Bethune-Cookman Athletics has learned of the passing of former linebacker Cedric McKinnon on Monday, May 24, 2016. He was 48.

McKinnon was a member of the 1988 Wildcat Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship team and one of the most feared defensive players in the conference during his playing days. He entered the 1990 season a Sporting News Preseason All-American.

He would register a school record 140 tackles that senior season, earning All-MEAC honors.

"He was one of the toughest football players I've ever coached and he was one hell of a football player," said former Bethune-Cookman Coach and NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little. "He was also fun to be around and a great guy. This is a sad day."

A product of Miami's Coral Gables HS, McKinnon spent one season with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League before joining the Arena Football League's Cleveland Thunderbolts, leading that franchise to its only playoff appearance in 1992.

In 1995, McKinnon joined the Tampa Bay Storm, reuniting with former Wildcat (and now AFL Hall of Famer) Stevie Thomas. McKinnon led the AFL in rushing and garnered an All-Arena 2^nd Team Berth for fullback/linebackers. The Storm would win the 1995 and 1996 Arena Bowls. 

McKinnon finished his AFL playing days in 2000 as the league's third leading all-time rusher.

 He is survived by his wife, Stephanie.