Ray McDonald (running back) facts for kids

Ray Douglas McDonald (May 7, 1944 – May 4, 1993) was a professional football player. He was a talented running back for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL). Ray played for two seasons, from 1967 to 1968.

Ray McDonald's Early Life

Ray McDonald was born in McKinney, Texas. He spent his early years there before moving. He started high school in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Later, he moved to Caldwell, Idaho, after his second year of high school.

High School Sports Star

At Caldwell High School, Ray was an amazing athlete. He played three different sports for the Cougars team. He graduated in 1963.

Ray was very tall and strong, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 220 pounds. He was so good that he was named a high school All-American. People even compared him to the famous NFL player Jim Brown.

College Football Career

In 1963, Ray McDonald went to the University of Idaho in Moscow. His family also moved closer to him, to Lewiston.

Freshman Year Success

During his first semester, Ray played on the freshman football team. Back then, freshmen couldn't play on the main varsity team. He led the Vandals freshman team to big wins. They beat the freshman teams from Washington (32–18) and Washington State (36–0).

"Thunder Ray" on the Field

In his second year, Ray tore his Achilles tendon in a basketball game. This made him miss the first three games of the season. But when he returned, he became a speedy fullback for the varsity team.

He earned the nickname "Thunder Ray" after his first game against WSU. This was the first time the Vandals had beaten their rivals in ten years!

Leading Rusher in College

By his senior year in 1966, Ray was a dominant player. He led the entire nation in rushing yards, gaining 1,329 yards. In his final college game, he rushed for an incredible 255 yards.

Ray was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 248 pounds. He was the top player in the Big Sky Conference. He was the leading rusher for Idaho in all three years he was eligible to play (1964–1966). On average, he rushed for over 100 yards per game throughout his college career. In 27 games, he scored 36 touchdowns and rushed for a total of 2,916 yards.

Beyond Football: Track and Field

Ray was not just a football star. He was also a talented track and field athlete. He could run the 100-yard dash in just 9.9 seconds. He also competed in the shot put and discus events. Ray was even a national-class hurdler on the Vandal track team.

After his college career, he played in important games like the East–West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.

Professional Football Career

In 1967, Ray McDonald was chosen in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft. The Washington Redskins picked him as the 13th overall player. The team owner, Edward Bennett Williams, personally wanted Ray on the team. Ray signed a three-year contract worth $100,000.

Later Life

Injuries eventually shortened Ray's professional football career. By 1969, he was no longer playing in the NFL. After his football career, Ray McDonald became a junior high music teacher. He passed away on May 4, 1993, just three days before his 49th birthday.

See also

• List of college football yearly rushing leaders