Sam Ball Biography
Sam Ball (June 1, 1944 – October 30, 2023) was an American professional football player who was an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1966 through 1970. During that span, he appeared in Super Bowl III and Super Bowl V for the Colts. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Biography
College career
Ball enrolled at University of Kentucky in 1962, played on the freshman team his first year because then NCAA rules that didn't allow freshmen to play on the varsity teams. He was a three-year letterman under Coach Charlie Bradshaw. He was first team All-SEC and All-American his senior year.
Professional career
Ball was also drafted in 1966 by the Jets in the 2nd round, 15th overall. 1966 was the last year of separate drafts by the NFL and AFL.
On January 12, 1969, Ball was the starting offensive right tackle for the Colts against the Jets in Super Bowl III. He missed out on a Super Bowl ring as the Jets won 16–7, but won one two years later in Super Bowl V.
The Jets drafted Sam Walton at right tackle in 1968, who struggled as a rookie before being replaced in the playoffs by Dave Herman who moved across from right guard. Ball's choice of signing with the Colts over the Jets influenced the drafting of Walton as Ball would have been used to replace Sherman Plunkett.
Death and legacy
Ball died in Henderson, Kentucky, on October 30, 2023, at the age of 79.
