Rex named to John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List

NEW YORK — For the second-straight season, BYU tight end Isaac Rex has been named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding tight end.

A native of San Clemente, California, Rex played in all 12 regular-season games for the Cougars as a Covid freshman in 2021. He began the year on the John Mackey Preseason Award Watch List and concluded the season being named to the Phil Steele 2021 All-Independent First-Team. 

He caught 10 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. The 6-6, 247-pound tight end had eight games with at least one reception. The previous season he was ranked No. 1 in the nation among freshman tight ends in receptions (37), receiving yards (429) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was named a 2020 Freshman All-American by the Athletic and Phil Steele 
 
Rex is the son of former BYU tight end Byron Rex. The senior Rex totaled 87 receptions, 1,209 yards and seven touchdowns in his career for the Cougars. He earned All-America honors as a senior in 1992 after posting 45 catches, 612 yards and five scores. 
 
The recipient of the annual Mackey Award is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee comprised of sportswriters and former players. The 2022 John Mackey Award winner will be unveiled live on Dec. 8, during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.

Dedicated to the life of fall-of-fame tight end, John Mackey, the award seeks to recognize true passion, dedication and at the same time raise health awareness for the Game of football in schools, especially in colleges and among the youth. 

Mackey was one of the great leaders in NFL history, on and off the field. He played in the NFL for 10 years and was elected to the Pro Bowl five times. Mackey also played in two Super Bowls, including the Baltimore Colts win in Super Bowl V. Later as the head of the NFL Players Association, where he was a courageous advocate for the NFL players, helping to expand free agency rights, increase pension benefits and improve injury protection programs.