Post-Draft Diamonds: Reality in the Rough

In the little town of Haslet, Texas exists Caden McDonald, a name many have known locally for over two decades. In the past five years of the digital world, however, McDonald is recognized as a viral sensation, “The Toothless Cowboy.”

Like most, McDonald initially began creating TikTok videos as an enjoyable hobby outside of playing collegiate football. As his following slowly grew in the virtual realm, a groundbreaking moment in reality would simultaneously change the trajectory of where his future lay online.

In September of 2022, the senior linebacker took a sharp hit to the mouth, losing his front left tooth in the process. 

“We were playing the University of Utah and it was around the third quarter. I came through on a blitz and hit the quarterback, and we both went to the ground. I got up and yelled, ‘Let’s go!!’ and that’s when I realized my tooth was gone, so I paused for five seconds and looked in the grass for my tooth, and I couldn’t find it anywhere. I just said screw it, next play, and go to put my mouthpiece in, and that’s when I found the tooth jammed in the rubber of my mouthpiece,” McDonald recalled.

“We played two more plays, then there was a timeout. I took my tooth out of [the mouthpiece], handed it to my head coach and smiled at him, and from that day on, I’ve been toothless. But we beat Utah in triple overtime, so it was 100% worth it.”

 While McDonald experienced going viral in just his third video, because he had steadily gained traction in the 3 months since starting his account, things quickly took off when social media was introduced to the gap in his career. Reserving his fake tooth for special occasions, McDonald fully embraced the missing incisor as it gave him a unique online persona.

Just over two years later, McDonald sits shy of 2 million followers and has established partnerships with notable brands, such as Wrangler, Oakley, Boot Barn and Kryptek Outdoors. Through his rising fame, content creating remained second to McDonald as he completed his collegiate eligibility as one of two linebackers in school history to hold a three-time First Team All-Mountain West Conference title. In his final season, the 2022 San Diego State Aztecs placed second in their conference, with McDonald leading the team as the Aztecs’ number one player, totaling 43 tackles (18 solo), 13 starts, 2 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups and 9 quarterback hurries.

In the months preceding his final game as an Aztec, McDonald was wholehearted in his preparation for the NFL Draft. Hoping to extend his playing days a little longer but ultimately not getting picked up, with the security of an alternative career as a Vending Project Manager and the strategic use of turning his side hobby into additional support, McDonald has adjusted to his next route after officially hanging up the cleats.

“I’m still open to it, but I’m loving life right now,” McDonald gleamed as he shared an additional highlight he’s looking forward to in the year to come. Engaged to his college sweetheart and launching his own outdoors brand, the Toothless Cowboy has eased into routine and exciting projects with his newfound freedom. 

“Social media was always the side hustle, never a priority,” McDonald said. “I can’t thank God enough and I use my platform to glorify Him.”

Beyond the Cowboy persona, McDonald has been able to expand his personal reach in posting encouragement and scripture for those to walk alongside him on a journey of faith. 

While the sport shaped him, it was through the single moment of losing his tooth that became the cornerstone platform that would eventually set him up for an unexpected post-football journey.