Few offensive linemen in NFL history embodied toughness and versatility like Raleigh McKenzie. A two-time Super Bowl champion and member of the iconic “Hogs” line in Washington, McKenzie played 16 seasons in the league—anchoring offenses with grit and consistency. Whether at guard, center, or even left tackle, “Rallo” brought intelligence and resilience to every snap. From Knoxville to the NFL trenches, this is the story of one of football’s most reliable and underrated warriors.
| Position | Guard, Center |
| Born | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Date-of-Birth | February 8, 1963 |
| Height | 6’2“ |
| Weight | 285 lbs |
| College | University of Tennessee |
| NFL Career | 16 seasons, 227 games |
| Teams | Washington 1985-1994 |
Career Highlights
• Two-Time Super Bowl Champion (XXII, XXVI)
• Named to the University of Tennessee Hall of Fame 1999
• Named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins
• All NFL team (1991)
Mr. Versatility: Raleigh McKenzie
Raleigh McKenzie played in the National Football League for 16 seasons.
He was born on February 8, 1963, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended high school at Austin-East High School from 1977 through 1980. After playing both linebacker and offensive lineman, he would eventually have his jersey number there retired.
McKenzie then went on to play college football at the University of Tennessee with his twin brother Reggie.
He was a linebacker in his freshman season, but moved to center as a sophomore. He anchored a line that featured future NFLers Bill Mayo and Bruce Wilkerson. That formidable line paved the way for running back Johnnie Jones to set a school rushing record in 1984.
In 1985, McKenzie earned a spot in the Japan Bowl.
The Washington Redskins selected “Rallo” in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL Draft.
Throughout his career, McKenzie built a reputation for his toughness and incredible versatility on the offensive line. He played multiple positions, including sometimes both guard positions and center in a single game. He also started a couple of games at left tackle for an injured Jim Lachey.
Raleigh McKenzie Was A True Hog
McKenzie was an integral part of the Redskins’ dominant Hogs offensive line during the 1980s and early 1990s. He played alongside fellow linemen like Lachey, Jeff Bostic, Joe Jacoby, and Mark Schlereth, helping to create running lanes for running backs like Timmy Smith and Earnest Byner.
In Super Bowl XXII, McKenzie was part of a Washington offensive line that set a Super Bowl record by scoring five rushing touchdowns.
He was also a big part of the Redskins’ Super Bowl XXVI championship team in 1991. They kept Mark Rypien upright, allowing just seven sacks throughout the entire season, including the playoffs.
He spent ten seasons with the Redskins (1985-1994), before finishing his career with two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, two with the San Diego Chargers, and two with the Green Bay Packers. Sixteen NFL seasons – that’s a tremendous accomplishment for any offensive lineman.
Over the course of his NFL career, McKenzie played in 227 regular-season games, starting in 184 of them.
In recognition of his contributions to the team, the Redskins inducted McKenzie into their Ring of Fame in 2016.
Life Away From Football
Off the field, McKenzie was known for his humility and his dedication to giving back to his community. He was a regular participant in the Redskins’ annual “Harvest Feast” charity event, which provides Thanksgiving meals to those in need. He was also active in the NFL’s “Play 60” program, which encourages children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day.
Raleigh was an assistant coach at Herndon High School in Virginia.
His brother Reggie was named the General Manager for the Oakland Raiders and Raleigh joined the team as a scout. He served in that capacity until 2019.
In addition to his coaching career, McKenzie was also involved in the restaurant business. He and his brother Reggie opened a restaurant called McKenzie’s Barbeque in Tennessee in the early 2000s.