Description
Book SynopsisFrom the early sixties to the late seventies, defensive end Ron McDole experienced football's golden age from inside his oldschool, twobar helmet. In The Dancing Bear McDole traces his life from his humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to his four years at the University of Nebraska, his marriage to high school sweetheart Paula, and his long, accomplished professional career.
Trade Review“It is a captivating story that covers some of the most important points in the game’s (and our nation’s) history, including the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the NFL-AFL merger, the explosion of the game’s popularity, and much more. This book is a must-have not only for fans of the Bills and the Redskins but for football fans of every stripe.
The Dancing Bear has scored a touchdown!”
—Jeffrey J. Miller, author of
Rockin’ the Rockpile: The Buffalo Bills of the American Football League“Roland McDole, which is what I always called him when I wasn’t calling him ‘sir’ out of respect, was a fine gentleman to me, except when he got ahold of me on the field. He weighed around three hundred pounds. You did not want to be under him when he fell on you. Roland was a gentle giant.”—Joe Namath, New York Jets, quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer
“I asked him once what his best move was. He said ‘I suck in my stomach and make my opponents miss me.’”—Kenny Houston, safety, Houston Oilers and Washington Redskins, and Pro Football Hall of Famer
“I’m proud to know Ron. If anyone deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, Ron does, as great and durable as he was. His name is the first name that comes to mind when I think about who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”—Mike Stratton, Buffalo Bills linebacker, six-time AFL All-Pro
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword by George Flint
Preface by Rob Morris
Acknowledgments
1. Early Life
2. The University of Nebraska
3. A Cardinal, Then an Oiler, Then a Viking
4. The American Football League Changes Everything
5. Bills, Year One
6. Back-to-Back Championship Seasons
7. The Famous Buffalo Bills Halloween Parties
8. The Slow Decline, 1966–1968
9. Goodbye, Buffalo
10. The Over-the-Hill Gang Is Born
11. Our Super Bowl Year
12. The Rest of the Redskins Years
13. The Best of . . .
14. The Dancing Bear Talks Football and Life
Afterword: Reflections from My Family
Appendix 1: Interview with Pat Fischer
Appendix 2: McDole’s Annual and Career Stats
