Robert McDade Death, Obituary – We are writing to notify you all of the passing of Robert McDade, a Cougar Letterwinner from 1987-1989. It is with a heavy heart that we do so. During the time of the Run and Shoot offense, Robert was the middle linebacker for Jim Eddy’s (RIP) Mad Dog Defense. He exemplified the character and ethos of that defense. Mac was a standout athlete in his day. After an exceptional high school career as a defensive tackle, shot putter, and the third leg of Corsicana’s State Champion 4x100M relay team, Robert began his life as a college student at SMU, where he served as a backup for a future NFL Hall of Famer named Jerry Ball.
He was accepted to the University of Hawaii after the Ponies were given the death penalty, but there was one catch: he needed to lose 30 pounds in order to play major league baseball. Robert was much liked by his fellow soldiers, and they looked up to him as a brother figure. Even though he was listed as number 44 in your game day program, his teammates ranked him as number one in their hearts at all times.
Robert was placed in a deep coma approximately 5 years ago as a result of a genetic cardiac problem that he had been fighting for a long time. He overcame everything like a genuine warrior and continued to fight for his loved ones and family even though he was waiting for a heart and kidney transplant.
It would appear that the heart medications that ultimately saved his life caused his kidneys to fail. Recently, he was able to have the heart transplant that he so desperately need. This past Sunday night, unfortunately, a piece of the blood clot that had formed as a result of the transplant broke off when he was sitting up in bed giving thanks to God for seeing him through. Robert fought valiantly, as usual, but he was victorious in Jesus this time, and the triumph was celebrated yesterday morning around 6:30. We ask that you pray for his family and loved ones, especially for his small son Peyton, and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Additionally, we ask that you remember us—teammates—in Robert’s your prayers as well.
Thank you. Yesterday, a significant portion of our hearts were taken away. We are grateful to Mac for the model of gratitude he has provided for us over the past few years, showing us how to be appreciative of every moment and every little thing. Because of football, a diverse group of teammates from a variety of cultures came together, and despite coming from various backgrounds, they have remained brothers throughout their lives. I want to express my gratitude to you, Craig Alexander, for the graphic as well as for all the support you give to #TheBrotherhood. We are aware that you are suffering greatly. We will be praying for God to give you peace at this time. Stan Kwan I want to thank you for being the person everyone at UT Southwest Hospital goes to for help.
You started your mission at the hospital, and there you found me thrusting you into a role of extending God’s mercy, grace, and love to a family that you were unfamiliar with, on behalf of a player who existed before your time. I appreciate you listening to my suggestions and always being there for Mac throughout the years. You did it because we are #Coogs4Life, but in the process, you built a unique bond with someone. Robert would frequently call me and discuss “his little buddy” with me over the phone.