Mike Junkin: Difference between revisions

Games played:	20
Games started:	7

Mike Junkin
	Junkin with the Cleveland Browns in 1988
No. 54
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	November 21, 1964 (age 59); North Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	241 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school:	Belvidere (IL)
College:	Duke
NFL draft:	1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
Career history
	Cleveland Browns (1987–1988); Kansas City Chiefs (1989);
Career highlights and awards
	Second-team All-American (1986); 2× First-team All-ACC (1985, 1986);
Career NFL statistics
Games played:
Games played:	20
Games started:	7
	Player stats at PFR

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit Next edit →

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Revision as of 04:59, 3 July 2024

Michael Wayne Junkin (born November 21, 1964) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 20 games over the course of his NFL career.

Junkin played four years of college football for the Duke Blue Devils. In the 1987 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns traded up to select him with the fifth overall pick. He played in parts of two seasons for the Browns, both of which ended early due to injury. Junkin was then traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round selection and played in five more games. After his release from the Chiefs, he did not play another game in the NFL. His failure to establish himself in the NFL has caused him to be regarded as a draft bust.

High school and college

Junkin was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Kirk, a United Airlines pilot, and Doris, a substitute teacher. His brother Trey Junkin was an NFL player as well.^[1] Junkin attended Belvidere High School in Belvidere, Illinois, and played tight end on the football team.^[2] In 1982, his senior year, he was the team's MVP and captain. He was named to the Belvidere Bucs Football Hall of Fame in 2013.^[3]

After graduating from high school, Junkin played college football at Duke University. He played in three games for the Blue Devils as a freshman. In one game against North Carolina State, Junkin had 25 tackles en route to a 27–26 Duke victory; head coach Steve Sloan stated afterwards that it was "one of the best games I have ever seen a freshman play."^[4] Between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Junkin went from 205 pounds to 240 to help get more playing time.^[5] As a sophomore, he spent the 1984 season as one of five starting linebackers on a modified Duke defense, which normally would have three or four linebackers.^[6] In his junior season, he was again a starting linebacker and finished the season with 162 tackles despite playing on an injured knee.^[7] Junkin started off his senior year with 15 tackles against Northwestern despite battling a head cold.^[8] Three weeks later in a game against Virginia, Junkin had 18 tackles and was named Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the week.^[9] Junkin graduated from Duke after the 1986 season as the school record-holder for career tackles with 512.^[10] Due to his performance his senior year, Junkin was named to the Second Team College Football All-American.^[11]

Professional career

Junkin was selected in the first round with the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.^[12] To acquire him, the Browns traded Chip Banks along with their first and second-round picks to the San Diego Chargers for their first and second-round picks.^[13] In regards to the selection, head coach Marty Schottenheimer stated that scout Dom Anile had watched him play, and compared his playing style to "a mad dog in a meat market."^[14] However, Anile saw him as a second-round talent despite the quote, and felt he was not worth the fifth overall selection, but Schottenheimer overruled his scouts and selected Junkin with that pick.^[2] The Browns' archrival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were surprised at the pick as they had expected the Browns to select Shane Conlan after trading up for the pick; the St. Louis Cardinals selection of Kelly Stouffer and the Buffalo Bills selection of Conlan eventually allowed the Steelers to select future Hall of Fame cornerback Rod Woodson, haunting the Browns for years.^[15]

Entering the 1987 season, Junkin was projected to be the starting outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews, Jr. despite playing inside linebacker in college, which generated criticism around the league as a transition that would be difficult for him to make.^[16] After a 16-day holdout, the Browns and Junkin agreed to a four-year deal worth nearly $2 million.^[17] After missing the first preseason game against the St. Louis Cardinals, he made his debut against the New York Giants. In that game, he played the second half and failed to record a tackle.^[18] By the end of training camp, due to struggles learning the outside linebacker position, he made the roster, but lost the starting job to Anthony Griggs.^[19] After the Browns moved to a 4-3 defense for the second game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Junkin made his debut, and the plan was for him to gradually see more playing time each week.^[20] In early November, due to a combination of a players' strike and an injured wrist, Junkin was placed on the injured reserve list and replaced on the active roster by David Grayson.^[21]

Due to a combination of the Browns drafting Clifford Charlton and Junkin's desire to move back inside, the Browns planned to move him back to inside linebacker for the 1988 season.^[22] He spent training camp competing with Eddie Johnson for the second inside linebacker position alongside Mike Johnson, and by the end of preseason play, Junkin had won the starting job.^[23] In his first career start against the Kansas City Chiefs, Junkin had six tackles, including the first one of the game in a 6–3 Browns win.^[24] A month later, Junkin injured his knee, and was forced to miss several games. He returned to the team in early November, but Johnson had played so well in Junkin's absence that he spent the next few weeks as the backup inside linebacker.^[25] He was given the starting job again to end the season, but missed tackles and a lack of impact plays led to his second season being considered a disappointment.^[26]

