Image Gallery of Ron McDole, Defensive End, 1961-1978
Without a doubt – one of those players that makes you ask “why isn’t he in the Hall of Fame?”
An 18-year career that spanned almost 2 complete decades from 1961 to 1978 and 4 different teams. Originally a 4th round draft pick of both the Cardinals of the NFL and Broncos of the AFL in 1961 he chose St. Louis but was playing for the Houston Oilers by 1962. In 1963 he joined the Buffalo Bills and was a starter on one of the most dominant defenses in football history. He helped Buffalo to 2 AFL Championships while making the AFL All-Star team from 1965 to 1969 and All AFL in 1966. In 1971 he was traded to Washington where he was a starter for 8 seasons on those great Redskin defenses of the 1970s. He set an NFL record for interceptions by a defensive lineman with 12. His Career Stats include 240 games, 12 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, 2 touchdowns scored and 3 safeties scored. Named a member of the 70 Greatest Players in Redskins History as well as the Bills Silver Anniversary team.
For some good additional reading:
- The Dancing Bear: My Eighteen Years in the Trenches of the AFL and NFL
- Ron McDole at Pro Football Reference
- How did Ron McDole ever survive 18 years at defensive end? No problem, he says.
interesting article, if you really want in-depth information on the dancing bear’s career, email me at zeuglodon44@att.net