Sam Ball

Samuel Davis Ball (June 1, 1944 – October 30, 2023) was an American professional football player who served as an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1966 to 1970.^[1][2] Born in Henderson, Kentucky, Ball excelled in high school football at Henderson County High School, where he earned All-State honors and served as team captain.^[3] At the University of Kentucky from 1962 to 1965, he was a standout offensive tackle, earning consensus All-American status in 1965, All-SEC recognition, and later induction into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame; the Wildcats retired his No. 73 jersey in his honor.^[1][3] Selected 15th overall in the first round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Colts, Ball quickly became a key starter on the offensive line, appearing in 61 games and starting 45 over his five-season career.^[3][4] He contributed to the team's success in the late 1960s, starting in Super Bowl III (a loss to the New York Jets) and playing a role in their Super Bowl V victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 1971.^[5][2] After retiring from football, Ball returned to his hometown of Henderson, where he worked as an agribusinessman and farmer, building a legacy centered on faith, family, and community involvement.^[3] Known affectionately as "Big Sam" for his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame, he was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing his contributions to the sport at all levels.^[3] Ball passed away at his home in Henderson on October 30, 2023, at the age of 79, surrounded by family.^[6]

Early life and education

High school career

Samuel Davis Ball was born on June 1, 1944, in Henderson County, Kentucky, to parents Frances Hall Ball and Davis Ball, growing up in a community with deep local roots that fostered his early interest in athletics.^[6] Ball attended Henderson County High School in Henderson, Kentucky, where he emerged as a standout three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track.^[7] As a two-way lineman on the football team, he demonstrated exceptional size, quickness, and work ethic, earning recognition as one of Kentucky's most highly regarded prep players of his era.^[3] He served as a four-year starter for the Henderson County Colonels football team from 1959 to 1962, contributing to an impressive overall record of 32–2–2 during his tenure.^[5] By his senior year in 1962, Ball was regarded as the finest offensive tackle in the state, captaining the team and helping anchor a dominant offensive line.^[7][3] His high school prowess garnered All-State and All-America honors, drawing attention from scouts and leading to recruitment by numerous major college programs, including the University of Kentucky.^[1][3]

College career

Sam Ball enrolled at the University of Kentucky in 1962, where he played on the freshman team that year due to NCAA rules prohibiting freshmen from varsity competition.^[1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the university upon completing his studies in 1966.^[8] Ball became a three-year varsity letterman from 1963 to 1965 under head coach Charlie Bradshaw, starting at offensive tackle for the Wildcats.^[1] As a sophomore in 1963, he contributed to a young squad that struggled to a 3-6-1 overall record and 0-5-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), facing tough losses in rivalry games against Auburn (13-14) and Tennessee (0-19).^[9] The 1964 season marked improvement, with Ball anchoring the line for a 5-5 overall finish and 4-2 SEC record that tied for second place; the team achieved notable upsets, including a 27-21 victory over No. 1 Ole Miss and a 20-0 shutout of No. 7 Auburn, while the offense averaged 262.1 total yards per game.^[9] In his senior year of 1965, Ball served as team co-captain and earned recognition as the outstanding offensive lineman, helping lead Kentucky to a 6-4 overall record and 3-3 SEC finish that tied for sixth place.^[1] His blocking was instrumental in key wins, such as a 28-10 triumph over No. 10 Georgia and a 16-7 decision against Mississippi, contributing to a team total offense of 3,042 yards for the season.^[9] Ball received first-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and United Press International, as well as consensus first-team All-America selections from organizations including UPI, NEA, and the Football Writers Association of America; he also won the team's Most Valuable Senior Award.^[1]

Professional football career

Draft and entry into the NFL

In the 1966 NFL Draft, Sam Ball was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the first round with the 15th overall pick, marking him as a highly regarded prospect from the University of Kentucky.^[10] His draft appeal stemmed from his impressive physical stature—standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and weighing 250 lb (113 kg)—which suited the demands of the offensive tackle position, combined with his strong college performance that included All-American recognition.^[4][2] Entering training camp as a rookie, Ball focused on adapting to the faster pace and physical intensity of professional football, learning essential techniques from veteran All-Pro offensive lineman Jim Parker, who mentored him on key blocking moves during practice sessions.^[11] Assigned to the offensive tackle role, he spent the preseason and early regular season building his skills amid the Colts' competitive environment, where the emphasis was on precision and endurance at the line of scrimmage.^[12] During the 1966 season, Ball appeared in seven games as a reserve offensive tackle, providing depth to the unit without securing a starting position that year.^[4] He integrated into the team's dynamics alongside established stars like quarterback Johnny Unitas, contributing to the offensive line's efforts in pass protection and run blocking during his limited snaps, which helped support Baltimore's balanced attack.^[12] This initial exposure allowed Ball to gain valuable experience on a squad featuring multiple future Hall of Famers, setting the foundation for his development in the league.^[11]