In early 1989, Schottenheimer was fired as Browns head coach, and took the head coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs. He still had faith in Junkin, unlike the Browns, and traded a fifth-round pick to bring him to Kansas City.^[27] Two weeks after the trade, a report came out that Junkin had taken steroids provided by a doctor to treat an injured ankle, and had failed a drug test at the scouting combine as a result.^[28]^[29] Entering the 1989 season, Junkin competed with Walker Lee Ashley for the second inside linebacker spot alongside Dino Hackett.^[30] Ashley won the job, and Junkin played five games before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was released from the Chiefs after season's end, and retired after not being signed by any team through the 1990 season.^[31]

Junkin became known as a draft bust due to his unproductive career.^[2] An ESPN article in 2008 noted Junkin noted as the eighth biggest draft bust of all time.^[32] He was also named one of the Cleveland' Browns worst three draft picks from 1995 or earlier.^[33]

References

^ "The Junkin File". The Plain Dealer. July 27, 1987. p. 4C.
^ ^a ^b ^c Grossi, Tony (2004). Tales from the Browns Sideline. Sports Publishing LLC. p. 135. ISBN 9781582617138.
^ Leber, Scott (October 9, 2013). "Bucs To Induct Four Former Football Players". Mystateline.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
^ "Groh Pleased With Progress of Deacs". The Dispatch. Lexington, North Carolina. November 15, 1983. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Tigers' Goal: Be Top 10 Team". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. August 19, 1984. p. B6. Archived from the original on May 15, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ Levine, Rich (October 4, 1984). "Injuries Bedevil Duke Season". The Cavalier Daily. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Blue Devils Hope To Improve Play". The Cavalier Daily. September 25, 1986. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Linebacker Beats Cold to Lead Duke to 17-6 Win". Lakeland Ledger. September 7, 1986. p. 13C. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Junkin, Hall Honored". Times-News. September 30, 1986. p. 18. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ Whisnant, Scott (November 23, 1986). "North Carolina Wins, But Bowls Silent". Star-News. p. 1B. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Football All-America". Duke University Blue Devils. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
^ "1987 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^ "Browns Trade Banks, Select Duke's Junkin". Toledo Blade. April 28, 1987. p. 18. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ Grossi, Tony (April 11, 2012). "Memories of Browns past drafts include the mad dog in a meat market and a GM singing a tune". ESPN Cleveland. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
^ "Getting Woodson was pure luck". Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ Grossi, Tony (July 27, 1987). "Junkin Turns Attention To Outside". The Plain Dealer. p. 4C.
^ Grossi, Tony (August 11, 1987). "Wait Over; Junkin Signs With Browns". The Plain Dealer. p. 1C.
^ Grossi, Tony (August 25, 1987). "Confused, Tackle-Less Junkin Frustrated". The Plain Dealer. p. 1C.
^ Grossi, Tony (September 11, 1987). "Browns '87 Position By Position – Linebackers". The Plain Dealer. p. 4E.
^ Cabot, Mary Kay (September 21, 1987). "Junkin Gets a Taste of Browns' Defense". The Plain Dealer. p. 8D.
^ Livingston, Bill (November 8, 1987). "Is Junkin a Browns' Blunder?". The Plain Dealer. p. 12C.
^ Grossi, Tony (April 25, 1988). "Browns Go For Defense". The Plain Dealer. p. 6C.
^ Grossi, Tony (September 1, 1988). "Junkin to Start". The Plain Dealer. p. 1F.
^ "The Junkin Watch". The Plain Dealer. September 5, 1988. p. 2C.
^ Cabot, Mary Kay (December 2, 1988). "Slaughter Braced for More Practice". The Plain Dealer. p. 3C.
^ Kravitz, Bob (December 17, 1988). "Injuries, Infighting Inevitable". The Plain Dealer. p. 7C.
^ Grossi, Tony (April 24, 1989). "Junkin, Byner Traded By Browns". The Plain Dealer. p. 1D.
^ "Junkin Tested Positive". Lawrence Journal-World. May 8, 1989. p. 2B. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Chiefs Linebacker Used Steroids". Orlando Sentinel. May 8, 1989. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
^ Grossi, Tony (July 30, 1989). "Slaughter Now Highest-Paid Browns Receiver". The Plain Dealer. p. 2C.
^ "KC's Junkin, Thomas put on Injured Reserve". Lawrence Journal-World. October 26, 1989. p. 6D. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
^ "Phillips couldn't outrun off-the-field troubles". ESPN. April 18, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
^ Sessler, Marc (March 31, 2013). "Cleveland Browns: Best and worst draft picks". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.

