The only thing bigger than Marcus McNeill’s smile is his level of talent. Two years into his NFL career, the former Auburn Tiger has been to two Pro Bowls and is starting to hear his name mentioned among the best left tackles in football.



McNeill earned his second trip to Hawaii in February following a strong sophomore campaign in which he helped running back LaDainian Tomlinson capture his second-consecutive NFL rushing title. McNeill’s long arms and quick feet help him keep pass rushers at bay as he is served with the crucial task of protecting Philip Rivers’ blindside.



The Chargers selected McNeill in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and the Bolts were fortunate to find the big fella available at that point. While McNeill undoubtedly possessed first-round talent, it was reported that he was slowed by a back ailment in college that would most likely limit him in the NFL. The Chargers were confident in their medical research and their diligence has paid off. In his first two seasons, McNeill has yet to miss start or practice during the regular season.



McNeill’s rookie season in 2006 was one for the storybooks. He helped the Bolts rush for a team-record 2,578 yards and according to the coaches grading system, allowed only two quarterback sacks in 494 total pass plays during the season. More often than not, Tomlinson found running room behind the 336-pound McNeill.



More honors came pouring in during and after the ’06 season for the Bolts’ behemoth tackle. In September, he was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month and at the end of the year, his Pro Bowl selection was accompanied by several All-Pro and All-Rookie honors.



McNeill’s first trip to Hawaii was unique. He became just the third rookie offensive lineman in NFL history to earn Pro Bowl honors, joining Richmond Webb (1991 Pro Bowl) and Chris Hinton (1984 Pro Bowl).



Off the field, McNeill enjoys spending time with his family in Decatur, Georgia. The easygoing McNeill particularly likes to spend time with his father, James, who was his high school coach at Cedar Grove High School and now teaches and coaches at Cedar Grove Middle School, and his mother, Leola, who is a nurse and a Colonel in the Air Force at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Georgia. He also likes to watch his nephew, Marquez, ride his four-wheeler.



Marcus makes his home locally in Chula Vista where his roommate is Chargers defensive tackle Brandon McKinney. His hobbies outside of football include playing basketball and watching movies.