Mike McKenzie (cornerback)

Michael Terrance McKenzie (born April 26, 1976) is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Memphis.

McKenzie has also played for the New Orleans Saints.

Early years
McKenzie graduated from Miami Norland High School in Miami Gardens, Florida, and was an all-Dade county selection at free safety as a senior.

College career
McKenzie was a three-year letterman at the University of Memphis, and majored in business management. He played in 32 consecutive games for the Tigers, with 26 straight starts. McKenzie was named First-Team All-Conference USA as a sophomore and junior, and finished his career with 234 tackles, six interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

Green Bay Packers
McKenzie was drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft and immediately made the starting lineup. In 2002 McKenzie signed a 5-year extension with the Packers. Following a contract holdout that lasted until mid-September, on October 4, 2004 he was traded along with a future draft choice to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for third-string Quarterback J. T. O'Sullivan and a second round draft pick. He spent four full seasons with the Packers.

New Orleans Saints
Immediately following the trade, McKenzie became the Saints starting right cornerback for the final 10 games of the 2004 NFL Season. He led the club in interceptions from 2004-2008 with 12.

McKenzie was placed on injured reserve for the final game of 2007 after tearing his ACL the week before. McKenzie came back from the injury to start in 6 games in 2008, but once again suffered a major knee injury in early November. He was again placed on injured reserve, this time with a fractured right kneecap.

McKenzie was released by the Saints on March 19, 2009. He reportedly tried out with the Seattle Seahawks during summer 2009 but did not sign. The Saints re-signed McKenzie on November 23 after he called head coach Sean Payton to ask for his job back.

McKenzie appeared in five games (two starts) for the Saints in 2009, recording 11 tackles and an interception. He was waived prior to the regular season finale on January 2, 2010 when the team promoted quarterback Chase Daniel to the active roster. Although McKenzie was no longer on the roster when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, the team awarded him a Super Bowl ring in recognition of his contributions.

Personal
McKenzie currently owns a home in New Orleans, Louisiana and splits his offseason residence between Miami, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee. McKenzie established a non-profit organization, the 34 Ways Foundation to help underprivileged youth. The Foundation serves various regions including Miami, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Memphis, Tennessee. He was awarded the 2007 New Orleans Saints Man of the Year Award for this work.