[1] "The Junkin File". The Plain Dealer. July 27, 1987. p. 4C.

[grossi-2] Grossi, Tony (2004). Tales from the Browns Sideline. Sports Publishing LLC. p. 135. ISBN 9781582617138.

[3] Leber, Scott (October 9, 2013). "Bucs To Induct Four Former Football Players". Mystateline.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.

[4] "Groh Pleased With Progress of Deacs". The Dispatch. Lexington, North Carolina. November 15, 1983. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[5] "Tigers' Goal: Be Top 10 Team". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. August 19, 1984. p. B6. Archived from the original on May 15, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[6] Levine, Rich (October 4, 1984). "Injuries Bedevil Duke Season". The Cavalier Daily. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[7] "Blue Devils Hope To Improve Play". The Cavalier Daily. September 25, 1986. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[8] "Linebacker Beats Cold to Lead Duke to 17-6 Win". Lakeland Ledger. September 7, 1986. p. 13C. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[9] "Junkin, Hall Honored". Times-News. September 30, 1986. p. 18. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[10] Whisnant, Scott (November 23, 1986). "North Carolina Wins, But Bowls Silent". Star-News. p. 1B. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[11] "Football All-America". Duke University Blue Devils. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.

[12] "1987 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.

[13] "Browns Trade Banks, Select Duke's Junkin". Toledo Blade. April 28, 1987. p. 18. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[14] Grossi, Tony (April 11, 2012). "Memories of Browns past drafts include the mad dog in a meat market and a GM singing a tune". ESPN Cleveland. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.

[15] "Getting Woodson was pure luck". Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[16] Grossi, Tony (July 27, 1987). "Junkin Turns Attention To Outside". The Plain Dealer. p. 4C.

[17] Grossi, Tony (August 11, 1987). "Wait Over; Junkin Signs With Browns". The Plain Dealer. p. 1C.

[18] Grossi, Tony (August 25, 1987). "Confused, Tackle-Less Junkin Frustrated". The Plain Dealer. p. 1C.

[19] Grossi, Tony (September 11, 1987). "Browns '87 Position By Position – Linebackers". The Plain Dealer. p. 4E.

[20] Cabot, Mary Kay (September 21, 1987). "Junkin Gets a Taste of Browns' Defense". The Plain Dealer. p. 8D.

[21] Livingston, Bill (November 8, 1987). "Is Junkin a Browns' Blunder?". The Plain Dealer. p. 12C.

[22] Grossi, Tony (April 25, 1988). "Browns Go For Defense". The Plain Dealer. p. 6C.

[23] Grossi, Tony (September 1, 1988). "Junkin to Start". The Plain Dealer. p. 1F.

[24] "The Junkin Watch". The Plain Dealer. September 5, 1988. p. 2C.

[25] Cabot, Mary Kay (December 2, 1988). "Slaughter Braced for More Practice". The Plain Dealer. p. 3C.

[26] Kravitz, Bob (December 17, 1988). "Injuries, Infighting Inevitable". The Plain Dealer. p. 7C.

[27] Grossi, Tony (April 24, 1989). "Junkin, Byner Traded By Browns". The Plain Dealer. p. 1D.

[28] "Junkin Tested Positive". Lawrence Journal-World. May 8, 1989. p. 2B. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[29] "Chiefs Linebacker Used Steroids". Orlando Sentinel. May 8, 1989. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.

[30] Grossi, Tony (July 30, 1989). "Slaughter Now Highest-Paid Browns Receiver". The Plain Dealer. p. 2C.

[31] "KC's Junkin, Thomas put on Injured Reserve". Lawrence Journal-World. October 26, 1989. p. 6D. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[32] "Phillips couldn't outrun off-the-field troubles". ESPN. April 18, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2014.

