Takkarist Jaune McKinley Bio
Takkarist Jaune McKinley (born November 2, 1995) is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. McKinley has appeared in games for seven NFL franchises, establishing himself as a pass-rushing threat throughout his professional career. His NFL career statistics include 107 total tackles and 20.5 sacks across regular-season play.
Early Life and Background
Takkarist Jaune McKinley was born on November 2, 1995, in Oakland, California. He attended Kennedy High School in Richmond, California, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. McKinley played football for the Eagles and also competed in track and field during his high school years. As a junior, he recorded 50 tackles and 15 sacks, and as a senior, he posted 60 tackles and 11 sacks, demonstrating consistent production as a pass rusher at the high school level.
After high school, McKinley initially committed to the University of California, Berkeley but was ruled a non-qualifier academically. He enrolled at Contra Costa College for the 2013 season, where he recorded 33 tackles and 10 sacks in his lone junior college campaign, catching the attention of Division I programs.
Path to the NFL
McKinley transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles in September 2014, joining the UCLA Bruins football program. As a sophomore in 2014, he appeared in 10 games with one start, finishing the season with 2.5 sacks. His role expanded significantly in his junior year, as he started 12 of 13 games in 2015, recording 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
His breakthrough season came as a senior in 2016, when McKinley recorded 10 sacks and earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors. He entered the 2017 NFL Draft as a projected first-to-second round selection despite concerns about a torn labrum and shoulder socket injury that required surgery after the NFL Combine. McKinley completed all combine drills except the short shuttle and three-cone drill, with his recovery expected to take four to six months.
Takkarist Jaune McKinley Career
Atlanta Falcons (2017–2020)
McKinley was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. On May 11, 2017, he signed a four-year contract worth $10.21 million with $7.89 million guaranteed and a $5.57 million signing bonus. As a rookie, he played in all 16 games and recorded 20 tackles and six sacks, ranking fourth among NFL rookies and second on the team behind Adrian Clayborn in sacks.
In Week 4 of the 2018 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, McKinley recorded a career-high three sacks in a closely contested 37-36 loss. He finished that season with 22 combined tackles and a team-high seven sacks, establishing himself as a consistent pass-rushing threat. In 2019, McKinley played in 14 games with 13 starts, recording 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks before suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15 that required placement on injured reserve on December 17, 2019. On April 29, 2020, the Falcons declined the fifth-year option on his contract.
In November 2020, McKinley publicly requested a trade after privately making the request to the Falcons since 2019. The team honored his request by waiving him. He was subsequently claimed off waivers by both the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers, but both contracts were voided due to failed physical examinations.
Las Vegas Raiders (2020)
McKinley was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2020. He was placed on injured reserve just four days later after arriving with an existing injury. He was designated to return from injured reserve on December 15 and began practicing with the team, but head coach Jon Gruden announced on December 30 that McKinley would not be activated for the remainder of the season.
Cleveland Browns (2021)
McKinley signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns on March 17, 2021. In Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, he recorded two tackles and a sack with a forced fumble on quarterback Tyler Huntley in a 24-22 victory. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during that game and was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 21. He finished the season with 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 11 games.
Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams (2022)
On September 16, 2022, McKinley signed with the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans. He was signed to the active roster by the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, 2022, but his contract was terminated by the Rams less than a month later on October 18.
Dallas Cowboys (2022–2023)
McKinley signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on November 16, 2022, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who had served as his head coach during his time with the Falcons. On March 22, 2023, the Cowboys re-signed McKinley to a one-year deal, demonstrating their confidence in his abilities. However, he was released by the team on June 9, 2023.
New York Jets (2024)
On June 13, 2024, McKinley signed with the New York Jets. He appeared in one game with the team before being released on October 23, 2024. He was signed to the Jets practice squad on October 31, 2024, but his tenure ended when he was released by the team on December 13, 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
McKinley has established himself as an effective pass rusher throughout his career, with his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks being his primary strength. His 20.5 career sacks demonstrate his consistency as a disruptive force along the defensive line. His best statistical season came in 2018 with the Falcons, when he led the team with seven sacks and recorded a three-sack performance in a single game.
Notable Events and Milestones
McKinley’s career has been marked by several significant moments, including being selected 26th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and signing a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth over $10 million with a $5.57 million signing bonus. His rookie season saw him finish fourth among all NFL rookies in sacks with six. A significant shoulder injury suffered during the 2019 season required surgery and resulted in placement on injured reserve, ultimately leading the Falcons to decline his fifth-year option.
Takkarist Jaune McKinley Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, McKinley has accumulated 20.5 sacks across regular-season play. His most productive season came in 2018 with the Atlanta Falcons, when he led the team with seven sacks and recorded a career-high three-sack game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His rookie season also demonstrated his potential, as he recorded six sacks and ranked fourth among all NFL rookies. McKinley has also contributed three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery throughout his career, showing his ability to create turnovers.
College Highlights
During his college career at UCLA, McKinley earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2016 after recording 10 sacks as a senior. His journey through junior college before arriving at UCLA shaped his development as a player, and his consistent improvement year over year translated into NFL success. His 10-sack senior season at UCLA directly contributed to his first-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
NFL Statistics
McKinley has appeared in games across seven NFL franchises during his career. His career totals include 107 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections. His best season came in 2018 with Atlanta, where he recorded seven sacks and emerged as a team leader in pass rushing.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Atlanta Falcons | 20 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018 | Atlanta Falcons | 22 | 7 | 0 |
| 2019 | Atlanta Falcons | 29 | 3.5 | 0 |
| 2021 | Cleveland Browns | 18 | 2.5 | 1 |
Takkarist Jaune McKinley Family
Family Background and Upbringing
Takkarist Jaune McKinley was raised in Oakland, California, and attended Kennedy High School in Richmond, California. His background in the Bay Area football scene helped develop his skills before his journey through junior college and ultimately to UCLA and the NFL.
Personal Life
McKinley has maintained a professional approach throughout his career despite frequent team changes across seven NFL franchises. His resilience in returning from injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2021 and shoulder surgery before his rookie season, demonstrates his determination to continue his professional football career.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering 2025, McKinley remains an unsigned free agent following his release by the New York Jets in December 2024. His 2024 season was limited to one appearance with the Jets before he joined their practice squad. McKinley’s career has spanned seven NFL teams, and his 20.5 career sacks demonstrate his ability to contribute as a situational pass rusher. Teams seeking veteran depth along the defensive line may consider McKinley as a low-risk addition with proven production. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks remains his primary appeal to potential suitors, and his experience playing in multiple defensive systems could make him a valuable rotation player for a team looking to bolster their defensive line depth.