Thad McDowell

Class of 2013

Thad McDowell, born in 1968 at Fox Army Hospital on Redstone Arsenal, grew up in Huntsville’s Love subdivision and became one of the city’s most feared linebackers. His athletic roots began in backyard football, later sharpening his skills at Ed White Middle School as an All-City wrestler before focusing on football at J.O. Johnson High School.

By his senior year in 1986, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound McDowell led a Jaguars team that never lost a city game in the mid-1980s. That season, Johnson went 11-0, and McDowell was named All-City, 6A All-State, and Adidas All-American. His standout moment came in 1985 when Johnson stunned powerhouse Moeller High in Cincinnati, a game in which he recorded 11 tackles.

At the University of Southern Mississippi, McDowell was a three-year starter and four-year letterman at linebacker, amassing 306 tackles, five sacks, and four interceptions. He was part of signature upsets, including victories over No. 1 Florida State (1989) and both Alabama and Auburn in 1990.

After earning his degree in management in 1992, McDowell transitioned to business as general manager of TM Finance, Inc., in Georgia. His legacy remains tied to his relentless style of play, leadership, and the pride he brought to Huntsville football.

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