He first enrolled at Oklahoma State University before transferring to Pittsburg State University. He first attended Choctaw High School in Choctaw, Oklahoma before transferring to Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
McConnell first played high school football for the Choctaw High School Yellowjackets. He transferred to Midwest City High School his sophomore year. He earned all-state honors in football, wrestling and track for the Midwest City Bombers.
McConnell initially signed to play college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
McConnell transferred to play for the Pittsburg State Gorillas from 2000 to 2003. He also earned first-team All-America honors from the AFCA his sophomore year in 2001 and from the Associated Press as a junior in 2002, after receiving honorable mention All-America recognition as a freshman in 2000.
A four-time first-team All-MIAA performer, McConnell recorded career totals of 232 tackles (116 solo) with 75.0 tackles-for-loss and 21.0 quarterback sacks in 48 games for the Gorillas. He was inducted into the Pittsburg State University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
He also participated in cheerleading for the Gorillas, winning the Collegiate National Cheerleading Championship his freshman season in 2000.
Professional career
Tennessee Titans
McConnell was signed by the Tennessee Titans on April 26, 2005 after going undrafted in the 2004 NFL Draft.
He was released by the Titans on August 31, 2004.
Nashville Kats
McConnell signed with the Nashville Kats on October 15, 2004. He played for the Kats from 2005 to 2007, earning All-Rookie Team honors in 2005.
Colorado Crush
McConnell was selected by the Colorado Crush in the 2007 dispersal draft and played for the team in 2008, earning First Team All-Arena recognition.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
McConnell signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in May 2009. He retired from football in June 2009.
Alabama Vipers
McConnell came out of retirement to sign with the Alabama Vipers on January 20, 2010 and played for them during the 2010 season, earning All-Ironman Team honors.
Georgia Force
McConnell signed with the Georgia Force on March 24, 2011.
Chicago Rush
McConnell was traded to the Chicago Rush for a claim order position on April 21, 2011.
McConnell was also a member of the Tennessee Titans, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Chicago Rush.