McIntyre transferred to play for the Arizona State Sun Devils in 1977 and was initially a running back before switching to linebacker as a senior in 1978.[1][6] He was the starting middle linebacker in his final season.[7] While at Arizona State, he developed an interest in snakes after going snake hunting with teammates; he later owned two as pets including one of the world's largest garter snakes, earning him the nickname "Snake Man".[8]
Professional career
McIntyre was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round (148th overall) of the 1979 NFL draft.[2] He signed his rookie contract on June 18.[9] He was released by the team prior to the season on August 21, 1979.[10] Two days after being released by the Broncos, McIntyre was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals off waivers.[11] He was released on August 27, being one of the final roster cuts.[12]
After the San Francisco 49ers placed Mike Hogan on injured reserve, the team signed McIntyre to fill the empty roster spot on September 11, 1979.[13] He appeared in the team's final 14 games and was a starter three times, as the team ended with a record of 2–14.[14][15] He mainly appeared on special teams.[16]
McIntyre was released by the 49ers in July 1980 and then was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals on July 11, 1980.[10] He was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury on August 18.[17] He was released from injured reserve on October 13, and then was re-signed to the active roster two days later after clearing waivers, replacing the injured John Barefield.[18] He appeared in the final 10 games of the season, starting two at inside linebacker while the Cardinals finished with a record of 5–11.[14][19][20] He was released by the Cardinals on August 17, 1981, which ultimately ended his NFL career, with McIntyre having appeared in 24 games, five as a starter.[2][10]
McIntyre became a coach and personal trainer after his playing career.[24] He had a son, Drew, who played for the United States national junior American football team.[6] In 2023, McIntyre took part in a study for a program promoting heart health; he took an echocardiogram "as a formality to be able to encourage others", but it was discovered he had an enlarged aorta and he underwent surgery.[24] He said that taking the test saved his life: "I had my workout ready, and the doc told me if I would've done that, my heart would've exploded, with no symptoms."[24]
