LeSean McCoy, also known as "Shady", is a former NFL running back known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, McCoy played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. Despite a serious ankle injury in high school, he excelled at Pittsburgh, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns in his freshman year. In 2008, McCoy was recognized as a second-team All-American and finished third in the nation in rushing touchdowns. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
1945: Previous Eagles' Records Set
The previous Eagles' single season touchdown and rushing touchdown records were set by Steve Van Buren in 1945.
1979: Wilbert Montgomery's Rushing Record
Wilbert Montgomery held the Eagles' regular season rushing record with 1,512 yards in 1979.
July 12, 1988: Birth of LeSean McCoy
LeSean Kamel McCoy was born on July 12, 1988.
2001: Previous Eagles Rookie Rushing Record Set
Correll Buckhalter set the Philadelphia Eagles rookie rushing record in 2001, which was later broken by LeSean McCoy in 2009.
2002: High School Years Begin
LeSean McCoy's journey through high school began in 2002 at Bishop McDevitt High School.
2003: Travis Henry's Rushing Record
In 2003, Travis Henry set the Buffalo Bills' single-season rushing record, which stood until LeSean McCoy surpassed it in 2016.
2004: Exceptional Speed at NIKE Training Camp
LeSean McCoy's exceptional speed was evident in 2004 when he recorded an impressive 4.23 40-yard dash at the State College NIKE Training Camp, marking the fastest time of the event.
2006: Highly-Rated High School Prospect
In 2006, LeSean McCoy garnered significant attention as a high school prospect, earning recognition as the "nation's number 11 high school prospect" by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. ESPN further lauded his abilities, describing him as "lightning in a bottle every time he touches the ball."
2006: High School Graduation and Injury
LeSean McCoy graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 2006. This was also the year he suffered a major ankle injury.
2006: High School Achievements and Prep School
As a high school senior in 2006, LeSean McCoy earned numerous accolades, including first-team Class AAAA Associated Press All-State. Despite committing to Miami, academic issues and a broken ankle led him to attend prep school at Milford Academy.
2006: LaRod Stephens-Howling's Success
In 2006, LaRod Stephens-Howling, the starting running back for the Pittsburgh Panthers, rushed for over 890 yards.
February 16, 2007: Committing to the University of Pittsburgh
Following a coaching change at Miami and a period of recovery from injury, LeSean McCoy made the decision to commit to the University of Pittsburgh on February 16, 2007.
August 2007: Making an Impression at Pittsburgh
By August 2007, LeSean McCoy had already made a strong impression at the University of Pittsburgh, drawing praise for his on-field dynamism and off-field communication skills.
September 2007: Introducing the "Wildcat Offense"
In September 2007, the Pittsburgh Panthers unveiled their "Wildcat offense," a formation that showcased LeSean McCoy's versatility.
October 2, 2007: Instant Impact Freshman
By October 2, 2007, LeSean McCoy had firmly established himself as a standout freshman, earning recognition for his immediate impact on the Pittsburgh Panthers.
2007: Brian Westbrook's Yards From Scrimmage Record
Brian Westbrook held the Eagles' record for most yards from scrimmage with 2,104 in 2007.
2007: A Successful Freshman Year at Pittsburgh
In 2007, LeSean McCoy's first year at the University of Pittsburgh, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
July 2008: Praise from Coach Wannstedt
In late July 2008, LeSean McCoy's coach, Dave Wannstedt, expressed admiration for his maturity and dedication, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement.
August 2008: Drawing Comparisons to Tony Dorsett
By mid-August 2008, LeSean McCoy's exceptional abilities had drawn comparisons to Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
November 2008: McCoy Initially Plans to Stay at Pittsburgh
In November 2008, LeSean McCoy stated his intention to return to the University of Pittsburgh for his junior year.
2008: Pittsburgh Panthers Football Season
In 2008, LeSean McCoy, playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers, had a season with highs and lows, including a losing start against Bowling Green, a five-game streak with over 140 rushing yards, and a career-high 183 rushing yards against West Virginia. The Panthers ended the regular season ranked #18 but lost in the Sun Bowl to Oregon State.
2008: Named Second-Team All-American
LeSean McCoy's performance on the field in 2008 earned him a second-team All-American selection.
January 7, 2009: McCoy Informs Coach of NFL Decision
On January 7, 2009, LeSean McCoy informed his coach at the University of Pittsburgh of his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
January 14, 2009: McCoy Officially Declares for NFL Draft
LeSean McCoy officially declared for the NFL draft on January 14, 2009, leaving behind two years of college eligibility. His decision was influenced by a past injury and advice from Larry Fitzgerald.
