Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey was a terrific pick for the Los Angeles Chargers. Drafted with the No. 34 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, McConkey made an immediate impact and emerged as the Chargers’ WR1. The wide receiver has clearly developed a special connection with quarterback Justin Herbert, and he has a bright future in the league.
However, McConkey wouldn’t be where he is today without his support system, including his parents, Benji and Brittney McConkey. Let’s examine McConkey’s upbringing and get to know his parents.
A Look at Ladd McConkey’s Parents
McConkey’s parents are Benji and Brittney McConkey. The McConkey family is from Chatsworth, Ga., and his parents have played a huge supporting role in Ladd’s life.
Getting To Know Benji
The football blood runs through Ladd’s veins, and it was handed down to him from his father Benji, who was a high-level football player in his own right.
Benji’s skills earned him a Georgia All-State selection from 1993 to 1994 and an impressive record of 25-2 during his tenure as the school’s QB.
Following the conclusion of his high school career, Benji earned a scholarship and continued to play football at Georgia Military College.
His career did not progress to the NFL ranks like his son’s will, but his talent and passion for the game has certainly been passed down to his son.
Getting To Know Brittney
Brittney McConkey is a homemaker and compassionate mother who has been there for Ladd throughout his journey to the NFL.
When she isn’t spending time rooting her children on, and being a proud mother on social media, Brittney participates in Transfer for Life in the Murray area, dedicating herself to raising funds and awareness for diverse illnesses.
.@CoachJim4UM tells @ColinCowherd of a chance encounter he had with Ladd McConkey's parents at the combine:
"I could see right there what had been poured into him. We wanted some of that, we wanted a lot of that." pic.twitter.com/cHqpnt4g0D
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd)
Recently, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh raved about the job that Benji and Brittney did in raising Ladd. He actually had a chance to meet McConkey’s parents and uncles at the NFL Combine.
“He is just such a respectful, good guy, and I know where that comes from. That was poured into him by his parents, Benji and Brittney,” Harbaugh said. “I had a great chance to meet them — a chance encounter at the Combine…
“We had a lovely conversation, and I could see right there what had been poured into him, and we wanted some of that. We wanted a lot of that.”
Does McConkey Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Ladd has two siblings, one of whom is his brother Hinton McConkey.
Like Ladd, Hinton plays football at a high level. Rather than playing wide receiver, Hinton followed in their father’s footsteps by playing quarterback at the University of West Georgia.
Nothing is publicly known about Ladd’s other sibling, just that Ladd himself is the middle child of the three children.
Chiefs-Chargers Week 1 Preview
The division rivalry between the Chiefs and Chargers should be a treat for the São Paulo audience, as the teams have routinely produced competitive games in recent years.
For both teams, it starts at quarterback. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes remains one of the league’s best, having already won three Super Bowls before turning 30.
Meanwhile, Justin Herbert has the stats to rank among the game’s top passers but has yet to win a playoff game in his five-year career. He’ll be looking to change that narrative this season, starting with a statement against the Chiefs.
Kansas City’s passing attack will look similar to last season, with wideouts Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster complementing All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Their top receiver, Rashee Rice, is out against the Chargers while serving a suspension.
Los Angeles’ receiving corps isn’t much better, though second-year receiver Ladd McConkey is back after an impressive rookie season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be Herbert’s No. 1 target.
Per our metrics, the Chargers will have an upper hand defensively. Coordinator Jesse Minter leads a unit that flies to the ball, anchored by pass rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James.
The Chiefs’ defense graded out at a C last season but will look to improve behind defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie. Both are among the best at their positions but need help from a young, unproven supporting cast.
As for the outcome, the Chiefs simply have the Chargers’ number. Los Angeles usually puts up a fight but falls short in the end. That shouldn’t change, even in Week 1 on South American soil.
Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 20