Xavier McKinney

Xavier Avis McKinney  (born August 9, 1999) is an American football safety for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama, and was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Early life
McKinney attended Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia. As a senior, he recorded 82 tackles and seven interceptions. He committed to the University of Alabama to play college football.

College career
As a true freshman at Alabama in 2017, McKinney played in 13 games as a backup and special teams player. As a starter in 2018, he had 73 tackles, two interceptions and three sacks. He was named the defensive MVP of the 2018 Orange Bowl. On January 4, 2020, McKinney announced he would skip his senior season and would enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

2020
McKinney was selected by the New York Giants in the second round (36th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. On September 6, 2020, McKinney was placed on injured reserve with a fractured foot. He was activated on November 28. On January 3, 2021, against the Dallas Cowboys, McKinney recorded his first career interception off quarterback Andy Dalton in the end zone with 1:24 remaining in the fourth quarter, helping the Giants defeat the Cowboys 23–19.

2021
In Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams McKinney intercepted two passes: one pass by quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the other by quarterback John Wolford, both of which were intended for wide receiver Cooper Kupp. On November 3, 2021, the Giants announced that McKinney was in COVID protocol. In Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders, McKinney recorded seven tackles and intercepted two passes from quarterback Derek Carr, returning one for a touchdown, solidifying a Giants win of 23–16. He was named NFC Defensive player of the Week as a result for his performance.

2022
During a Giants' Week 9 bye week, McKinney suffered a broken hand in an ATV accident, which sidelined him for multiple weeks. He was subsequently placed on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. McKinney was activated on December 31.

2023
McKinney, along with teammate Bobby Okereke, were the only two defenders in the NFL to not miss a snap the entire season.

2024
On March 14, 2024, McKinney signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.