Ray McDonald

NFL running back, class of 1963

What is Ray McDonald known for?

Ray Douglas McDonald, born May 7, 1944, in McKinney, Texas, was a notable American professional football player. He played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins for two seasons from 1967 to 1968. McDonald later passed away on May 4, 1993, in Dallas, Texas.

He was a distinguished student at Caldwell High School in Caldwell, Idaho, where he was a three-sport star for two years before graduating in 1963. Standing 6 ft 2 in and weighing 220 lb, Ray McDonald exhibited athletic prowess that drew comparisons to NFL great, Jim Brown.

After his high school journey, McDonald enrolled at the University of Idaho in Moscow in 1963. He led the Vandals to convincing wins over the freshman teams of Washington and Washington State. Later, he became known as "Thunder Ray," especially after he propelled his team to victory over Washington State University (WSU), a feat the team hadn't achieved in a decade. As a senior in 1966, McDonald led the nation in rushing with 1,329 yards, averaging over 100 yards rushing per game for his collegiate career. He rushed for 36 touchdowns and 2,916 yards in 27 games played as a Vandal, averaging 108 yards per game. His talents were not only limited to football, as he also competed in track and field events, throwing shot put and discus, and performing as a national-class hurdler.

McDonald's professional football career began after he was picked 13th in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. His performance in the NFL, coupled with his high school and college feats, solidifies his place as a remarkable figure in the world of American Football.

External Links: NFL.com - Ray McDonald's Player Stats Pro Football Reference - Detailed player statistics