[33] Sessler, Marc (March 31, 2013). "Cleveland Browns: Best and worst draft picks". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|American football player (born 1964)}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
 {{good article}}
+{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}
 {{Infobox NFL biography
-|name=Mike Junkin
+| name        = Mike Junkin
+| image       = Mike Junkin with the Cleveland Browns (cropped).jpg
-|image=
+| caption     = Junkin with the [[Cleveland Browns]] in 1988
-|position=[[Linebacker]]
+| position    = [[Linebacker]]
-|number=54
+| number      = 54
-|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1964|11|21}}
+| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1964|11|21}}
-|birth_place=[[North Little Rock, Arkansas]]
+| birth_place = [[North Little Rock, Arkansas]], U.S.
-|death_date=
+| death_date  =
-|height_ft=6
+| height_ft   = 6
-|height_in=3
-|weight_lbs = 241
+| height_in   = 3
+| weight_lbs  = 241
-|draftyear=1987
+| draftyear   = 1987
-|draftround=1
+| draftround  = 1
-|draftpick=5
+| draftpick   = 5
-|high_school = [[Belvidere High School (Belvidere, Illinois)|Belvidere (IL)]]
+| high_school = [[Belvidere High School (Belvidere, Illinois)|Belvidere (IL)]]
-|college=[[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke]]
+| college     = [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke]]
-|teams=
+| teams       =
 * [[Cleveland Browns]] (1987–1988)
 * [[Kansas City Chiefs]] (1989)
+| highlights  =
-|statlabel1=Games played
+* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1986 College Football All-America Team|1986]])
-|statvalue1=20
+* 2× First-team All-[[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] ([[1985 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|1985]], [[1986 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|1986]])
-|statlabel2=Games [[Starting lineup|started]]
+| statlabel1  = Games played
-|statvalue2=7
+| statvalue1  = 20
-|nflnew=mikejunkin/2518056
+| statlabel2  = Games [[Starting lineup|started]]
-|pfr=J/JunkMi20
+| statvalue2  = 7
+| pfr         = J/JunkMi20
 }}
-'''Michael Wayne Junkin''' (born November 21, 1964) is a former [[American football]] [[linebacker]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for three seasons with the [[Cleveland Browns]] and the [[Kansas City Chiefs]]. He played in 20 games over the course of his NFL career.
+'''Michael Wayne Junkin''' (born November 21, 1964) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[linebacker]] for three seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) with the [[Cleveland Browns]] and the [[Kansas City Chiefs]]. He played in 20 games over the course of his NFL career.
-Junkin played four years of college football at [[Duke University]]. In the [[1987 NFL Draft]], the Cleveland Browns traded up to select him with the fifth overall pick. He played in parts of two seasons for the Browns, both of which ended early due to injury. Junkin was then traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round selection and played in five more games. After his release from the Chiefs, he did not play another game in the NFL. His failure to establish himself in the NFL has caused him to be regarded as a [[draft bust]].
+Junkin played four years of [[college football]] for the [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke Blue Devils]]. In the [[1987 NFL draft]], the Cleveland Browns traded up to select him with the fifth overall pick. He played in parts of two seasons for the Browns, both of which ended early due to injury. Junkin was then traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round selection and played in five more games. After his release from the Chiefs, he did not play another game in the NFL. His failure to establish himself in the NFL has caused him to be regarded as a [[draft bust]].
 ==High school and college==
-Junkin was born in [[North Little Rock, Arkansas]] to Kirk, a [[United Airlines]] pilot, and Doris, a substitute teacher. His brother [[Trey Junkin]] was an NFL player as well.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Junkin File|work=[[The Plain Dealer]]|date=July 27, 1987|page=4C}}</ref> Junkin attended [[Belvidere High School (Belvidere, Illinois)|Belvidere High School]] in [[Belvidere, Illinois]], and played [[tight end]] on the football team.<ref name=grossi>{{cite book|title=Tales from the Browns Sideline|first=Tony|last=Grossi|authorlink=Tony Grossi|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|year=2004|page=135|isbn= 9781582617138}}</ref> In 1982, his senior year, he was the team's MVP and captain. He was named to the Belvidere Bucs Football Hall of Fame in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-sports/bucs-to-induct-four-former-football-players/d/fulltext-sports/rGHyBkLzxU6bmIX_CLkCEg |first=Scott |last=Leber |title=Bucs To Induct Four Former Football Players |work=Mystateline.com |date=October 9, 2013 |accessdate=March 29, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221001/http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-sports/bucs-to-induct-four-former-football-players/d/fulltext-sports/rGHyBkLzxU6bmIX_CLkCEg |archivedate=April 8, 2014 |df= }}</ref>
+Junkin was born in [[North Little Rock, Arkansas]], to Kirk, a [[United Airlines]] pilot, and Doris, a substitute teacher. His brother [[Trey Junkin]] was an NFL player as well.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Junkin File|work=[[The Plain Dealer]]|date=July 27, 1987|page=4C}}</ref> Junkin attended [[Belvidere High School (Belvidere, Illinois)|Belvidere High School]] in [[Belvidere, Illinois]], and played [[tight end]] on the football team.<ref name=grossi>{{cite book|title=Tales from the Browns Sideline|first=Tony|last=Grossi|author-link=Tony Grossi|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|year=2004|page=135|isbn= 9781582617138}}</ref> In 1982, his senior year, he was the team's MVP and captain. He was named to the Belvidere Bucs Football Hall of Fame in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-sports/bucs-to-induct-four-former-football-players/d/fulltext-sports/rGHyBkLzxU6bmIX_CLkCEg |first=Scott |last=Leber |title=Bucs To Induct Four Former Football Players |work=Mystateline.com |date=October 9, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221001/http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-sports/bucs-to-induct-four-former-football-players/d/fulltext-sports/rGHyBkLzxU6bmIX_CLkCEg |archive-date=April 8, 2014 }}</ref>
