Don McNeal facts for kids

Donald McNeal (born May 6, 1958) is a former American professional football player. He was a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1980s. A cornerback's job is to defend against passes from the other team's quarterback.

Early Life and College Career

Don McNeal was born and grew up in Atmore, Alabama. He was a football star at Escambia County High School and graduated in 1976.

After high school, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His coach was the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. McNeal was a key player on the team, helping them win the national championship in both 1978 and 1979. In his final year, he was chosen as the Team Captain. In 1992, the University of Alabama named him to its All-Centennial Team, which honored the best players from the school's first 100 years of football.

The Famous Sugar Bowl Play

One of McNeal's most famous moments happened in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. Alabama was playing against Penn State. In the final quarter, Alabama was winning 14–7, but Penn State was about to score.

A Penn State player caught the ball and ran toward the end zone for what looked like a sure touchdown. But McNeal chased him down and tackled him out of bounds at the one-yard line. The tackle was so forceful that McNeal was knocked unconscious for a moment. Two plays later, McNeal's teammates stopped Penn State from scoring in a famous goal-line stand, and Alabama won the game.

Professional Football Career

In 1980, the Miami Dolphins chose Don McNeal to play for their team. He played his entire professional career with the Dolphins, from 1980 until he retired after the 1989 season.

During his time with the Dolphins, McNeal played in two Super Bowls:

• Super Bowl XVII in January 1983
• Super Bowl XIX in January 1985

A Famous Super Bowl Moment

McNeal was part of a very famous play in Super Bowl XVII against the Washington Redskins. Late in the game, the Redskins needed to gain less than a yard on fourth down. McNeal tried to tackle the Redskins' running back, John Riggins, but Riggins broke free. He ran 43 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

On the play, McNeal was covering another player who suddenly changed direction. McNeal slipped while trying to follow him. This small slip meant he was a little late getting to Riggins. Even though he got his hands on Riggins, he couldn't make the tackle. The play became one of the most memorable moments in Redskins history.

Life After Football

Today, Don McNeal is very active in his community, helping young people and adults. He works as a counselor, teacher, and coach. He is also a pastor at the New Testament Baptist Church in South Florida and gives speeches to inspire others.

He wrote a book about his life called Home Team Advantage: From the fields of rural Alabama to the pro football field of the Miami Dolphins.

In 2008, Don McNeal was honored for his amazing career by being inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

See also

• 1980 NFL draft
• Dade Christian School