Vance McDonald: Difference between revisions

{{Use mdyAmerican datesEnglish|date=JanuaryAugust 20192024}}

| name = Vance McDonald

| image = Vance McDonald 2019.jpg

| image_size = 150

| alt =

| caption = McDonald with the Steelers in 2019

| number = 89

| position = [[Tight end]]

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|6|13|mf=y}}

| birth_place = [[Winnie, Texas]], U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 4

| weight_lbs = 267

| high_school = [[East Chambers High School|East Chambers]] (Winnie, Texas)

| college = [[Rice Owls football|Rice]] (2009–2012)

| draftyear = 2013

| draftround = 2

| draftpick = 55

| pastteams =

| highlights =

| statseason =

| statweek =

| statlabel1 = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]

| statvalue1 = 181

| statlabel2 = [[Receiving yards]]

| statvalue2 = 2,036

| statlabel3 = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]

| statvalue3 = 15

| nflpfr = McDoVa00 = vance-mcdonald

'''Vance Coman McDonald''' (born June 13, 1990) is aan American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[tight end]] who played for eight seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Rice Owls football|Rice Owls]]. McDonald was draftedselected by the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in the second round of the [[2013 NFL Draftdraft]], and spent four seasons with the team. McDonaldHe also played four seasons with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Rice Owls football|Rice]].

==Early yearslife==

McDonald was born in [[Winnie, Texas]]. He attended [[East Chambers High School]] in Winnie, and played for the East Chambers Buccaneers [[high school football]] team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaleon |first=Avi |date=September 11, 2014 |title=Different paths led Thomas, McDonald to similar dream |url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/hs/article/Differnt-paths-led-Thomas-and-McDonald-to-similar-5748367.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328215115/https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/hs/article/Differnt-paths-led-Thomas-and-McDonald-to-similar-5748367.php |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=Beaumont Enterprise}}</ref> He was a three-year letterman, earning all-district 24-2A honors as both a tight end and defensive end as a senior. East Chambers won district titles in both his junior and senior year. He also competed in basketball and was a standout athlete for the [[East Chambers High School]] track team. He was a member of the [[relay race|relay team]]. He also had personal bests of 6.28 meters in the [[long jump]] and 12.53 meters in the [[triple jump]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2013 |title=footballtalentadvisors.comNFL Draft 2013 Multi-Sport Breakdown |url=http://footballtalentadvisors.com/blog/2013/04/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810142032/http://footballtalentadvisors.com/blog/2013/04/ |archive-date=August 10, 2014 |access-date=August 31, 2016 |website=footballtalentadvisors.com}}</ref>

McDonald attended [[Rice University]], where he played for the [[Rice Owls football]] team from 2009 to 2012 under head coach [[David Bailiff]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-mcdonald-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211254/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-mcdonald-1.html |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite newsweb |last=Duarte |first=Joseph |date=November 24, 2012 |title=McDonald's return helps Owls' bowl bid hopes |workurl=Houstonhttps://www.chron.com/sports/rice/article/McDonald-s-return-helps-Owls-bowl-bid-hopes-4062709.php Chronicle|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211421/https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/article/McDonald-s-return-helps-Owls-bowl-bid-hopes-4062709.php |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> He earned [[Conference USA]] All-Freshman honors after catching 12 passes in his first season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2009 |title=Ross, McDonald and Gaddis named to All Freshmen squad |url=https://riceowls.com/news/2009/12/8/ross_mcdonald_and_gaddis_named_to_all_freshmen_squad.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503154621/https://riceowls.com/news/2009/12/8/ross_mcdonald_and_gaddis_named_to_all_freshmen_squad.aspx |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Rice Owls |language=en}}</ref> As a sophomore, he posted a career-high eight touchdowns, to go along with 396 yards receiving on 28 receptions. In his final two seasons, he recorded 999 receiving yards on 80 receptions and seven touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-mcdonald-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211254/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-mcdonald-1.html |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was a first-team All-CConference-USA selection at tight end as a senior.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2012 |title=McDonald and Gaines Lead Owls All C-USA Honors |url=https://riceowls.com/news/2012/12/4/mcdonald_and_gaines_lead_owls_all_c_usa_honors.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801141833/https://riceowls.com/news/2012/12/4/mcdonald_and_gaines_lead_owls_all_c_usa_honors.aspx |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Rice Owls |language=en}}</ref>

! colspan="5"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-mcdonald-1.html Career] !! 42 !! 119 !! 1,504 !! 12.6 !! 15

===San Francisco 49ersPre-draft===

| wonderlic = 30<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGinn |first=Bob |date=April 18, 2013 |title=Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers, tight ends |url=https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/draft18g-rt9i5uk-203525881.html/ |titleurl-status=Rating the NFLlive draft prospects|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702221955/https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/draft18g-rt9i5uk-203525881.html/ Wide|archive-date=July receivers2, tight ends |website=NFL.com2022 |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2013 |title=NFL Draft Prospect Profile -– Vance McDonald |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/vance-mcdonald/32004d43-4458-9658-1fa3-62884c020db7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171526/https://www.nfl.com/prospects/vance-mcdonald/32004d43-4458-9658-1fa3-62884c020db7 |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |website=nflNFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rice TE Vance McDonald : 2013 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=103205&DraftYear=2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620094755/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=103205&DraftYear=2013 |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |website=DraftScout.com}}</ref>

