Tommy McDonald

The Undersized Dynamo Who Became a Hall of Fame Legend

In a league dominated by towering athletes, Tommy McDonald proved that heart, speed, and skill could overcome size. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, six-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most electric wide receivers of his era, McDonald was a touchdown machine who dazzled defenses with his blazing speed, crisp route-running, and relentless work ethic.

Standing at just 5'9" and 175 pounds, McDonald was one of the smallest players in the NFL, but he played with the toughness and confidence of a giant. A key weapon for the Philadelphia Eagles in the late 1950s and early 1960s, McDonald was one of the first true deep-threat wide receivers, stretching defenses and racking up touchdowns at an astonishing rate.

More than just a great player, McDonald was a pioneer for small receivers, proving that speed, skill, and determination could triumph over brute strength. His charismatic personality and passion for the game made him a fan favorite, and his impact extended beyond the field, helping to shape the modern passing game.

The Numbers Behind McDonald’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
• NFL Champion (1960, Philadelphia Eagles)
• Six-time Pro Bowler (1959-1964)
• Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1959, 1960)
• NFL Receiving Yards Leader (1961)
• NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (1958, 1961)
• NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame & Ring of Honor
• Career Stats:
  • 495 receptions
  • 8,410 receiving yards
  • 84 receiving touchdowns
  • 16.9 yards per catch (one of the highest in history for a Hall of Fame WR)

McDonald was one of the most efficient touchdown scorers in NFL history, with a touchdown reception on nearly 1 in every 6 catches. His ability to burn defenses deep and make game-changing plays set him apart in an era where passing was still evolving.

The College Years – A Star at Oklahoma

Before he became an NFL legend, McDonald was already a college football superstar under the legendary Bud Wilkinson at Oklahoma.

• Born in Roy, New Mexico, in 1934, McDonald grew up in New Mexico and Colorado, developing a reputation as a fearless, lightning-fast athlete.
• At the University of Oklahoma, he played as a halfback and receiver, thriving in the Sooners’ famous wishbone offense.
• He never lost a game in college, as Oklahoma went 31-0 during his time as a starter.
• He was a two-time All-American (1955, 1956) and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1956.

Despite his dominance in college, some NFL scouts doubted whether his size would translate to the pros. The Philadelphia Eagles took a chance on him in the third round of the 1957 NFL Draft—and it turned out to be one of the best draft steals of all time.

The Philadelphia Eagles Years – Becoming a Superstar

McDonald wasted no time proving he belonged in the NFL, quickly becoming one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers.

• By 1958, he led the NFL in touchdown receptions (9), showing his ability to stretch the field and find the end zone.
• In 1959 and 1960, he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, becoming the NFL’s premier deep threat.
• His greatest moment came in 1960, when he led the Eagles to their first NFL Championship, catching a crucial 35-yard touchdown pass in the title game against Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers.

In just a few years, McDonald had cemented his status as one of the best receivers in football, proving that speed and skill could beat size and strength.

A Record-Setting Prime – The NFL’s Best Deep Threat

During the early 1960s, McDonald was unstoppable, putting up numbers that were unheard of for the era.

• In 1961, he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,144) and touchdowns (13), earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
• From 1958-1962, he averaged 17.5 yards per catch, making him one of the most explosive playmakers in the league.
• He caught double-digit touchdowns in three different seasons, something almost unheard of in the early 1960s.

Despite his continued dominance, the Eagles shockingly traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in 1964, ending his legendary run in Philadelphia.

Later Years – Journeyman and Leader

Though McDonald was best known for his time in Philadelphia, he continued to be a productive receiver for several teams.

• In 1964, he played for the Dallas Cowboys, catching 46 passes for 612 yards.
• He later played for the Los Angeles Rams (1965-1966), Atlanta Falcons (1967), and Cleveland Browns (1968).
• Even in his final seasons, he remained a valuable veteran leader and deep threat, helping mentor younger players.

By the time he retired, McDonald ranked among the top 10 in nearly every receiving category, despite playing in a run-heavy era.

Defining Moments of McDonald’s Career

• 1956 – College Football Champion: Helps lead Oklahoma to an undefeated national championship season.
• 1957 – Drafted by the Eagles: Overcomes doubts about his size to become one of the best draft steals ever.
• 1958 – NFL Touchdown Leader: Becomes one of the league’s top scoring threats in just his second season.
• 1960 – NFL Champion: Helps lead the Eagles to a title, scoring a key touchdown in the championship game.
• 1961 – Best Season: Leads the NFL in yards and touchdowns, proving he’s the league’s most dangerous receiver.
• 1998 – Hall of Fame Induction: After decades of waiting, he finally gets the gold jacket he always deserved.

The Most Iconic Tommy McDonald Football Cards

For collectors, McDonald’s football cards are highly valuable and represent one of the best receivers of the pre-Super Bowl era.

• 1958 Topps #66 Tommy McDonald Rookie Card – His most famous and sought-after rookie card.
• 1961 Fleer #52 Tommy McDonald – A classic card from his best statistical season.
• 1963 Topps #67 Tommy McDonald – One of his final Eagles cards before being traded to Dallas.

These cards are prized collectibles, representing one of the NFL’s earliest deep threats.

A Legacy That Shaped the Modern Passing Game

Tommy McDonald may have been small in stature, but his impact on the game was enormous.

• He proved that speed and skill could overcome size and physicality, paving the way for future smaller receivers like Steve Smith, Tyreek Hill, and DeSean Jackson.
• His ability to stretch the field and score touchdowns at a high rate made him one of the most efficient receivers in NFL history.
• His infectious personality, toughness, and love for the game made him a fan favorite long after he retired.

Though he had to wait decades for his Hall of Fame induction, his place among the greatest receivers ever is undeniable.

A Speed Demon, A Champion, and One of the Greatest Wide Receivers in NFL History.