Thomas F. McDonald

(Hall Of Fame)

During his football career Thomas Franklin McDonald had 495 receptions, 8,410 yards, and 84 touchdowns. With these statistics it is easy to see why so many people consider Tommy McDonald a hero. Tommy McDonald is my hero because he was a very talented wide receiver, he was athletic, and was also intelligent.

Tommy was a skilled wide receiver. In college he was an All American choice at Oklahoma. He also won the Maxwell award in 1956 as college football’s player of the year. During his three years at Oklahoma the Sooners never lost a game. After his college years Tommy was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles where he stayed for seven years. From 1958-62 he had 56 touchdown receptions in 63 games. At the end of Tommy’s career in 1968 he ranked sixth all-time receptions, fourth in yards receiving, and second in touchdown catches. His success as a wide receiver continued in 1960 when he helped the Eagles win a championship game against the Green Bay Packers.

Tommy also used his athletic skills very effectively. Even though he was a small player, he was very durable and missed only 3 games in his first 11 seasons. Tommy McDonald also had elusive speed and used his great running skills after making his catches. Tommy is athletic because after making his catches he was able to use his speed to gain yards and make the touchdown.

Along with his speed and running skills Tommy was also very intelligent. I know he was smart because he went to Oklahoma University for three years before he entered his pro football career. To play football in college you need to be able to get good grades and Tommy was able to do that.

Tommy is considered a hero because he did things that not many people get to do. Tommy became a great athlete and excelled in football for many years. Tommy was also very good at being a wide receiver and young kids often look up to him. He can show them that they can make it in this world. I think that he is a hero because he was intelligent. Tommy McDonald can be a hero to anyone who wants to play sports and succeed in life.