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Barnwell native Marcus McKethan made his NFL debut in the N.Y. Giants 31-28 win over Arizona on Sept. 17.
Marcus McKethan played his high school football for the Barnwell Warhorses. He played his college football for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Now Marcus can add “played professionally for the NY Giants of the National Football League” to his resume’.
McKethan started at right guard for the Giants in their Sunday, September 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Not only did McKethan start the game, but he played the whole game and had a very good performance for his first NFL game.
“The line, for the young players, they did a heck of a job… and McKethan… those young players helped contribute in a positive way,” said Giants coach Brian Daboll.
To help reinforce how well the offensive line did, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones dropped back 42 times and was only pressured seven times. The line gave Jones time to throw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in NY’s come-from-behind win.
Going into half-time, down 20-0, the Giants did not look like they had a chance to win the game, but somehow scored 31 second-half points to win in dramatic fashion, 31-28. The comeback tied a NY Giants franchise record for the biggest comeback victory, overcoming the 20-point deficit.
Marcus McKethan played a very good game at right guard for the Giants, but just getting to this point is remarkable. After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Marcus tore his ACL in an early August practice and missed the entire 2022 season. After surgery and lots of rehab, McKethan was determined to make the 53-man Giants roster for 2023. That is just what he did. He looked good during several preseason games, but was initially listed as third team. Then he was moved to second team on the depth chart. After some poor offensive line play for the Giants in week one, Marcus was inserted into the starting lineup.
The hometown Barnwell fans, friends, and family are cheering for the gentle Giant, McKethan. His North Carolina Tar Heel family is cheering for Marcus. Barnwell’s biggest NY Giants fan, Dave Anastasia, even ordered his son a McKethan jersey as soon as he made the 53-man roster.
I had the pleasure of teaching and coaching Marcus for a short time, and I can tell you, this is a very special young man. He was an honors student who never got into trouble. That was how he was raised. He was always a hard worker, which is a necessity to be successful at the collegiate and the professional levels. He is an intelligent, quick learner, and a really great guy. I have and will always be a Steelers fan, but I told Dave Anastasia that I am ordering one of those McKethan jerseys for myself!
Good luck, Marcus. May you have a long, successful NFL career. Your hometown is rooting for you!
