Early years

Margene Adkins played college football at Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas, before dropping out of school.

Professional career

Ottawa Rough Riders (CFL)

While still a teenager, he joined the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League as a wide receiver. In 1969, Adkins was voted to the CFL All-Star team after setting a regular season record for the highest average gain per pass reception at 25.0 yards, a record that stood for twenty-eight years (broken by Milt Stegall).

He was part of both Ottawa's Grey Cup winning teams in 1968 and 1969, catching an important TD pass in the 1968 game when the Rough Riders defeated the Calgary Stampeders 24-21. Because he signed his original contract as a 19-year-old minor, he played out his option.

Dallas Cowboys

Adkins was drafted in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He joined the Cowboys for the 1970 season but with star wide receivers such as Lance Alworth and Bob Hayes, the Cowboys used Adkins primarily as a punt and kick returner during his two seasons with the team, when injuries didn't limit him.

In 1970 he was placed on injured reserve, after playing in 5 games. In 1971 because of injuries, he only played in three games and was placed in the team's taxi squad. Although he wasn't on the active roster when the Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, he still received a ring and a full share of the playoff bonuses.

After the season he asked the Cowboys to trade him, so he was sent to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for second round draft choice.

New Orleans Saints

In 1972 he led the Saints in kickoff returns with 1,020 yards and a 23.7 average, even though he played through an ankle injury.

In 1973 he was traded to the New York Jets along with punter Julian Fagan and an eight round draft choice, in exchange for quarterback Bob Davis, punter Steve O'Neal and a fourth round draft choice.

New York Jets

Injuries also hampered his 1973 season with the New York Jets. After he injured his knee during the 1974 offseason, Adkins was placed on injured reserve and eventually released before the start of the 1975 season.

Chicago Winds (WFL)

In 1975 he joined the Chicago Winds of the World Football League catching 12 passes for 130 and one touchdown. The Winds folded before the season ended, finishing 1-4. Adkins was selected by the San Antonio Wings in the Chicago Winds dispersal draft, but he didn't play for the team.

Personal life

Adkins is working as a firefighter for Lockheed Martin in his hometown of Fort Worth.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]