He had a total of eight receptions for 119 receiving yards while appearing in 15 games and starting four of them during his rookie season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211550/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

On September 14, 2014, McDonald started his first game of the season during a loss to the [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] and made his first catch of the season and only one of the game for 9 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers -– September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065953/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140sfo.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He made his only other catch of the season during a Week 6 victory over the [[2014 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] and finished the game with one reception for 21 receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams -– October 13th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410130ram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216115501/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410130ram.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On December 9, 2014, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a back injury.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2014 |title=49ers Activate NaVorro Bowman, Place Vance McDonald on IR |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Activate-NaVorro-Bowman-Place-Vance-McDonald-on-IR/15ec24c4-6c7a-423b-accd-2e10aa9b1caf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201319/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Activate-NaVorro-Bowman-Place-Vance-McDonald-on-IR/15ec24c4-6c7a-423b-accd-2e10aa9b1caf |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=49ers.com}}</ref>

McDonald finished his second season with two receptions for 30 yards and appeared in eight games with four starts.<ref>{{Cite nameweb |title="NFL"Vance McDonald 2014 Game Log |url=https://pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902033729/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=September 2, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

He started his first and only season under new head coach [[Jim Tomsula]] as the backup to Davis once again.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2015 |title=Jim Tomsula Named 49ers Head Coach |url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2015/01/15/jim-tomsula-named-49ers-head-coach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031235/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2015/01/15/jim-tomsula-named-49ers-head-coach/ |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=CBS – San Francisco |language=en}}</ref> He started the season-opener against the [[Minnesota Vikings]] and made one reception for 5 yards during the victory. On November 22, 2015, McDonald caught his first NFL touchdown, a 19-yard pass from [[Blaine Gabbert]] against the [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref>{{Cite Theweb next|title=San game,Francisco McDonald49ers madeat aSeattle season-highSeahawks six– catchesNovember for22nd, 712015 receiving|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220sea.htm yards|url-status=live and|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121184459/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220sea.htm a|archive-date=January touchdown21, during2018 a|access-date=May 19–132, loss2023 to the [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

McDonald finished the 2015 season with 30 receptions, 326 receiving yards, and three touchdowns while appearing in 14 games and 11 starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004015413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

McDonald started his first season under head coach [[Chip Kelly]] as the starting tight end for the first time in his career, as Vernon Davis was traded midway through the previous season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2016 |title=NFL notebook: 49ers name Chip Kelly new head coach |url=https://www.ohio.com/article/20160115/SPORTS/301158989 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031009/https://www.ohio.com/article/20160115/SPORTS/301158989 |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2015 |title=Vernon Davis traded by 49ers to Denver Broncos |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vernon-davis-traded-by-49ers-to-denver-broncos-0ap3000000571861 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121065259/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000571861/article/vernon-davis-traded-by-49ers-to-denver-broncos |archive-date=January 21, 2016 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> In the 49ers' season-opening victory over the [[2016 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]], McDonald caught two passes, one for 14 yards and an 8-yard touchdown from Blaine Gabbert.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers -– September 12th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609120sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072758/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609120sfo.htm |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The next game, he caught a career-long 75-yard touchdown from Gabbert, during a 46–27 loss to the [[2016 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers -– September 18th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414154848/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180car.htm |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Anatomy of a Play: Vance McDonald's 75-yard Touchdown Catch |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/anatomy-of-a-play-vance-mcdonald-s-75-yard-touchdown-catch-17729584?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031204/https://www.49ers.com/news/anatomy-of-a-play-vance-mcdonald-s-75-yard-touchdown-catch-17729584?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=49ers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On November 6, 2016, McDonald scored a 65-yard touchdown during a 41–23 loss to the [[2016 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers -– November 6th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611060sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630143903/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611060sfo.htm |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

On December 9, 2016, the 49ers signed McDonald to a five-year, $35 million extension that included $16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $7 million.<ref name="sportrac">{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Vance McDonald contracts |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/vance-mcdonald-12336/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215141854/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/vance-mcdonald-12336/ |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=spotrac.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2016 |title=49ers Sign TE Vance McDonald to a Five-year Contract Extension |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Sign-TE-Vance-McDonald-to-a-Five-year-Contract-Extension/81e8c517-54cb-4fba-b14b-12e34738975b?sf45853136=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830012323/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Sign-TE-Vance-McDonald-to-a-Five-year-Contract-Extension/81e8c517-54cb-4fba-b14b-12e34738975b?sf45853136=1 |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=49ers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Max |date=December 9, 2016 |title=Niners sign tight end Vance McDonald to extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-sign-tight-end-vance-mcdonald-to-extension-0ap3000000754261 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517112111/https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-sign-tight-end-vance-mcdonald-to-extension-0ap3000000754261 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2016, after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 14 against the [[2016 New York Jets season|New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2016 |title=49ers Place TE Vance McDonald on IR; Claim OL Josh Allen |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Place-TE-Vance-McDonald-on-IR-Claim-OL-Josh-Allen/d219de3a-374a-4014-93f4-2e34ea8afbcd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830013028/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Place-TE-Vance-McDonald-on-IR-Claim-OL-Josh-Allen/d219de3a-374a-4014-93f4-2e34ea8afbcd |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=49ers.com}}</ref> McDonald finished the 2016 season with 24 receptions for 391 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902033738/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2016/ |archive-date=September 2, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

