ASU’s 50 Best Professional Athletes No. 5: Football’s Randall McDaniel

Few names are more synonymous with ASU football than Randall McDaniel.

Born and raised in Arizona, McDaniel attended ASU for four years after a standout track and football career at Agua Fria High School. He earned All-American honors and helped the Sun Devils make their first Rose Bowl appearance during his senior year.

McDaniel was drafted with the 19th overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Ahead of the draft, the 6-foot-3, 276-pound left guard posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.60 seconds. His speed and athleticism would help him to become recognized as one of the best and most versatile offensive lineman in league history.

McDaniel spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Vikings (1988-99), reaching the Pro Bowl 11 times while earning seven first-team All-Pro mentions. After his final year with the Vikings, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was named to the Pro Bowl during his first season for his 12th straight appearance—an NFL record.

He retired after his second season in Tampa Bay, concluding his 14-year career. He was entered into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2006 and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Check back tomorrow to see who will be No. 4 in our countdown of the 50 best ASU professionals.