-After graduating from high school, Junkin played [[college football]] with the [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke Blue Devils]]. He played in three games for the Blue Devils as a freshman. In one game against [[NC State Wolfpack football|North Carolina State]], Junkin had 25 tackles en route to a 27–26 Duke victory; head coach [[Steve Sloan]] stated afterwards that it was "one of the best games I have ever seen a freshman play."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1734&dat=19831115&id=YZobAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2807,1769253|title=Groh Pleased With Progress of Deacs|work=[[The Dispatch (Lexington)|The Dispatch]]|location=[[Lexington, North Carolina]]|date=November 15, 1983|page=10}}</ref> Between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Junkin went from 205 pounds to 240 to help get more playing time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19840819&id=SGAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j84EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4982,4701667|title=Tigers' Goal: Be Top 10 Team|work=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=August 19, 1984|page=B6}}</ref> As a sophomore, he spent the 1984 season as one of five starting linebackers on a modified Duke defense, which normally would have three or four linebackers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19841004&id=2qMcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2HEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=990,1398733|first=Rich|last=Levine|title=Injuries Bedevil Duke Season|work=[[The Cavalier Daily]]|date=October 4, 1984|page=7}}</ref> In his junior season, he was again a starting linebacker and finished the season with 162 tackles despite playing on an injured knee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19860924&id=8z4gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8WkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6831,1602326|title=Blue Devils Hope To Improve Play|work=The Cavalier Daily|date=September 25, 1986|page=10}}</ref> Junkin started off his senior year with 15 tackles against [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] despite battling a [[head cold]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19860907&id=OKdOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4271,1688318|title=Linebacker Beats Cold to Lead Duke to 17-6 Win|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=September 7, 1986|page=13C}}</ref> Three weeks later in a game against [[Virginia Cavaliers football|Virginia]], Junkin had 18 tackles and was named [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] defensive player of the week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19860930&id=il0bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SU4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486,6496942|title=Junkin, Hall Honored|work=[[Times-News (Hendersonville, North Carolina)|Times-News]]|date=September 30, 1986|page=18}}</ref> Junkin graduated from Duke after the 1986 season as the school record-holder for career tackles with 512.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19861123&id=vOo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=FRQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6168,3385222|title=North Carolina Wins, But Bowls Silent|first=Scott|last=Whisnant|work=[[Star-News]]|date=November 23, 1986|page=1B}}</ref> Due to his performance his senior year, Junkin was named to the [[College Football All-America Team|Second Team College Football All-American]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=246901|title=Football All-America|publisher=Duke University Blue Devils|accessdate=March 30, 2014}}</ref>
+After graduating from high school, Junkin played [[college football]] at [[Duke University]]. He played in three games for the [[Duke Blue Devils football|Blue Devils]] as a freshman. In one game against [[NC State Wolfpack football|North Carolina State]], Junkin had 25 tackles en route to a 27–26 Duke victory; head coach [[Steve Sloan]] stated afterwards that it was "one of the best games I have ever seen a freshman play."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1734&dat=19831115&id=YZobAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2807,1769253|title=Groh Pleased With Progress of Deacs|work=[[The Dispatch (Lexington)|The Dispatch]]|location=[[Lexington, North Carolina]]|date=November 15, 1983|page=10|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506052136/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1734&dat=19831115&id=YZobAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2807,1769253|url-status=live}}</ref> Between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Junkin went from 205 pounds to 240 to help get more playing time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19840819&id=SGAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j84EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4982,4701667|title=Tigers' Goal: Be Top 10 Team|work=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=August 19, 1984|page=B6|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515180738/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19840819&id=SGAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j84EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4982,4701667|url-status=live}}</ref> As a sophomore, he spent the 1984 season as one of five starting linebackers on a modified Duke defense, which normally would have three or four linebackers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19841004&id=2qMcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2HEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=990,1398733|first=Rich|last=Levine|title=Injuries Bedevil Duke Season|work=[[The Cavalier Daily]]|date=October 4, 1984|page=7|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520020440/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19841004&id=2qMcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2HEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=990,1398733|url-status=live}}</ref> In his junior season, he was again a starting linebacker and finished the season with 162 tackles despite playing on an injured knee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19860924&id=8z4gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8WkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6831,1602326|title=Blue Devils Hope To Improve Play|work=The Cavalier Daily|date=September 25, 1986|page=10|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513100412/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1807&dat=19860924&id=8z4gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8WkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6831,1602326|url-status=live}}</ref> Junkin started off his senior year with 15 tackles against [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] despite battling a [[head cold]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19860907&id=OKdOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4271,1688318|title=Linebacker Beats Cold