McDonald began the regular season as the backup tight end behind [[Jesse James (tight end)|Jesse James]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=September 20, 2017 |title=Steelers' Vance McDonald, Jesse James set goal to be NFL's best TE tandem |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/25230 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031929/http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/25230 |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On September 10, McDonald made his Steelers debut in a 21–18 victory over the [[2017 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns -– September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329033658/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100cle.htm |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=September 24, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> In his first season with the Steelers, he recorded 14 receptions for 188 receiving yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211452/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2017 |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2017–18_NFL_playoffs2017–18 NFL playoffs#AFC:_Jacksonville_Jaguars_45 Jacksonville Jaguars 45,_Pittsburgh_Steelers_42 Pittsburgh Steelers 42|Divisional Round]] against the [[2017 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], he had ten receptions for 112 receiving yards in the 45–42 victoryloss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round -– Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers -– January 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115214635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2023-05-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

During ''Monday Night Football'' against the [[2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in Week 3, McDonald finished with a career-high 112 receiving yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, as the Steelers won 30–27.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2018 |title=Steelers' Vance McDonald: Career-high 112 yards in win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/steelers-vance-mcdonald-career-high-112-yards-in-win/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009214406/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/steelers-vance-mcdonald-career-high-112-yards-in-win/ |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> In Weeks 10–11, he recorded receiving touchdowns against both the [[2018 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] and [[2018 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=November 8, 2018 |title=Panthers pressured early and often in 52-2152–21 loss to Steelers |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-pressured-early-and-often-in-52-21-loss-to-steelers?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216073912/https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-pressured-early-and-often-in-52-21-loss-to-steelers?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Panthers.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Defeo |first=Anthony |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Vance McDonald's late TD catch wasn't just athletic, it was ridiculously timely |url=https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/11/20/18103821/vance-mcdonalds-late-td-catch-wasnt-just-athletic-it-was-ridiculously-timely-steelers-jaguars-nfl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031830/https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/11/20/18103821/vance-mcdonalds-late-td-catch-wasnt-just-athletic-it-was-ridiculously-timely-steelers-jaguars-nfl |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Behind the Steel Curtain}}</ref>

McDonald finished the 2018 season with 50 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2018/ |accessurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503154636/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2018/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-05-02date=May 2, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In week 2 against the [[2019 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], McDonald caught seven passes for 38 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers lost 26–28.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 15, 2019 |title=Wilson, Seahawks edge Steelers 28-2628–26 as Roethlisberger exits |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128110 |accessurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916161546/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128110 |archive-date=15September 16, 2019 |access-date=September 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In the 2019 season, McDonald had 38 receptions for 273 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in 14 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2019/ |accessurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503154624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2019/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-05-02date=May 2, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

McDonald was placed on the reserve/[[COVID-19]] list by the team on November 9, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=November 9, 2020 |title=McDonald placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/mcdonald-placed-on-reserve-covid-19-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205223744/https://www.steelers.com/news/mcdonald-placed-on-reserve-covid-19-list |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2020 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> and was activated on November 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Steelers activate McDonald; make other roster moves |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-activate-mcdonald-make-other-roster-moves |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202134055/https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-activate-mcdonald-make-other-roster-moves |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2020 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> He had 15 receptions for 99 receiving yards in 14 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vance McDonald 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2020/ |accessurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503154638/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McDoVa00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-05-02date=May 2, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

On January 22, 2021, McDonald announced his retirement after eight seasons in the league.<ref name="retires">{{Cite web |last=Batko |first=Brian |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Vance McDonald retires from NFL after four years with Steelers |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/01/22/vance-mcdonald-retires-steelers-tight-end-nfl-2021/stories/202101220108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122142632/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/01/22/vance-mcdonald-retires-steelers-tight-end-nfl-2021/stories/202101220108 |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=January 22, 2021 |website=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]}}</ref>

McDonald is married to Kendi McDonald. They have three children. McDonald is a [[Christianity|Christian]] and the pair are supporters of [[Convoy of Hope]].<ref name="Sports Spectrum">{{Cite web |last=Ackerman |first=Jon |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Tight end Vance McDonald honored by Steelers for selfless work with Convoy of Hope |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2020/12/11/vance-mcdonald-steelers-selfless-convoy-of-hope/ |accessurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211193329/https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2020/12/11/vance-mcdonald-steelers-selfless-convoy-of-hope/ |archive-date=13December 11, 2020 |access-date=December 13, 2020 |website=Sports Spectrum}}</ref>

{{footballstats|pfr=M/McDoVa00|yahoo=26678}}