He was selected by the Cardinals in the thirteenth round of the 1953 NFL draft after playing college football at Princeton University.

[1] He participated in football, basketball, and golf at Chaney High School in Youngstown, graduating in 1949.

[3] McPhee was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the 13th round, with the 148th overall pick, of the 1953 NFL draft.

[1] He garnered Armed Forces Press Service first-team all-service team recognition in 1953 as an end.

[17] McPhee worked for Prudential Insurance in Houston Texas after his football career, before retiring to his hometown of Youngstown.