Ronald McKinnon: North Alabama Linebacker Hall of Famer

Ronald McKinnon crushed opposing offenses at the University of North Alabama, winning three consecutive national titles and becoming the only defensive player ever to win the Harlon Hill Trophy.

Football Bio

September 20, 1973 – Ronald McKinnon was a linebacker from the University of North Alabama from 1992 through the 1995 seasons.

The three-time consensus First Team All-American helped lead the North Alabama Lions to 3 consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships!

Ronald is the only defensive player in award history to win the Harlon Hill Trophy.

Ronald McKinnon went on to have a fruitful NFL career after college, starting for the Arizona Cardinals for 9 seasons and then playing a final year with the New Orleans Saints.

Mr. McKinnon also volunteered in his football community, providing service and leading many youth football clinics in both Arizona and Alabama.

The National Football Foundation placed Ronald McKinnon into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.[National Football Foundation]

Ronald McKinnon cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Division II history before anchoring NFL defenses for a decade. He continues to impact the sport off the field by mentoring the next generation of athletes through community youth clinics.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Played 10 successful seasons in the NFL (Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints), recording over 1,000 combined career tackles and 12 interceptions.
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
• Won the Harlon Hill Trophy in 1995 (the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman), becoming the first and only defensive player to receive the honor.
• Led North Alabama to three consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships (1993, 1994, 1995).
• Named a consensus First-Team All-American three times (1993, 1994, 1995).
• Earned Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors three times.
• Inducted into the Division II Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

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