Career
In 1994, McQueen lost both of his legs after a train accident in Birmingham, Alabama. As a result of the injuries he sustained, both of his legs were removed just below the hip. When McQueen reached seventh grade at Southwestern Academy in Flint, he decided to try out for his school"s football team
Coach Adrian Phillips was initially skeptical, but he agreed to let McQueen try out for the squad after receiving medical clearance and permission from McQueen"s mother.
The 3"1" teen started out sixth on the depth chart at defensive tackle, but steadily passed the competition until he ultimately became the starter. A wheelchair user off the field, McQueen propelled himself during game situations by walking on his hands.
His quickness and low center of gravity made him difficult for offensive players to block, and he also made a name for himself as one of the team"s most sure-handed tacklers. In an article published by the Associated Press, McQueen cited the San Francisco 49ers as his favorite team, and stated the goals of playing for the 49ers and becoming a coach after graduation.
McQueen met with team players on December 16, 2000, then attended the team"s game against the Chicago Bears the next day.
Calling McQueen an "inspiration", wide receiver Terrell Owens promised to catch a touchdown for his visitor, then did so and delivered the ball to McQueen after the game. Four years later, former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci brought McQueen as a guest to the practice facility of his new team, the Detroit Lions. McQueen"s story was featured on episode #201 of the television program Ripley"s Believe lieutenant or Not!, which aired on Turner Broadcasting System on September 26, 2001., and on episode #5 of the ESPN2 series Timeless, which aired February 5, 2005.
In an interview, Timeless host Dhani Jones cited McQueen"s story as one of the two most memorable of the show"s first season.
In 2006, McQueen began coaching basketball for an Amateur Athletic Union team in Flint, Michigan.
