Tommy McDonald captivates football fans with an electrifying career that bridges collegiate dominance at Oklahoma and a championship legacy in the NFL.
TOMMY MCDONALD
Football Bio
July 26, 1934 – the legendary player Tommy McDonald was born.
McDonald was a halfback flanker who made it into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
His college ball was played at Oklahoma, while he played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and the Cleveland Browns.
As a Sooner in the 1955 college season, Mr. McDonald became the first Oklahoma player to ever score a touchdown in each game played in one season.
He followed that up in 1956 by winning the coveted Maxwell Award and ranking third in the Heisman voting. (Source)
In the pros, he may be well-remembered for scoring on a 35-yard pass from Norm Van Brocklin as he and the Eagles defeated Vince Lombardi’s Packers in the 1960 NFL Championship game.
Tommy McDonald cements his legendary status by proving that exceptional hands, explosive speed, and pure heart easily overcome a smaller physical stature. He leaves an undeniable mark on the sport across both the collegiate and professional ranks, inspiring every underdog who steps onto the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1985.
- NFL Championship: Won the 1960 title with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Pro Bowl Selections: Earned six Pro Bowl nods during his NFL career.
- Maxwell Award: Won the 1956 award as college football’s player of the year.
- Consensus All-American: Recognized as a consensus first-team selection in 1956.
- National Championships: Won two collegiate national titles with the Oklahoma Sooners in 1955 and 1956.
- NFL Receiving Leader: Led the league in receiving yards with 1,144 yards in 1961.
- NFL Touchdown Leader: Led the NFL in receiving touchdowns twice, in 1958 and 1961.(Source)