January 2009: McCoy Reconsiders NFL Future
In January 2009, LeSean McCoy reconsidered his initial decision to stay at the University of Pittsburgh for his junior year, ultimately deciding to enter the NFL draft.
June 29, 2009: McCoy Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles
On June 29, 2009, LeSean McCoy was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL draft, signing a four-year contract.
September 27, 2009: McCoy's First Start and Touchdown
On September 27, 2009, LeSean McCoy started for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs due to Brian Westbrook's injury, scoring his first NFL touchdown.
November 1, 2009: McCoy Starts Against New York Giants
LeSean McCoy started for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants on November 1, 2009, performing well in both rushing and receiving.
December 20, 2009: McCoy Breaks Eagles Rookie Rushing Record
On December 20, 2009, LeSean McCoy set a new Philadelphia Eagles rookie rushing record with 606 yards, surpassing Correll Buckhalter's 2001 record.
2009: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles
LeSean McCoy was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft.
March 18, 2010: McCoy Changes Jersey Number
LeSean McCoy switched to jersey number 25 after Brian Westbrook's release, the same number he wore at the University of Pittsburgh.
2010: McCoy Wins ESPN "Next Level Award"
Following the 2010 season, LeSean McCoy was recognized by ESPN with the "Next Level Award" for his powerful running style and performance against heavy defensive formations.
2010: McCoy's Performance in 2010 Season
In 2010, LeSean McCoy became the starting running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, delivering notable performances including a 120-yard, three-touchdown game against the Detroit Lions. He also played through a rib injury and contributed to the team's playoff run.
2010: Starting Running Back for the Eagles
LeSean McCoy became the starting running back for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, the same year he broke the 1,000-yard rushing barrier.
2010: Dominating the 2010s Decade
LeSean McCoy's dominance throughout the 2010s earned him a well-deserved spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
December 18, 2011: Eagles Single Season Touchdown and Rushing Touchdown Record
On December 18, 2011, while playing against the New York Jets, LeSean McCoy broke the Philadelphia Eagles' single season touchdown and rushing touchdown records.
2011: First-Team All-Pro Honors
LeSean McCoy was named first-team All-Pro in 2011.
May 17, 2012: Five-Year Contract Extension with the Eagles
On May 17, 2012, LeSean McCoy signed a five-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, worth $45 million with $20.765 million guaranteed.
August 2012: Investment in Bodyarmor SuperDrink
In August 2012, LeSean McCoy became a partner and investor in the premium sports drink company Bodyarmor SuperDrink.
September 9, 2012: Season Opener Against the Browns
On September 9, 2012, in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards on 20 carries.
November 18, 2012: Concussion Against the Redskins
On November 18, 2012, while playing against the Washington Redskins, McCoy suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter.
November 28, 2012: "The Real McCoy" on E:60
On November 28, 2012, ESPN's E:60 aired an episode titled "The Real McCoy," featuring an interview with LeSean McCoy conducted by Lisa Salters. The episode delved into McCoy's high school career and his ankle injury.
2012: Jersey Retirement
LeSean McCoy's exceptional high school career was honored in 2012 when Bishop McDevitt High School retired his jersey number (20), a testament to his impact on the school's football program.
2012: Concussion Setback
LeSean McCoy's season was cut short in 2012 due to a concussion, limiting him to only 12 games.
May 2013: LeSean McCoy Sued for Alleged Assault
In May 2013, McCoy was sued by a woman using the alias "Mary Roe" for an alleged assault on a party bus. Roe accused McCoy of humiliating and spraying a beverage on her and other women before ejecting her from the vehicle. McCoy denied the allegations, and his lawyer claimed it was an attempt to extort money.
September 9, 2013: 184 Rushing Yards on Monday Night Football
On September 9, 2013, during a Monday Night Football game, LeSean McCoy rushed for 184 yards on 31 carries and scored a touchdown in a victory over the Washington Redskins.
December 8, 2013: Breaking Van Buren's Rushing Record
On December 8, 2013, during a game against the Detroit Lions, LeSean McCoy rushed for 217 yards, breaking Steve Van Buren's franchise record of 207 rushing yards.
December 2013: McCoy Holds Eagles' Records
As of December 2013, McCoy held the Eagles' records with 17 rushing and 20 total touchdowns.
2013: Leading the NFL in Rushing Yards
In 2013, LeSean McCoy achieved a career milestone by leading the NFL in rushing yards with an impressive 1,607 yards, breaking the Philadelphia Eagles' single-season rushing record, a record that had stood for 34 years.
