Drafted by Lou Saban in
the second round of 1972 out of the University of Michigan,
Reggie
McKenzie was instantly inserted as the Bills starting LG and dubbed by
O.J.Simpson as; "My Main Man." He was blessed with the
athleticism and quickness to keep in front of the Juice, pulling to the
outside, to set up massive blocks that would enable O.J. to do his thing.
Reggie McKenzie, along with Joe DeLamielleure, Mike Montler, Dave Foley
and Donnie Green made up one of the most famous blocking units in the
history of the NFL. Nicknamed "The Electric Company" by OJ
Simpson himself (because they "turned the Juice on")this unit
paved the way for some of the most prolific rushing seasons any running
back has had in NFL history. It was Reggie who made the proclamation
during the pre season of '73, "O.J. Simpson will rush for 2000 yards
this season." his prediction was 3 yards short. OJ ran for 2,003.
McKenzie continued to open holes and pave the way for Buffalo running
backs long after OJ Simpson was traded to the San Francisco 49er's. Terry
Miller (1978) and Joe Cribbs (1980) both hit the 1,000 yard mark in their
rookie seasons.
It was Reggie who made
the proclamation during the pre season of '73, "O.J. Simpson will
rush for 2000 yards. this season. Asked by O.J., who was 61 yards short of
Jim Browns single season rushing record and 199 yards shy of two thousand,
the night before the final game against the Jets in '73, "Reggie,
what if I only gain forty yards tomorrow?" Reggie just grinned and
replied, "Now that ain't gonna happen."
After O.J. was traded by Chuck Knox in 1978, Reggie continued to lead
Buffalo runners through giant holes. In 1979, Terry Miller gained 1,060
yards, setting the Bills single season rushing mark for a rookie. The
following year another rookie, Joe Cribbs broke Miller's record gaining
1,185 yards.
Reggie who by the beginning of his 12th season in 1983, had appeared
in more games than other Buffalo Bill ever, was traded to the Seattle
Seahawks, where he rejoined former Bills head coach Chuck Knox. He
went on to play 3 more seasons, springing blocks for Curt Warner,
until he retired.