 McKenzie with theMarion Blue Racers in 2014 | |
| No. 48, 4, 9, 52, 11 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive end |
| Personal information | |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Etiwanda (Ca) |
| NFL draft | 2005: undrafted |
| Career history | |
| Awards and highlights | |
Thomas "T.J."McKenzie is an American formerindoor footballdefensive lineman.[1][2]
McKenzie graduated fromEtiwanda High School inEtiwanda, Ca.[3]
Following the 2006 season, it was announced that McKenzie had signed with theMarion Mayhem of theContinental Indoor Football League.[3] Thomas was a force for the Mayhem for many years. He set the CIFL record for sacks in a game with 4.0.[4]
After the Mayhem season ended abruptly in 2010, McKenzie, and several other Mayhem players, joined theFort Wayne FireHawks to finish the 2010 season. The FireHawks, had locked up a playoff spot, when Marion folded.[5] In the final game of the season, McKenzie broke his own record of 4.5 sacks, by recording 5.5 sacks against theChicago Cardinals.[6]
In 2011, McKenzie signed to play with theNorthern Kentucky River Monsters of theUltimate Indoor Football League, rather than sign with the newly formedMarion Blue Racers, which replaced the Mayhem. Thomas went on to set many records in the UIFL's inaugural season, on his way to earning Defensive Player of the Year honors.
For the 2012 season, McKenzie signed to play with theMarion Blue Racers.[7] This will be McKenzie's return to Marion after playing with the Mayhem in 2010. McKenzie recorded 20 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.[8] His 12 sacks ranked 4th in the UIFL on the season,[9] earning him Honorable Mention All-UIFL North Team.[10] The Blue Racers returned to the CIFL for the 2013 season, and McKenzie with them. The Blue Racers had a disappointing season, but McKenzie did not, as he earned 1st Team All-CIFL honors for the 3 time in his career. McKenzie re-signed with the Blue Racers for 2014 and has also seen spot duty as fullback; he scored two touchdowns (one at each position) in that year'sCIFL Championship Game, a 38–26 loss to theErie Explosion. Despite the loss, McKenzie was named league MVP for the 2014 season.