Rodney Keith McDonald (born November 7, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver the Houston Oilers and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San Jose State Spartans. McDonald made his NFL debut in 1987 when the NFPLA went on strike.

Early life and education McDonald was born on November 7, 1963. He played high school football at Phineas Banning High School in Los Angeles, California. In high school, McDonald's play was described as "explosive", making the Second-Team All-Harbor in his senior year.

McDonald attended Santa Monica College where he stayed for two years before transferring to San Jose State University. In his two seasons with the Spartans, McDonald put up 898 yards on 80 receptions and four touchdowns.

Professional career After his 1984 season, McDonald signed with the USFL's Denver Gold but ultimately did not make the final roster. Before the 1985 NFL season, McDonald was signed to the Dallas Cowboys and reported to training camp, but was waived shortly after. McDonald would sign to the Los Angeles Rams a year later, but was also waived in training camp.

In 1987, due to the NFPLA strike, McDonald signed to the Houston Oilers as a replacement player. McDonald played his first NFL game against the Denver Broncos where he caught two passes for 31 yards. His first receiving touchdown came in his second game against the Cleveland Browns, where he took his only reception of the game 15 yards for the score. After the strike concluded, McDonald was waived from the team. Before the 1988 season, the Oilers re-signed McDonald but released him two months later. He would also briefly sign with the BC Lions.

McDonald signed to the Lions and played in their preseason games during the 1989 season, but was waived shortly before the beginning of the regular season. He was signed back to the active roster on October 11, 1989. He would play six regular season games for the Lions, catching for 194 yards on 16 receptions. He would be placed on injured reserve following a Week 12 game, ending his season.

McDonald would sign to the Los Angeles Raiders, but was waived. He would also sign with the San Diego Chargers but he would be injured in training camp.

Career statistics

NFL Season TeamGPGS Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 1987 Houston Oilers30 4 56 14.0 1 1989 Detroit Lions63 12 138 11.5 0 Total 93 16 194 12.1 1

College Season TeamGP Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 1983 San Jose State11 50 536 10.7 2 1984 San Jose State11 30 362 12.1 2 Total 22 80 898 11.2 4

References