He played college football for the Pacific Tigers and was selected by the Bears in the second round (20th overall) of the 1952 NFL draft.
Upon returning to the United States, he joined the San Joaquin Delta College track team, before transferring to Pacific.
Macon was convinced by Pacific coach Larry Siemering to join the school's football team, becoming the first black Tigers player.
[4] Bears coach and owner George Halas was not pleased about his departure, blackballing Macon and suing him for $100,000.
With the Raiders, Macon was converted to defensive back, and was tied for second in the league with nine interceptions, which earned him All-AFL honors.