KAREEM McKenzie was a two-time world champion with the New York Giants and is now earning a PHD in counseling.
The 11-year pro split his NFL career between New York’s two pro teams.
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McKenzie played 56 games for the Jets and then 105 contests for the Giants.
The former offensive tackle was drafted in the third round (No. 79 overall) in 2001 out of Penn State.
More than two decades later, McKenzie says that earning a doctoral degree is tougher than anything that happens in the NFL.
“From a mental standpoint, I’d say counseling is more difficult,” McKenzie told Kean’s website.
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He added: “Football, it’s just a matter of doing the work and making sure you’re prepared on Sunday.
“With counseling, you can’t actually prepare for who walks through that door.
“Football is pretty simple, either you win or lose. As a counselor, every day you’re dealing with someone who’s in crisis.”
McKenzie, 44, played for a variety of big-name coaches during his NFL days, including Tom Coughlin and Herm Edwards.
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The biggest name though was quarterback Eli Manning, whom McKenzie blocked for during two Super Bowl-winning seasons (2007, 2011) with the Giants.
Both big game victories came against Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ dynasty.
McKenzie joined the Giants in 2005 as a free agent.
The 6ft 6ins and 330lbs lineman answered the signing with consistent productivity, starting at least 12 games the next seven seasons.
McKenzie started all 16 games with the Giants four times and was named to the 2010 All-Pro first team by Pro Football Focus.
“It was a surreal experience to make it to that level of play,” McKenzie recalled of his Super Bowl success.
He continued: “The first distinct recollection I have of the Super Bowl is the opening ceremony and kickoff.
“I remember watching Super Bowl kickoffs on TV as a kid. To see it in person on the sidelines was like a dreamscape.”
The ex-Giant and Jet discovered counseling while dealing with personal issues and came to appreciate having the opportunity to reflect on things.
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He said: “I liked giving my clients an opportunity to talk about their issues – to be someone who would advocate for them, have conversations to figure out ways to overcome issues, and not look at them as victims of circumstances.”
McKenzie’s 2011 championship with New York still marks the Giants’ last Super Bowl title.