to Lead Duke to 17-6 Win|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=September 7, 1986|page=13C|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428020619/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19860907&id=OKdOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4271,1688318|url-status=live}}</ref> Three weeks later in a game against [[Virginia Cavaliers football|Virginia]], Junkin had 18 tackles and was named [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] defensive player of the week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19860930&id=il0bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SU4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486,6496942|title=Junkin, Hall Honored|work=[[Times-News (Hendersonville, North Carolina)|Times-News]]|date=September 30, 1986|page=18|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504173712/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19860930&id=il0bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SU4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486,6496942|url-status=live}}</ref> Junkin graduated from Duke after the 1986 season as the school record-holder for career tackles with 512.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19861123&id=vOo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=FRQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6168,3385222|title=North Carolina Wins, But Bowls Silent|first=Scott|last=Whisnant|work=[[Star-News]]|date=November 23, 1986|page=1B|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428114127/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19861123&id=vOo0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=FRQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6168,3385222|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his performance his senior year, Junkin was named to the [[College Football All-America Team|Second Team College Football All-American]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=246901|title=Football All-America|publisher=Duke University Blue Devils|access-date=March 30, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323232750/http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=246901|url-status=live}}</ref>
 ==Professional career==
-Junkin was selected with the fifth overall pick in the [[1987 NFL Draft]] by the [[Cleveland Browns]]. To acquire him, the Browns traded [[Chip Banks]] along with their first and second-round picks to the [[San Diego Chargers]] for their first and second-round picks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19870428&id=9HoUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5QIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6808,80481|title=Browns Trade Banks, Select Duke's Junkin|work=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=April 28, 1987|page=18}}</ref> In regards to the selection, head coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]] stated that scout [[Dom Anile]] had watched him play, and compared his playing style to "a mad dog in a meat market."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=881 |first=Tony |last=Grossi |title=Memories of Browns past drafts include the mad dog in a meat market and a GM singing a tune |publisher=[[ESPN]] Cleveland |date=April 11, 2012 |accessdate=March 29, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330082102/http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=881 |archivedate=March 30, 2014 |df= }}</ref> However, Anile saw him as a second-round talent despite the quote, and felt he was not worth the fifth overall selection, but Schottenheimer overruled his scouts and selected Junkin with that pick.<ref name=grossi/> The Browns' [[Browns–Steelers rivalry|archrival]], the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], were surprised at the pick as they had expected the Browns to select [[Shane Conlan]] after trading up for the pick; the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]] selection of [[Kelly Stouffer]] and the [[Buffalo Bills]] selection of Conlan eventually allowed the Steelers to select future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] cornerback [[Rod Woodson]], haunting the Browns for years.<ref>http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-Woodson-was-pure-luck/cdc56873-fea0-4a91-a65d-ee7a073fe57d</ref>
+Junkin was selected in the first round with the fifth overall pick in the [[1987 NFL draft]] by the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1987/draft.htm |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> To acquire him, the Browns traded [[Chip Banks]] along with their first and second-round picks to the [[San Diego Chargers]] for their first and second-round picks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19870428&id=9HoUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5QIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6808,80481|title=Browns Trade Banks, Select Duke's Junkin|work=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=April 28, 1987|page=18|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430192239/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19870428&id=9HoUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5QIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6808,80481|url-status=live}}</ref> In regards to the selection, head coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]] stated that scout [[Dom Anile]] had watched him play, and compared his playing style to "a mad dog in a meat market."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=881 |first=Tony |last=Grossi |title=Memories of Browns past drafts include the mad dog in a meat market and a GM singing a tune |publisher=[[ESPN]] Cleveland |date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330082102/http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=881 |archive-date=March 30, 2014 }}</ref> However, Anile saw him as a second-round talent despite the quote, and felt he was not worth the fifth overall selection, but Schottenheimer overruled his scouts and selected Junkin with that pick.<ref name=grossi/> The Browns' [[Browns–Steelers rivalry|archrival]], the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], were surprised at the pick as they had expected the Browns to select [[Shane Conlan]] after trading up for the pick; the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]] selection of [[Kelly Stouffer]] and the [[Buffalo Bills]] selection of Conlan eventually allowed the Steelers to select future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] cornerback [[Rod Woodson]], haunting the Browns for years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-Woodson-was-pure-luck/cdc56873-fea0-4a91-a65d-ee7a073fe57d |title=Getting Woodson was pure luck |access-date=2021-11-07 |archive-date=2018-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412212152/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-Woodson-was-pure-luck/cdc56873-fea0-4a91-a65d-ee7a073fe57d |url-status=live }}</ref>
