Former UNLV wide receiver Senika McKie realized every football player’s dream on Saturday.
The Vegas Knight Hawks needed a touchdown with two seconds left on the clock in the Indoor Football League matchup against the San Antonio Gunslingers.
There were no secrets at Lee’s Family Forum. On their own 10-yard line, the Knight Hawks had no options. Only a prayer.
Quarterback Quincey Crittendon dropped back and heaved a pass to the right corner of the end zone, where McKie, crowded by three defenders, jumped in the air to snare the ball before he fell into the barrier, bouncing him back to his feet as he raised the ball in the air.
MCKIE’S GAME WINNING CATCH MADE IT TO THE #SCTop10!!!!
Video courtesy of @sportscenter pic.twitter.com/HAvbsjQ9J5
— Vegas Knight Hawks (@KnightHawksIFL) June 29, 2026
“It’s caught! It’s caught,” the IFL broadcaster yelled, “The most improbable touchdown you could imagine!”
McKie was mobbed by his teammates after his Hail Mary touchdown catch with time expired to secure a 43-42 comeback victory Saturday. McKie’s catch made ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Top 10 at No. 9 — but his teammates would argue it should be higher.
During McKie’s postgame interview, fellow receiver Quentin Randolph entered frame shouting: “He’s the G.O.A.T.!”
🎥: Hear from Head Coach Mike Davis, Senika McKie, and Antonio Wimbush following the Knight Hawks 43-42 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers
Full Interview on our YouTube Channel: https://t.co/8y87ZZh0sH pic.twitter.com/gQeyLYhxvm
— Vegas Knight Hawks (@KnightHawksIFL) June 28, 2026
A Division II transfer from Erskine College, McKie played the 2022 and 2023 seasons at UNLV before transferring to Coastal Carolina for his senior year.
His return to Las Vegas has been fruitful. The Knight Hawks are 10-3 overall, averaging a league-high 54.9 points per game and have clinched a playoff spot. McKie had seven touchdowns on the season entering Saturday’s game.
His latest touchdown was his best yet. It also helped Vegas snap a two-game losing streak entering the final month of the regular season.
“If there’s still time on the clock, we still got a chance to win, so they called Hail Mary,” McKie said after the game. “And me being one of the most bounciest receivers.
“So, when we seen they was in man (coverage), it’s history from there. Seen a ball in the air, and then I got to go get it. It feels amazing, just to protect the house and have my brothers’ backs.”
Contact Trevor Squire at tsquire@reviewjournal.com. Follow him at @trevordsquire on X.
