John Mackey (born September 24, 1941, New York City, New York) is a former American Football tight end who played for the Baltimore Colts (1963-1971) and the San Diego Chargers (1972). He starred collegiately at Syracuse University.

In 1963, Mackey joined the Colts and by 1966, had revolutionized the position of tight end in the NFL. That season, of the nine touchdowns he compiled, six were scores of more than 50 yards, and he served as one of Johnny Unitas' primary receivers. Twice Mackey compiled season averages of more than 20 yards a catch, and his 10-year career average of 15.8 is considered remarkable for a tight end.

In Super Bowl V played January 17, 1971, Mackey was a principal in one the most famous plays in NFL championship history, catching a pass from quarterback Johnny Unitas after the ball first bounced off the hands of receiver Eddie Hinton and then grazed the fingertips of Cowboys All-Pro defensive back Mel Renfro. The ball caromed further downfield into the waiting arms of Mackey, who ran untouched for a (then) Super Bowl-record 75-yard touchdown reception. Baltimore won the game, 16-13, on Jim O'Brien's 32-yard field goal with five seconds left.