His combination of speed, size and smarts has made Donovan McNabb one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Kidzworld checks out the guy who took the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX.
Donovan McNabb - Growing Up
Donovan McNabb was born on November 25, 1976 in Chicago, Illinois. He started playing football in grade seven and later became the starting quarterback at Mount Carmel High School, where he was also a star on the school's basketball team. On the football field, McNabb's quickness and arm strength made him a natural quarterback and helped Mount Carmel average more than 35 points a game during his senior year.
Donovan McNabb - Two Sport Star
Several colleges offered Donovan McNabb big scholarships after high school. He decided to go to Syracuse University in New York State, where he would be able to play on the college's football and basketball teams. McNabb started for the Orangemen at quarterback for four seasons and became one of the greatest athletes to play for Syracuse. He set several school passing records and was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year three teams. As a backup pointguard on the Syracuse basketball team, McNabb helped the Orangeman advance to the NCAA title game in 1996.
Donovan McNabb - Flying With The Eagles
Donovan McNabb was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft. After starting six games during his rookie year, McNabb became the Eagles full-time starting quarterback in 2000, when he led the team to their first playoff victory in five years. He also passed for over 3,000 yards and finished second in voting for the NFL's MVP. In 2002, McNabb led the Eagles to the NFC title game for the second straight year and signed a massive contract worth $115 million - the richest contract in NFL history.
Donovan McNabb - Super Bowl Champ?
Donovan McNabb's ability to pass and run effectively has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. In 2005, he led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in more than 20 years. But in the big game, McNabb threw three interceptions and the Eagles lost to the Patriots, 24-21. Despite the loss, the Eagles will still be favorites to return to the big game next year.
Donovan McNabb - Did You Know?
- Donovan McNabb played basketball in high school with NBA star Antoine Walker of the Atlanta Hawks.
- Donovan McNabb and his wife, Racquel, have a daughter named Alexis.
- Donovan McNabb created the Donovan McNabb Foundation to raise awareness of diabetes and help the lives of diabetics and their families.
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