-Entering the [[1987 Cleveland Browns season]], Junkin was projected to be the starting [[outside linebacker]] opposite [[Clay Matthews, Jr.]] despite playing [[inside linebacker]] in college, which generated criticism around the league as a transition that would be difficult for him to make.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin Turns Attention To Outside|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=July 27, 1987|page=4C}}</ref> After a 16-day [[wikt:holdout|holdout]], the Browns and Junkin agreed to a four-year deal worth nearly two million dollars.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wait Over; Junkin Signs With Browns|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=August 11, 1987|page=1C}}</ref> After missing the first preseason game against the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]], he made his debut against the [[New York Giants]]. In that game, he played the second half and failed to record a tackle.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Confused, Tackle-Less Junkin Frustrated|work=The Plain Dealer|date=August 25, 1987|page=1C}}</ref> By the end of training camp, due to struggles learning the outside linebacker position, he made the roster, but lost the starting job to [[Anthony Griggs]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Browns '87 Position By Position – Linebackers|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 11, 1987|page=4E}}</ref> After the Browns moved to a [[4-3 defense]] for the second game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], Junkin made his debut, and the plan was for him to gradually see more playing time each week.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mary Kay|last=Cabot|title=Junkin Gets a Taste of Browns' Defense|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 21, 1987|page=8D}}</ref> In early November, due to a combination of a [[1987 NFL strike|players' strike]] and an injured wrist, Junkin was placed on the [[injured reserve list]] and replaced on the active roster by [[David Grayson (American football)|David Grayson]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Livingston|title=Is Junkin a Browns' Blunder?|work=The Plain Dealer|date=November 8, 1987|page=12C}}</ref>
+Entering the [[1987 Cleveland Browns season|1987 season]], Junkin was projected to be the starting [[outside linebacker]] opposite [[Clay Matthews, Jr.]] despite playing [[inside linebacker]] in college, which generated criticism around the league as a transition that would be difficult for him to make.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin Turns Attention To Outside|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=July 27, 1987|page=4C}}</ref> After a 16-day [[wikt:holdout|holdout]], the Browns and Junkin agreed to a four-year deal worth nearly $2 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wait Over; Junkin Signs With Browns|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=August 11, 1987|page=1C}}</ref> After missing the first preseason game against the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]], he made his debut against the [[New York Giants]]. In that game, he played the second half and failed to record a tackle.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Confused, Tackle-Less Junkin Frustrated|work=The Plain Dealer|date=August 25, 1987|page=1C}}</ref> By the end of training camp, due to struggles learning the outside linebacker position, he made the roster, but lost the starting job to [[Anthony Griggs]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Browns '87 Position By Position – Linebackers|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 11, 1987|page=4E}}</ref> After the Browns moved to a [[4-3 defense]] for the second game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], Junkin made his debut, and the plan was for him to gradually see more playing time each week.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mary Kay|last=Cabot|title=Junkin Gets a Taste of Browns' Defense|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 21, 1987|page=8D}}</ref> In early November, due to a combination of a [[1987 NFL strike|players' strike]] and an injured wrist, Junkin was placed on the [[injured reserve list]] and replaced on the active roster by [[David Grayson (American football)|David Grayson]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Livingston|title=Is Junkin a Browns' Blunder?|work=The Plain Dealer|date=November 8, 1987|page=12C}}</ref>
 Due to a combination of the Browns drafting [[Clifford Charlton]] and Junkin's desire to move back inside, the Browns planned to move him back to inside linebacker for the [[1988 Cleveland Browns season|1988 season]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Browns Go For Defense|work=The Plain Dealer|date=April 25, 1988|page=6C}}</ref> He spent training camp competing with [[Eddie Johnson (linebacker)|Eddie Johnson]] for the second inside linebacker position alongside [[Mike Johnson (linebacker)|Mike Johnson]], and by the end of preseason play, Junkin had won the starting job.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Grossi|title=Junkin to Start|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 1, 1988|page=1F}}</ref> In his first career start against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Junkin had six tackles, including the first one of the game in a 6–3 Browns win.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Junkin Watch|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 5, 1988|page=2C}}</ref> A month later, Junkin injured his knee, and was forced to miss several games. He returned to the team in early November, but Johnson had played so well in Junkin's absence that he spent the next few weeks as the backup inside linebacker.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slaughter Braced for More Practice|first=Mary Kay|last=Cabot|work=The Plain Dealer|date=December 2, 1988|page=3C}}</ref> He was given the starting job again to end the season, but missed tackles and a lack of impact plays led to his second season being considered a disappointment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Injuries, Infighting Inevitable|first=Bob|last=Kravitz|work=The Plain Dealer|date=December 17, 1988|page=7C}}</ref>