2013: All-Purpose Yards Leader
In the 2013 season, LeSean McCoy was the all-purpose yards leader with 2,146 yards.
2013: Successful Season with Limited Touchdowns
In 2013, LeSean McCoy had a successful season with 1,319 rushing yards, placing him third in the league. However, he only scored five touchdowns due to the Eagles utilizing Darren Sproles and Chris Polk for goal-line situations. His most impressive performance was against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13, where he rushed for 159 yards and one touchdown.
September 9, 2014: Restaurant Owner Responds to LeSean McCoy's Tip Controversy
On September 9, 2014, the owner of the restaurant where McCoy left the small tip publicly responded to the controversy, stating that McCoy had been verbally abusive and made derogatory comments about women during his visit.
September 2014: LeSean McCoy Criticized for Leaving Small Tip
In September 2014, McCoy was publicly criticized for leaving a $0.20 tip at a Philadelphia restaurant. McCoy attributed the small tip to poor service, while the restaurant owner claimed McCoy was verbally abusive and made derogatory comments.
2014: Becoming the Eagles' All-Time Leading Rusher
LeSean McCoy solidified his legacy in 2014 by becoming the all-time leading rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, surpassing the previous record set by Wilbert Montgomery.
March 10, 2015: Trade to the Buffalo Bills and Controversial Comments
On March 10, 2015, LeSean McCoy was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Kiko Alonso. Following the trade, McCoy made controversial comments about his former coach Chip Kelly, alleging that Kelly treated black players poorly.
2015: Trade to the Buffalo Bills
In a significant move during the 2015 offseason, LeSean McCoy was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso. Following the trade, he secured a new five-year contract worth $40 million.
2016: Colin Kaepernick Begins National Anthem Protests
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick began protesting racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games.
2016: Pro Bowl Selection and Rushing Success
LeSean McCoy had a successful season with the Buffalo Bills in 2016, rushing for 1,267 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. His performance earned him his fifth Pro Bowl selection. This was the most rushing yards for a Bills running back since Travis Henry in 2003.
2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking
LeSean McCoy was ranked 69th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
2017: 10,000 Rushing Yards Milestone and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2017, LeSean McCoy achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing 10,000 rushing yards. He was also selected to his sixth Pro Bowl.
2017: LeSean McCoy Joins National Anthem Protests
Initially critical of Kaepernick's protests, McCoy joined the protests in 2017 after President Trump's comments about firing protesting players. He stated his respect for the anthem and flag but couldn't support the president's behavior.
2017: NFL Top 100 Ranking
LeSean McCoy was ranked 27th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
July 10, 2018: LeSean McCoy Accused of Domestic Violence
On July 10, 2018, an Instagram post surfaced with allegations that McCoy had physically abused his ex-girlfriend, Delicia Cordon, their son, and his dog, as well as accusations of illegal steroid use. McCoy denied all allegations, stating he had no recent contact with the involved parties. The Buffalo Bills acknowledged the situation and stated they were gathering information. The incident coincided with a postponed court date regarding McCoy attempting to evict Cordon from his property, raising further suspicions.
2018: Team Captain and Challenging Season
Despite facing personal challenges during the offseason, LeSean McCoy was named a team captain for the Buffalo Bills in 2018. However, he and the team struggled, with McCoy recording career lows in rushing yards and yards per carry.
2018: NFL Top 100 Ranking
LeSean McCoy was ranked 30th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.
April 2019: LeSean McCoy Tweets Avengers: Endgame Spoiler
In April 2019, McCoy faced backlash from fans for tweeting a spoiler about the movie Avengers: Endgame. The negative reaction from his followers and Marvel fans led him to later call it the "worst decision" of his life.
August 31, 2019: Released by the Buffalo Bills
On August 31, 2019, LeSean McCoy was released by the Buffalo Bills.
2019: Released by the Bills and Joining the Chiefs
After four successful seasons with the Buffalo Bills, LeSean McCoy was released prior to the 2019 season. This marked the beginning of a new chapter as he embarked on a one-season stint with the Kansas City Chiefs.
2019: A Decade of Excellence
From 2010 to 2019, LeSean McCoy established himself as a premier running back, outscoring, outrushing, and outgaining all others from the line of scrimmage.
August 4, 2020: Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On August 4, 2020, LeSean McCoy signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2020: Final Season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In 2020, LeSean McCoy concluded his NFL journey with a one-season stint as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
October 1, 2021: Retirement and Scrimmage Yards Milestone
On October 1, 2021, LeSean McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL. He signed a ceremonial contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking the end of his career. McCoy retired with a total of 15,000 scrimmage yards.