Who was Mardye McDole? Murphy alum, Mississippi State star dead at 63

Mardye McDole was an American football wide receiver who had been selected out of Mississippi State University in the 1981 NFL Draft.

Mardye McDole, one of the greatest wide receivers in Mississippi State history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. McDole is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two grandchildren.

Mardye McDole was born in Pensacola, Florida, but moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he attended Murphy High School.

Mardye McDole was an All-State wide receiver at Murphy in 1976, when the Panthers reached the state championship game. McDole was a three-time All-SEC selection and an All-American in 1980 when he helped the Bulldogs upset No. 1 Alabama.

Mardye McDole was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, but his professional career was cut short by injuries. He played three seasons with the Vikings and later joined the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL and the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.