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.
Veteran defensive end Ron McDole stops Miami Dolphins runner Billy Joe in 1966.
Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the rush of Buffalo Bill legends Ron McDole (#72) and Jim Dunaway (#78).
Some 1977 NFL gameplay - 17-year veteran Ron McDole, the venerable defensive lineman of the Washington Redskins holds on to Roland Hooks of the Buffalo Bills. The Skins won 10-0.
18-year veteran spent 8 years with the Buffalo Bills.
Redskins Head Coach George Allen pictured in 1975 with his Defensive Line - Dave Butz (#65), Dennis Johnson (#61), Verlon Biggs (#86), Ron McDole (#79), Dennis Johnson (#77), Manny Sistrunk (#64), Head Coach George Allen and Diron Talbert (#72)
One of Pro Football's All-Time legends. A career that spanned for 16 seasons between the AFL and NFL he was a part of 2 of professional football's best defenses. The Bills of the 1960s and the Redskins of the early 1970s.
Giants quarterback Craig Morton desperately tries to get off a pass with Washington Redskins defensive lineman Ron McDole wrapped about his ankles. Teammate Dirion Talbert aids in the take-down.
Before joining the Vikings as free agent in 1962 Mick Tingelhoff was a 3-time letterman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. While there he was a teammate Ron McDole and Pat Fischer who would also have long distinguished NFL careers. McDole, #78 is pictured at the far left while Tingelhoff, #55, is on the far right.
While at Washington he was a starter on one of best defenses in NFL history. Here is strips the ball from Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach.
One of the 2 touchdowns he scored during his 18-year career in professional football. This, an 18-yard interception return, came in 1971 against the Houston Oilers. He's surrounded by Redskins linebackers Chris Hanburger (#55), Myron Pottios (#66) and Jack Pardee (#32) in the endzone. Oilers Receiver Ken Burrough (#00) looks on.
While official stats do not exist for blocked kicks is is commonly agreed that he was among the NFL's top kick blockers. Here he blocks a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles.
As a Bill he was part of one of football's most dominant defenses unit ever. Here he blocks a kick against the Boston Patriots.
Ron McDole | Buffalo Bills
Ron McDole | Washington Redskins 1971-1978
Drafted by both the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals and AFL's Denver Broncos he signed with the Cardinals.
Before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961 he had a very successful career at Nebraska. Chosen as one of the team Captains he is pictured here with fellow Huskers teammates Pat Fischer (#40) and Don Fricke (far right) as well as Head Coach Bill Jennings. Fischer went on to have a long and established NFL career himself with the St. Louis Cardinals.
From later in his career - bringing the rush as the ball slips from the grasp of Falcons quarterback Scott Hunter's hands.
3 major reasons for the Washington Redskins defensive success of the 1970s decade - defensive lineman Dave Butz (#65) and Ron McDole (#79) along with linebacker Brad Dusek (#59).
Ron McDole Football Cards
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