He previously served as the wide receivers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, University of Maryland, College Park and Washington Redskins.

[4] McCardell starred at UNLV, where his speed and athleticism enabled him to become one of the premier wide receivers in college football.

He emerged as UNLV's big-play receiver during his junior year, catching 54 passes for 883 yards (16.4 avg.)

[11][12] During his first season with the team he made 85 catches for 1,129 yards and three touchdowns, and earned himself a trip to his first ever Pro Bowl.

The Buccaneers would go on to win Super Bowl XXXVII, beating the AFC champion Oakland Raiders 48–21 with McCardell scoring two touchdowns in that game.

[19] In 2005, he was the team's second-leading receiver behind tight end Antonio Gates, totaling 70 catches for 917 yards, and a career-high nine touchdown receptions.

[20][21] On December 4, 2005, in a game against the Oakland Raiders, McCardell became the 13th player in NFL history to record 800 career receptions.

On July 23, 2007, McCardell signed with the Houston Texans, but was eventually cut on August 31, without playing a game for the team.

[30] On February 11, 2022, McCardell was confirmed to be staying with the Vikings despite the firing of head coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman.

McCardell and his wife, Nicole, have four children: daughters Keandra, Nia and Nakeeya, and son Keenan II.