Joshua Dobbie McKissic (born August 15, 1993) is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves, setting the Sun Belt Conference record for most career receptions with 289. McKissic signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in after the 2016 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Washington Football Team / Commanders.

J. D. McKissic
refer to caption
McKissic with the Washington Football Team in 2021
Personal information
Born: (1993-08-15) August 15, 1993 (age 31)
Phenix City, Alabama, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Central (Phenix City)
College:Arkansas State (2011–2015)
Position:Running back
Undrafted:2016
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:1,074
Rushing average:4.4
Rushing touchdowns:4
Receptions:220
Receiving yards:1,674
Receiving touchdowns:7
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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McKissic was born on August 15, 1993, in Phenix City, Alabama, and later played high school football at Central High School.[1][2] A three-star wide receiver recruit, McKissic committed to play college football at Arkansas State over offers from Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina.[3]

College career

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McKissic was a multi-positional player for the Arkansas State Red Wolves, starting in all but three games of his college career.[4] As a red-shirt freshman in 2012, he had 103 receptions (2nd in the Sun Belt Conference, and a school record), 1,022 yards receiving (3rd in the Sun Belt, 2nd all-time at Arkansas State), won Sun Belt Freshman of the Year honors, and was a Scripps Freshman All-American.[5][6] In the GoDaddy Bowl, he won the offensive MVP after tying a school record with 11 receptions, along with 113 yards and a touchdown against Kent State.[7] His four 100+ yard receiving games tied for third most in an Arkansas State season, and he twice tied for third most receptions in a game with 12.[8]

Over the next three years, his receiving output was less (500–700 yards), but he was used more often as a running back and return specialist. In 2013 as a sophomore, he had a school-record 15 receptions in a game 5 loss to Missouri, and a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown the next week against Idaho.[9][10] He also threw a touchdown the last game of the season against Western Kentucky.[11] His 82 receptions was third all-time. He received an All-American Honorable Mention in 'Sports Illustrated', and was on the Biletnikoff Award watchlist. He was named a Sun Belt All-Conference player at three positions (All-purpose, wide receiver, and return specialist). In the GoDaddy Bowl, he had nine receptions for 72 yards against Ball State.[12] In 2014, the Junior again helped his team return to the GoDaddy Bowl, and again won the MVP.[13] Overall, he finished the 2014 season with 52 receptions for 629 receiving yards and nine rushes for 115 yards and a rushing touchdown.[14]

His senior year, he was named a Sun Belt All-Conference player for the third time, as both a wide receiver and all-purpose player, after recording 525 yards receiving, 112 yards rushing, and 654 kickoff return yards (5th all time, including a school record with 211 in game 7 against Toledo, and his second touchdown).[8] He was injured early in the New Orleans Bowl, but still recorded three receptions for 26 yards, three rushes for 25 yards, a 9-yard completed pass, and an 18-yard kickoff return against Louisiana Tech.[15][16][17]

He was named to the all-Arkansas State team in 2017. He ended his career with 289 receptions (a Sun Belt Conference record), for 2,838 yards (a school record) and 11 touchdowns, returned 53 kickoffs for 1,473 yards with an average return of 27.8 yards.

Statistics

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Arkansas State Red Wolves
Season GP Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2011 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 13 2 13 6.5 7 0 103 1,022 9.9 74 5
2013 13 18 139 7.7 32 1 82 662 8.1 40 4
2014 10 9 115 12.8 55 1 52 629 12.1 65 0
2015 13 18 112 6.2 26 0 52 525 10.1 49 2
Career 50 47 379 8.1 55 2 289 2,838 9.8 74 11

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+18 in
(1.78 m)
187 lb
(85 kg)
29 in
(0.74 m)
9+58 in
(0.24 m)
4.57 s 1.59 s 2.66 s 4.44 s 7.00 s 37.0 in
(0.94 m)
10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)
17 reps
All values from Pro Day[18]
 
McKissic with the Detroit Lions in 2019

Atlanta Falcons

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McKissic signed with the Atlanta Falcons after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft.[19] His first touch in the NFL was a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Washington Redskins.[20] On September 3, 2016, McKissic was waived by the Falcons as part of final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[21][22] He was promoted to the active roster on December 16, 2016, but he was waived three days later.[23][24]

Seattle Seahawks

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McKissic was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks on December 20, 2016.[25] In Week 17, against the San Francisco 49ers, he made his NFL debut and had two receptions for 16 yards.[26]

In Week 4 of the 2017 season against Indianapolis Colts, he had four carries for 38 yards (including a 30-yard touchdown on his second career carry in the third quarter), and a 27-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth.[27] Overall, he finished the 2017 season with 187 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 34 receptions, 266 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns.[28]

On September 3, 2018, McKissic was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.[29] He was activated off injured reserve on November 28, 2018.[30] On August 31, 2019, McKissic was waived as a part of final roster cuts.[31]

Detroit Lions

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On September 13, McKissic was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions.[32] In the 2019 season, McKissic appeared in all 16 games, of which he started three, and recorded 38 carries for 205 rushing yards to go along with 34 receptions for 233 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[33]

Washington Football Team / Commanders

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McKissic scoring a game-winning touchdown against the Falcons in 2021

