Rolando McClain
Rolando Marquise McClain (born July 14, 1989 in Decatur, Morgan County) is a former All-American and Butkus Award-winning defensive back for the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team. McClain was a first-round NFL draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2010.
McClain played linebacker and tight end at Decatur High School and was selected as a Parade All-American. He was recruited to Alabama by then-head coach Mike Shula. When Shula was dismissed, incoming coach Nick Saban worked to secure the commitment.
McClain played as a true freshman for the 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team, finishing with 75 tackles, five for losses. he also recorded a sack, four pass break-ups, three QB hurries and two interceptions. His 15 tackles in the 2007 Iron Bowl led the team. He was named a Freshman All-SEC and All-American player.
In his sophomore season McClain emerged as the on-field leader for Alabama's defense. Though he was the focus of opponents' blocking efforts all year he led the team with 95 tackles, 12 for loss. He also recorded 3 sacks (two of them against Mississippi State), six pass breakups, an interception and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned 4 yards for a touchdown.
McClain entered his junior season as an All-American. He started all 14 games for the undefeated national champions, amassing 105 tackles with 14 1/2 for losses. He was credited with four sacks, two interceptions, four pass break-ups, 14 hurries, and a forced fumble. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and selected for the All-SEC team. He also won the Butkus Award and Lambert Trophy, both recognizing him as the best collegiate linebacker.
A week after the BCS Championship Game, McClain declared his intention to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. He was taken in the first round, 8th overall, by the Oakland Raiders.
In December 2011 McClain was arrested in Decatur and charged with 3rd degree assault, reckless endangerment and menacing following the discharge of a firearm. In January of the same year, McClain's SUV was damaged by gunfire in the same city. He retired from the NFL in May 2013 and returned to Alabama to complete his degree. That same year, McClain was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest during a gathering in a Decatur park. He was convicted by a municipal judge and sentenced to 18 days in jail.
In July 2014 McClain's contract was acquired from the Ravens by the Dallas Cowboys. He emerged as a leader for the team's rejuvenated defense, but played sparingly in the NFL playoffs due to concussions. He signed a 1-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys in 2015, but underwent knee surgery just prior to training camp, and was then suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. After the suspension he played eleven games at middle linebacker and was re-signed to another 1-year contract, valued at $5 million, in March 2016.
In June, McClain was again found in violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy and was suspended for 10 games. In May 2017 he was arrested during a traffic stop in Hartselle, Morgan County and charged with 2nd degree marijuana possession and carrying a firearm without a permit.
References
- "Rolando McClain" (June 30, 2016) Wikipedia - accessed June 30, 2016
- Kausler, Jr, Don (April 23, 2010) "Rolando McClain, Kareem Jackson sing praises for Alabama coach Nick Saban." The Birmingham News
- "Rolando McClain arrested." (December 1, 2011) WAAYTV.com
- Casagrande, Michael (March 12, 2014) "Rolando McClain talks potential NFL comeback, says he doesn't have any plans just yet." The Birmingham News
- Gattis, Paul (July 25, 2014) "Former Alabama star Rolando McClain found guilty on 2 charges in Decatur." The Birmingham News
External links
- McClain profile at rolltide.com