. His exceptional athletic abilities caught the attention of college recruiters, setting the stage for his transition to collegiate football at the Division I level.
Path to American Football
McKenzie committed to play college football at the University of Georgia, joining the Georgia Bulldogs from 2014 to 2016. During his first two years with the Bulldogs, he primarily served as a kick returner, accumulating 190 receiving yards and 195 rushing yards. When Kirby Smart replaced Mark Richt as head coach, McKenzie became more prominently featured in Georgia’s passing offense.
As a junior in 2016, McKenzie caught 44 receptions for 633 yards and 7 touchdowns, becoming the Bulldogs’ top receiver. His performance earned him Second-team All-SEC honors. Leading into the 2017 NFL draft, draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. compared McKenzie to Antonio Brown due to similarities in their kick-return abilities and athleticism.
Isaiah McKenzie Career
Denver Broncos (2017–2018)
McKenzie was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, 172nd overall, in the 2017 NFL draft. On September 11, 2017, in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, McKenzie returned three punt returns for 48 net yards in his NFL debut. On September 24, against the Buffalo Bills, he recorded his first career rushing attempt, a four-yard carry. He totaled four receptions for 29 yards during his rookie season.
On September 10, 2018, McKenzie was waived by the Broncos and was re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 25, 2018, but was waived again on November 2, 2018.
Buffalo Bills (2018–2022)
On November 5, 2018, McKenzie was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. He was used as the primary kick returner while also seeing significant time on offense. He scored his first NFL touchdown, rushing 6 yards on a jet sweep, against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 25. Against the New York Jets, he was used in the run game after LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory suffered injuries, rushing for 22 yards on four carries with another touchdown to go with 47 receiving yards in the 27–23 loss. He finished his first season with the Bills with 18 receptions for 179 receiving yards, 66 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
In 2019, McKenzie caught 27 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, in addition to rushing 8 times for 49 yards. He played a significant role in helping the Bills defeat the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, as his 46-yard reception helped set up the game-winning touchdown. For the Bills’ final game of the 2019 season against the Jets, he was pressed into service as a reserve cornerback due to injuries among the defensive backs.
On March 30, 2020, McKenzie re-signed with the Bills. On November 15, 2020, in a Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals, McKenzie threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Josh Allen on a trick play during the 32–30 loss, marking his first career touchdown pass. In the Bills’ final game of the 2020 season against the Miami Dolphins, McKenzie had arguably his best game as a professional, catching six passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, his first career special teams score on his only punt return of the season. In the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, McKenzie recorded one catch for a six-yard touchdown during the 38–24 loss.
On March 29, 2021, McKenzie signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Bills. He became the primary kick returner in 2021 but was benched after fumbling a kickoff in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. When starting slot receiver Cole Beasley was diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to a pivotal Week 16 game against the New England Patriots, McKenzie had a career day with 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Bills beat the Patriots 33–21.
On March 13, 2022, McKenzie signed a two-year extension with the Buffalo Bills. He had a strong start to the 2022 season as the primary slot receiver with Beasley’s departure, catching 17 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns within the first six games. He was also the leading receiver for the Bills during a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. He finished the 2022 season with a career-high 42 receptions, 423 yards, and four touchdowns. On March 17, 2023, McKenzie was released by the Bills.
Indianapolis Colts (2023)
On March 22, 2023, McKenzie signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts suspended him for three games for conduct detrimental to the team on December 19, 2023.
New York Giants (2024)
On March 12, 2024, McKenzie signed with the New York Giants. He was released on August 27, 2024.
Miami Dolphins (2024–Present)
On December 17, 2024, McKenzie was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad. This marked his return to his hometown of Miami, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with the Dolphins.
Driving Style and Strengths
McKenzie is known for his exceptional speed, quickness, and elusiveness in the open field. His versatility allows the coaching staff to utilize him in multiple offensive roles, including wide receiver, running back, and wildcat formations. He has demonstrated the ability to contribute as a return specialist, cornerback, and even as a quarterback on trick plays. His spatial awareness and ability to find openings in coverage make him a valuable gadget player, while his sure hands and after-the-catch ability give him reliable production when targeted.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, McKenzie has accumulated 152 receptions for 1,427 receiving yards, 244 rushing yards, and 1,986 return yards, totaling 16 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2022 with Buffalo, where he recorded career highs of 42 receptions, 423 yards, and 4 touchdowns. His 84-yard punt return for a touchdown against Miami in 2020 remains one of his signature special teams plays, while his 12-yard touchdown pass to Josh Allen in the same season showcased his playmaking ability in unconventional offensive sets.
Isaiah McKenzie Career Wins
McKenzie has accumulated career statistics including 152 receptions for 1,427 receiving yards, 244 rushing yards, and 1,986 return yards across his NFL career. His 16 total touchdowns reflect his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
NFL Career Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, McKenzie has demonstrated his value as a versatile offensive weapon and reliable return specialist. His first NFL touchdown came via a 6-yard rushing score with Buffalo in 2018. The 2022 season with Buffalo represented his most productive year, as he set career highs with 42 receptions, 423 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns while serving as the primary slot receiver. His 84-yard punt return touchdown against Miami in 2020 highlighted his special teams impact, while his career-best 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown against New England in 2021 demonstrated his ability to step up when called upon.
Off-Field Achievement
In 2020, McKenzie and his friends Mel Rodriguez and Chase McKenzie opened LaTraila Barbecue, a restaurant in Miami Lakes, Florida. This business venture reflects his entrepreneurial interests and connection to his hometown community.
Isaiah McKenzie Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
McKenzie was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Details about his family background, including his parents and any sports lineage, are not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
McKenzie maintains an active presence on social media, with accounts on X and Instagram. In 2020, he invested in a business venture by co-founding LaTraila Barbecue in Miami Lakes, Florida. Information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Isaiah McKenzie will look to secure a spot on the Miami Dolphins roster after joining the team via practice squad in December 2024. The Dolphins feature a high-powered offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which could provide opportunities for McKenzie to contribute as a slot receiver and return specialist. His familiarity with the offensive system and his versatility give him a chance to compete for meaningful playing time during training camp and the preseason.
McKenzie brings a veteran presence to the Dolphins receiving corps with his experience playing multiple positions and contributing on special teams. His ability to line up as a wide receiver, running back, or wildcat quarterback gives the coaching staff flexibility in designing offensive packages. If he makes the Dolphins roster, he would add valuable depth and playmaking ability to an already dynamic offensive unit.