Celebrating Complete Former OU Stars
story and photo by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
This year, Jalen Hurts made history as the first quarterback from the University of Oklahoma to win an NFL Super Bowl. His versatility with the Philadelphia Eagles was highlighted when he was named MVP of the big game.
It’s a fitting milestone for a player who has left an indelible mark in the league. Two years ago, Hurts first led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, only to lose to Kansas City.
Interestingly, Tommy McDonald, another legendary former Sooner, played seven stellar years in the NFL as an Eagle. Though not surpassed by Hurts in college, his legacy certainly set a high bar with his remarkable achievements. We look back with respect and appreciation for the path he paved for future players.
McDonald, a dynamic running back, receiver, and halfback passer from Bud Wilkinson’s illustrious era of 47-straight wins at OU, remains a shining example of a complete football star. This writing celebrates the 70th anniversary of McDonald’s contribution to Oklahoma’s back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956. His versatility and achievements as a Sooner who never lost a game further highlights his talent and determination.
Despite standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 175 pounds, McDonald displayed his high school track-star speed as an offensive powerhouse. He also excelled on defense, making notable contributions.
His agility and speed at halfback made him a standout as the designated passer on option plays in OU’s split-T formation. Remarkably, McDonald stands out as the only player in OU history to lead the team in all four offensive categories for a season during his time as a Sooner.
In 1955 and 1956, McDonald was the top rusher on the country’s best rushing team.
In 1955, since OU quarterbacks seldom passed, he led the team in passing with a .708 completion percentage, which remains the best in team history for a season at 17-24. That year he also led in scoring to become the first Sooner to score a touchdown in every game of a season. OU led the nation in scoring with 36.5 points a game that year. In 1956, he led the team in receiving.
His talents extended to special teams, as he averaged 25 yards on kickoff returns and 15.8 yards on punt returns, further cementing his legacy in Sooner history.
Fast-forward to OU quarterback Jalen Hurts, who demonstrated versatility during his only season as a Sooner in 2019. In his first game with Oklahoma, after transferring from Alabama, Hurts was responsible for six TDs – three passing and three rushing. He completed 87 percent of his 23 pass attempts while running for a career-high 176 yards on 11 yards per attempt. He had 508 yards of total offense against Houston.
Later, Hurts made headlines by becoming the first in 69 years to throw, run, and catch for a TD in one game against Oklahoma State. This followed in McDonald’s footsteps of showcasing multifaceted skills. McDonald was the first OU player to accomplish this feat in 1956 against Colorado.
It’s also worth recognizing that McDonald’s contributions weren’t limited to offense. His defensive skills were remarkable, especially considering how the game is played differently today, with athletes often specializing in just one position. McDonald flourished as a defensive halfback, leading his team with six interceptions his senior year. Incredibly, that 1956 squad still holds the OU record for the least passing yardage allowed in a season-just 555 yards.
More than just numbers and records, McDonald’s influence was felt in the very tempo of OU’s offensive play, a legacy that endures to this day. Coach Wilkinson often attributed OU’s fast-paced, rapid-fire style to McDonald’s relentless competitiveness and enthusiasm. “Tommy McDonald believes that any play that doesn’t result in a touchdown is a failure,” Wilkinson said, underscoring McDonald’s determination to quickly return to the huddle after every run, eager to make the next attempt count.
Wilkinson adapted his teams to that tempo to establish the Sooners as one of the most storied teams in college ball. OU set an uneclipsed NCAA record of not losing a conference 74 straight times until 1959. They earned one of the best records in modern football history, with a 145-29-4 record over 17 years.
Wilkinson adjusted his teams to that tempo to establish the Sooners as one of the most storied programs in college football. OU set an unmatched NCAA record by not losing a conference game for 74 straight times until 1959. They achieved one of the best records in modern football history, boasting a 145-29-4 record over 17 years.
Even more impressive is after all these years, McDonald’s yards-per-play average still stands as the highest for any running back at OU, showcasing his enduring impact and skill. His average of 9.31 yards per play outshines many greats that followed, with only one other back, Greg Pruitt, coming close.
McDonald’s journey to football greatness didn’t end with college. He transitioned seamlessly to the NFL, where he enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career, defying expectations for a man of his size. During a remarkable first five-year span, he was named a Pro Bowler five times and led the league in receiving yards and TDs, showcasing his talent on a new stage.
His pivotal 35-yard TD catch played a crucial role in helping the Eagles clinch the NFL Championship in 1960 against Green Bay. This proved to be Vince Lombardi’s only postseason loss in his historic Packers coaching career.
McDonald always acknowledged that his success was not a solo journey but a collective effort. He credited his coaches, teammates, and the passionate OU fans, who served as the ‘12th man’ on the field, for their unwavering support that propelled him to greatness.
McDonald, who died in 2018 at 84, looked back over his career and remained grateful for the early opportunities that OU provided him. He said Coach Wilkinson’s recruitment opened doors he might never have accessed otherwise. Reflecting on his experience in 1998, he expressed his appreciation, stating, “I’m just glad I got a scholarship here.”
McDonald said he realized that NFL scouts properly recognized his talent mainly because of the national championship teams he played on in college.
In 1961, he led the NFL in reception yardage (1,144) and TDs (13). That year, in a game against the New York Giants, he caught seven passes for 237 yards and two TDs, which is still to this day the Eagles’ single-game best.
As his versatility continued in the NFL, he finished his career with 495 receptions for 8,410 yards and 84 TDs, the second-highest total of touchdown receptions in NFL history at the time.
He also gained 1,459 yards and a TD returning punts and kickoffs on special teams, giving him 9,891 career all-purpose yards. This prompted his well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Tommy McDonald’s story is inspiring and embodies the spirit and legacy of Oklahoma football. As Sooner fans celebrate Jalen Hurts’ success as the first former OU QB to win a Super Bowl, it is evident that their contributions continue to resonate. These two talented OU football players remind us of the greatness that emerges from hard work, determination, and a love for the game.
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