Clinton McDonald

Clinton Myles McDonald (born January 6, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft. McDonald also played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals.

Early life The son of Larry and Bonnie McDonald of Jacksonville, Arkansas, McDonald grew up in a military household as both his parents served. Clinton McDonald was a three-year letterman at Jacksonville High School, playing for Coach Johnny Watson, and was selected to the all-conference team twice while in high school. As a senior, he was selected to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's 5-A top prospect list, was named as 5-A Outstanding Lineman, and selected to the 5-A All-State team.

College career

University of Memphis

2005

McDonald was one of just six true freshmen to see action in 2005, playing in all 12 games for the Tigers, primarily with the special teams unit. His first collegiate action was against Ole Miss in the season opener. McDonald logged one tackle in six contests, including wins over Chattanooga, UTEP, Marshall and Akron, and had solo stops versus Chattanooga, Tulsa and Marshall.

Shortly after his Pro Day, McDonald was invited for personal workouts by Seattle, Jacksonville and Cincinnati, making it to Seattle and Jacksonville. A conflict prevented him from making it to Cincinnati. According to McDonald, his injury and missed playing time during his senior year likely kept him from being invited to the NFL Combine.

"After Arkansas State, I felt I would get invited. Even though I got hurt, my numbers were up there with the top people in nation. I heard coaches were impressed looking at me. When I didn't get invited, I didn't get down on myself. I felt there was a reason. I think God wanted me to train longer, to work harder." His agent, New York-based Neil Schwartz, told him his Pro Day workout boosted his draft status. Tony Pauline of TFYDraft.com was quoted as saying that McDonald would probably be, "one of the most underrated players in the draft."

Cincinnati Bengals McDonald was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft, the 249th pick overall. McDonald failed to make the final roster as a rookie, and was waived on September 5, 2009, before re-signing to the practice squad the following day where he remained all season. He was invited to the Bengals training camp in 2010, but was waived by Cincinnati following training camp on September 4, 2010, again re-signing to its practice squad the following day. McDonald was signed to the Bengals active roster November 8, 2010, and played in a total of 8 games, registering 4 tackles. To make room for him on the roster, the Bengals placed cornerback Rico Murray on waivers.

Seattle Seahawks He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on August 29, 2011 for Kelly Jennings, who had just signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal with the Seahawks. In 2011, McDonald played in 15 games, with one start, the first of his career, against the Washington Redskins (11/27) in place of Alan Branch. He played in 14 games in 2012 as a much-used backup along the defensive line, totaling 25 tackles, 17 of which were solo. He also played in both postseason games (at Washington and at Atlanta) and had 3 tackles (1 solo) along with 1 fumble recovery. McDonald recorded his first career NFL interception on November 17, 2013, picking off QB Matt Cassel and returning it 3 yards in a 41-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers On March 11, 2014, McDonald reached an agreement on a four-year, $12M deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The signing reunited him with former Bengals teammate Michael Johnson, who signed with the Bucs earlier in the offseason. After a good training camp, McDonald was named starting defensive tackle alongside Gerald McCoy. His debut season with the Buccaneers has been a productive season with 46 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 interception before injuries prematurely shortened his debut campaign.

Denver Broncos On March 21, 2018, McDonald signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He was released by the Broncos on September 1, 2018.

Oakland Raiders On September 13, 2018, McDonald signed with the Oakland Raiders.

Arizona Cardinals On August 26, 2019, McDonald signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He was placed on injured reserve on November 6, 2019 with a neck injury.

NFL statistics Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Comb Total Ast Sack Safety PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR 2010 CIN 8 0 4 2 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2011 SEA 15 1 35 21 14 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1 2012 SEA 14 0 25 17 8 0.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2013 SEA 15 1 35 19 16 5.5 0 2 1 3 3.0 3 0 0 1 2014 TB 13 13 45 34 11 5.0 0 2 1 3 3.0 3 0 0 2 2015 TB 6 6 31 21 10 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2016 TB 12 12 36 25 11 3.5 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2017 TB 14 3 29 18 11 5.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0Career 97 36 240 157 83 19.0 0 6 2 6 3.0 3 0 0 4

Personal life McDonald is a member of the Xi Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.