Pro Football Hall of Fame: Randall McDaniel

The Minnesota Vikings used their first round selection (19th overall) in the 1988 NFL Draft on guard Randall McDaniel, an All-America and four-year starter from Arizona State. Randall immediately earned a starting role with the Vikings, playing in all 16 games in his rookie season, 15 of them as a starter. His efforts were recognized that year as he was selected to several all-rookie teams and named a second-team All-NFC pick.

Randall continued to excel the following season as he began a streak of 202 consecutive starts that continued through the end of his career. He also earned the first of 12 straight Pro Bowl berths.

Randall McDaniel, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

In his acceptance speech, Randall made interesting similarities between playing football in the trenches (as an offensive linemen) and in his current profession as a teacher. And he encouraged everyone to make a difference in the lives of others:

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have two passions in my life. The first was football, the second was education. I do find many similarities between playing on the offensive line and working in the classroom. On the line, you have a bunch of regular guys who bring their lunch pails to work and do a tough job without much fanfare or glory. They pretty much go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. And yet, if they weren’t there, nothing else would be possible. Life as an educator is quite similar. You bring your lunch pail to work. You do an extremely tough job without much fan fare or glory, and like an offensive lineman, you typically go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. And yet, without teachers, nothing much would be possible. I think that’s why I feel so comfortable in the classroom. I get to work in the trenches again. With a passionate group of people, fighting the good fight, and trying to make a difference. I guess that’s why I’ll always be a lunch pail kind of guy.”

Growing up a Minnesota Vikings fan, I was more than familiar with just how talented Randall was, unorthodox style and all. I especially remember him as 1/5 of the foundation of the then-highest scoring offense in NFL history during the Vikings’ 1998 season.