Wane McGarity

Wane Keith McGarity (born September 30, 1976 in San Antonio, Texas) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League and Canadian Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Texas.

Early years[]

McGarity attended Tom C. Clark High School. He was the starter at running back as a junior, registering 890 rushing yards before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. As a senior, he rushed for 1,606 yards and 22 touchdowns on 233 carries.

He was a three-time district champion in the 100 metres, qualifying twice for the state finals.

College career[]

McGarity accepted a football scholarship from the University of Texas. In 1994, he was declared a medical redshirt, after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

As a freshman, he appeared in every game as a backup running back. The next year, he was converted into a wide receiver, posting 18 receptions for 318 yards (17.7 average) and 4 touchdowns.

As a junior, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, during the third game of the season against Rice University. He opened the year by tallying 5 receptions for 105 yards against Rutgers University.

McGarity blossomed as a fifth-year senior, compiling 58 receptions (school record) for 1,087 yards (school record) with an 18.7 average (school record) and 9 receiving touchdowns (second in school history), including making the longest reception (97 yards) in school history against the University of Oklahoma.

He finished his college career with 95 receptions (sixth in school history), 1,687 receiving yards (third in school history), 14 touchdowns (third in school history), most touchdown receptions in one game (4 against Texas Tech in 1998) and most 100-yard receiving games in one season (7 in 1998).^[1]

Professional career[]

Dallas Cowboys[]

McGarity was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (118th pick overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared only in 5 games because of injuries and being declared inactive. He missed 4 contests after dislocating his right shoulder against the New York Giants in the fifth game of the season. He fractured his right ring finger in practice and was placed on the injured reserve list on December 10, missing the last 4 games.

In 2000, he was the NFC's third (eighth in the NFL) leading punt returner with an 11.8 yard average. He was one of only 2 players in the league to return 2 punts for touchdowns. He became the third player in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown against the same opponent (Arizona Cardinals) in different games during the same season. He also played as a slot wide receiver, tying for fourth on the team with 25 receptions for 250 yards. He was waived on October 3, 2001.^[2]

New Orleans Saints[]

On March 12, 2004, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints.^[3] After appearing in 9 games, he wasn't re-signed at the end of the season.

Calgary Stampeders (CFL)[]

On September 25, 2003, he was signed by the Calgary Stampeders. McGarity in 2003 was the West Division's top special teams player and was named to the CFL All-Star team. In 2004 he finished with 47 receptions for 599 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)[]

On February 17, 2005, he signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.^[4] He was released on August 3, after playing in 6 games.^[5]

Personal life[]

McGarity worked at H-E-B as a health and wellness program manager. He also has two daughters Danica and DaMia and is married to Jessica McGarity.

References[]