-In early 1989, Schottenheimer was fired as Browns head coach, and took the head coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs. He still had faith in Junkin, unlike the Browns, and traded a fifth-round pick to bring him to Kansas City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin, Byner Traded By Browns|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=April 24, 1989|page=1D}}</ref> Two weeks after the trade, a report came out that Junkin had taken steroids provided by a doctor to treat an injured ankle, and had failed a drug test at the [[scouting combine]] as a result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin Tested Positive|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19890508&id=TTEyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cOYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3097,2080596|work=[[Lawrence Journal-World]]|date=May 8, 1989|page=2B}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-05-08/sports/8905085215_1_junkin-steroids-plain-dealer|title=Chiefs Linebacker Used Steroids|date=May 8, 1989|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|accessdate=March 30, 2014}}</ref> Entering the [[1989 Kansas City Chiefs season]], Junkin competed with [[Walker Lee Ashley]] for the second inside linebacker spot alongside [[Dino Hackett]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Slaughter Now Highest-Paid Browns Receiver|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=July 30, 1989|page=2C}}</ref> Ashley won the job, and Junkin played five games before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was released from the Chiefs after season's end, and retired after not being signed by any team through the 1990 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19891026&id=DDwyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KuUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5808,3913594|title=KC's Junkin, Thomas put on Injured Reserve|work=Lawrence Journal-World|date=October 26, 1989|page=6D}}</ref>
+In early 1989, Schottenheimer was fired as Browns head coach, and took the head coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs. He still had faith in Junkin, unlike the Browns, and traded a fifth-round pick to bring him to Kansas City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin, Byner Traded By Browns|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=April 24, 1989|page=1D}}</ref> Two weeks after the trade, a report came out that Junkin had taken steroids provided by a doctor to treat an injured ankle, and had failed a drug test at the [[scouting combine]] as a result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junkin Tested Positive|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19890508&id=TTEyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cOYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3097,2080596|work=[[Lawrence Journal-World]]|date=May 8, 1989|page=2B|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516114539/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19890508&id=TTEyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cOYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3097,2080596|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-05-08/sports/8905085215_1_junkin-steroids-plain-dealer|title=Chiefs Linebacker Used Steroids|date=May 8, 1989|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|access-date=March 30, 2014|archive-date=March 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330221357/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1989-05-08/sports/8905085215_1_junkin-steroids-plain-dealer|url-status=live}}</ref> Entering the [[1989 Kansas City Chiefs season|1989 season]], Junkin competed with [[Walker Lee Ashley]] for the second inside linebacker spot alongside [[Dino Hackett]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Slaughter Now Highest-Paid Browns Receiver|first=Tony|last=Grossi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=July 30, 1989|page=2C}}</ref> Ashley won the job, and Junkin played five games before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was released from the Chiefs after season's end, and retired after not being signed by any team through the 1990 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19891026&id=DDwyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KuUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5808,3913594|title=KC's Junkin, Thomas put on Injured Reserve|work=Lawrence Journal-World|date=October 26, 1989|page=6D|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513092506/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19891026&id=DDwyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KuUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5808,3913594|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Junkin became known as a [[draft bust]] due to his unproductive career.<ref name=grossi/> An [[ESPN]] article in 2008 noted Junkin noted as the eighth biggest draft bust of all time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3325687|title=Phillips couldn't outrun off-the-field troubles|work=ESPN|date=April 18, 2008|accessdate=March 30, 2014}}</ref> He was also named one of the Cleveland' Browns worst three draft picks from 1995 or earlier.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000157335/article/cleveland-browns-best-and-worst-draft-picks|title=Cleveland Browns: Best and worst draft picks|first=Marc|last=Sessler|work=[[NFL.com]]|date=March 31, 2013|accessdate=March 30, 2014}}</ref>
+Junkin became known as a [[draft bust]] due to his unproductive career.<ref name=grossi/> An [[ESPN]] article in 2008 noted Junkin noted as the eighth biggest draft bust of all time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3325687|title=Phillips couldn't outrun off-the-field troubles|work=ESPN|date=April 18, 2008|access-date=March 30, 2014|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029223214/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3325687|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also named one of the Cleveland' Browns worst three draft picks from 1995 or earlier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cleveland-browns-best-and-worst-draft-picks-0ap1000000157335|title=Cleveland Browns: Best and worst draft picks|first=Marc|last=Sessler|work=[[NFL.com]]|date=March 31, 2013|access-date=March 30, 2014|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106041215/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000157335/article/cleveland-browns-best-and-worst-draft-picks|url-status=live}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 56: / Line 62: @@
 [[Category:1964 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:Sportspeople from Little Rock, Arkansas]]
+[[Category:Players of American football from Little Rock, Arkansas]]
 [[Category:American football linebackers]]
 [[Category:Duke Blue Devils football players]]
 [[Category:Cleveland Browns players]]
 [[Category:Kansas City Chiefs players]]
+[[Category:People from Belvidere, Illinois]]
+[[Category:Players of American football from Illinois]]