On March 26, 2020, McKissic signed a two-year contract with the Washington Football Team, then known as the Redskins prior to a name change later that offseason.[34] In Week 15 against his former team, the Seahawks, McKissic recorded 107 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown during the 20–15 loss.[35] In the 2020 season, McKissic recorded 85 carries for 365 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown and 80 receptions for 589 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[36] In the Wild Card Round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he scored a rushing touchdown.[37]

In Week 4 of the 2021 season, McKissic scored the game-winning touchdown on a 30-yard catch and run in a 34–30 victory over the Falcons.[38] In a Week 12 win against the Seahawks, McKissic scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing, before suffering a concussion.[39][40] He was later placed on injured reserve.[41]

On March 15, 2022, McKissic originally agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on a two-year, $7 million contract before signing the same offer from Washington the following day.[42] After being inactive with a neck injury for Weeks 9 and 10, McKissic was placed on injured reserve on November 19, 2022.[43][44] He was released on March 15, 2023.[45]

References

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  1. ^ Rost, Stacy (November 30, 2017). "Seahawks may not know what 'J.D.' stands for, but they'll rely on McKissic to help the running attack". sports.mynorthwest.com. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  2. ^ Black, Ryan (September 6, 2016). "Former Central standout J.D. McKissic returns home to face Auburn". Ledger-Enquirer. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  3. ^ "J.D. McKissic, 2011 Wide Receiver, Arkansas State". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  4. ^ "Jaguar Buzz: South Alabama Jaguars at Arkansas State Red Wolves". AL.com. November 7, 2014.
  5. ^ "2012 Sun Belt Conference Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
  6. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2012 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  7. ^ "GoDaddy.com Bowl – Kent State vs Arkansas State Box Score, January 6, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Arkansas State Media Guide, 2017" (PDF). NMN Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 3, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  9. ^ "Arkansas State at Missouri Box Score, September 28, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  10. ^ "Idaho at Arkansas State Box Score, October 12, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  11. ^ "Arkansas State at Western Kentucky Box Score, November 30, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  12. ^ "GoDaddy.com Bowl – Arkansas State vs Ball State Box Score, January 5, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  13. ^ "GoDaddy Bowl – Toledo vs Arkansas State Box Score, January 4, 2015". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  14. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  15. ^ "New Orleans Bowl – Arkansas State vs Louisiana Tech Box Score, December 19, 2015". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  16. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2015 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  17. ^ "J.D. McKissic Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
  18. ^ "J.D. McKissic, Arkansas State, WR, 2016 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  19. ^ "Falcons Agree to Terms with 22 CFAs". AtlantaFalcons.com. May 5, 2016. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  20. ^ "Watch Phenix City's J.D. McKissic score 101-yard TD on first NFL touch for Atlanta Falcons". August 12, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  21. ^ "Falcons Finalize 53-Man Roster For 2016 Season". AtlantaFalcons.com. September 3, 2016. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "Falcons Claim WR Gabriel, Sign 7 to Practice Squad". September 4, 2016. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  23. ^ Jackson, Curtis (December 16, 2016). "Ishmael Placed on IR, McKissic Promoted". AtlantaFalcons.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017.
  24. ^ Jackson, Curtis (December 19, 2016). "Falcons Sign Daniels to Practice Squad, Waive McKissic". AtlantaFalcons.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  25. ^ Boyle, John (December 20, 2016). "Seahawks Make Roster Moves". Seahawks.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017.
  26. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – January 1st, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  27. ^ Stone, Larry (October 1, 2017). "J.D. McKissic takes the Seahawks from stumbling to rumbling over the Colts". The Seattle Times.
  28. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  29. ^ Boyle, John (September 3, 2018). "Seahawks Claim LB Jermaine Grace Off Waivers; Place J.D. McKissic On Injured Reserve". Seahawks.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  30. ^ Boyle, John (November 28, 2018). "Seahawks Activate J.D. McKissic From Injured Reserve List". Seahawks.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  31. ^ Boyle, John (August 31, 2019). "Seahawks Make Roster Moves, Establish 53-Man Roster". Seahawks.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  32. ^ "Lions acquire RB J.D. McKissic via waivers". DetroitLions.com. September 1, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  33. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  34. ^ "Redskins Sign RBs Peyton Barber, J.D. McKissic". Redskins.com. March 26, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  35. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at Washington Football Team – December 20th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  36. ^ "J.D. McKissic 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  37. ^ "Wild Card - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team - January 9th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "Houdini Heinicke: Washington beats Falcons 34–30 on late TD". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  39. ^ Williams, Charean (November 29, 2021). "J.D. McKissic carted off late in fourth quarter". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  40. ^ Lambert, Ivan (November 30, 2021). "Fuller interception saves Washington". USAToday.com. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  41. ^ "Washington activates 3 players off the Reserve/COVID-19 list, elevates 4 from practice squad". WashingtonFootball.com. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  42. ^ Shook, Nick (March 16, 2022). "J.D. McKissic to re-sign with Commanders after agreeing to deal with Bills". NFL.com. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  43. ^ Selby, Zach (November 19, 2022). "Commanders place J.D. McKissic, Armani Rogers to IR". Commanders.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  44. ^ Florio, Mike (November 19, 2022). "Commanders place J.D. McKissic on injured reserve". NBCSports.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  45. ^ Selby, Zach (March 15, 2023). "Commanders tender Jeremy Reaves, release J.D. McKissic". Commanders.com. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
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