Career highlights and Super Bowl appearances

Sam Ball's professional career with the Baltimore Colts spanned from 1966 to 1970, during which he appeared in 61 games and started 42 as a right offensive tackle.^[4] Over these five seasons, the Colts compiled a strong 52–14–4 regular-season record, underscoring the strength of their offensive line, including Ball's contributions to pass protection and run blocking.^{[13][14][15][16][17]} Ball's role became prominent starting in his second season, where he anchored the right side of the line to support a potent rushing attack led by running backs like Tom Matte and Jerry Hill. In 1968, for instance, the Colts' ground game amassed 1,809 rushing yards, with Matte rushing for 662 yards, helping the team secure a 13-1 regular-season record and the NFL Coastal Division title.^[15] Ball started all 14 games that year, providing crucial protection for quarterback Johnny Unitas and enabling the offense to lead the league in scoring with 402 points.^[4] A pinnacle of Ball's career came during the 1968 postseason, culminating in Super Bowl III against the New York Jets on January 12, 1969. As the starting right tackle, Ball participated in the 16-7 loss, focusing on protection duties amid the Colts' struggles against the Jets' defense, which limited Baltimore to 324 total yards.^[4][18] In 1969, Ball started all 14 games as the Colts finished 8-5-1 and advanced to the playoffs. The following year, injuries limited his starts to just two regular-season games during the Colts' 11-2-1 campaign, though he appeared in the postseason, including Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys on January 17, 1971, where the Colts prevailed 16-13 in a gritty, turnover-filled contest known as the "Blunder Bowl." Ball's blocking helped sustain drives in a game where Baltimore's offense managed 329 total yards, securing the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.^[4][19][1] As injuries accumulated toward the end of his career, Ball's tenure closed after the 1970 campaign, having been part of two Super Bowl teams that highlighted his impact on one of the era's dominant lines.^[1]

Retirement from football

Sam Ball's professional football career concluded after the 1970 NFL season, when accumulating knee injuries forced his retirement at the age of 26.^[11] During that final year with the Baltimore Colts, Ball appeared in 12 games, starting only 2, a significant drop from his earlier seasons where he was a mainstay on the offensive line.^[4] The injuries, which he described as leaving his "knees shot," had progressively worsened, culminating in a decision to step away rather than risk permanent disability.^[11] "I retired lame," Ball later reflected. "If I’d stayed, I’d be crippled."^[11] Ball's last game was Super Bowl V on January 17, 1971, where the Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys 16-13, capping his tenure with the franchise during one of its most successful eras.^[1] Over five seasons, he contributed to a Colts team that compiled a 52-14-4 regular-season record, won two conference championships, and reached two Super Bowls, with Ball anchoring the line for quarterback Johnny Unitas and the offense.^[4] Contemporaries and observers noted his reliability as a first-round draft pick who started 42 games in total, playing a key role in protecting the backfield during Baltimore's championship runs.^[4] In immediate reflections upon retiring, Ball expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside seven future Hall of Famers, calling it "every kid’s dream" for a "country boy" from Kentucky.^[11] He began contemplating life beyond the gridiron, focusing on preserving his health after enduring the physical toll of the sport, though he initially viewed the transition as a necessary step to avoid further deterioration.^[11] Ball's abrupt exit underscored the era's demanding nature for offensive linemen, where repetitive trauma often shortened careers despite peak performance.^[1]

Later life and contributions

Business and community involvement

After retiring from the NFL following the 1970 season, Sam Ball relocated to his hometown of Henderson, Kentucky, where he focused on building a new career in agriculture.^[5] Ball pursued a successful career as a seed salesman in the agribusiness sector, working for over 30 years and serving the tri-state region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.^[6] In his role, he dramatically expanded sales in his district, increasing annual agricultural seed distribution from 1,300 bags to over 150,000 bags, contributing to the company's multi-million-dollar success and supporting local farmers' productivity.^[8] His efforts earned him recognition as an award-winning salesman in the industry.^[1] In addition to his sales work, Ball owned and operated a successful grain and cattle farm in Crittenden County, Kentucky, where he raised cattle as a key part of his agricultural ventures.^[20] The operation provided economic benefits to the local area by sustaining farming jobs and contributing to regional livestock markets, reflecting Ball's commitment to rural development.^[3] He often shared personal stories of the hands-on challenges and rewards of ranching, such as balancing farm management with family life after his professional sports days.^[8] Ball remained deeply involved in his Henderson community, actively participating in local civic organizations, church activities, and youth coaching programs.^[8] His community service included mentoring young athletes through coaching roles, fostering sportsmanship and development among local youth, and supporting events that strengthened Henderson's social fabric.^[21]

Motivational speaking and public engagements

Following his retirement from professional football, Sam Ball emerged as a sought-after motivational speaker, leveraging his experiences as an All-American at the University of Kentucky and a two-time Super Bowl participant with the Baltimore Colts to inspire audiences on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal motivation.^[22][11] His talks often emphasized playing with "heart and soul," the importance of team dynamics in all aspects of life, and self-motivation to maximize one's potential, drawing from stories of overcoming challenges during his NFL career, including high-stakes games like Super Bowl V.^[22][1] Ball's engagements spanned over 30 years across the United States and Canada, targeting diverse groups such as sports teams, corporate sales professionals, farmers, and youth at events including clinics and camps.^[22] In Kentucky and beyond, he delivered keynote speeches at agricultural conferences, business seminars, and community gatherings, where he incorporated homespun humor and country-boy anecdotes to make his messages relatable and engaging.^[11][5] One notable example was his free annual football camp in Henderson, Kentucky, which served more than 2,000 young boys and used his football background to teach life lessons on discipline and resilience.^[23] Key speeches, such as "If You Can't Run With Big Dogs, Stay On The Front Porch," highlighted teamwork through NFL tales of collaboration under pressure, while "Max God's Gifts" focused on faith-driven perseverance, adapting personal anecdotes from his college days and Super Bowl appearances for broader audiences.^[22] Ball described his style as delivering not just a speech but "a show," blending wit, storytelling, and inspiration to captivate listeners.^[5] The impact of Ball's speaking was evident in testimonials from event organizers and attendees, who praised his ability to motivate professionals toward greater productivity and youth toward positive life choices.^[22] For instance, sales teams reported adopting new attitudes that boosted performance, while farmers credited his talks with renewed drive for profitability; one conference planner noted, "The group is still talking about him," underscoring his lasting influence on both young athletes and corporate groups.^[22][1] His outgoing personality and combination of humor and wisdom inspired countless individuals, as reflected in his high demand for public appearances.^[1]

Death and legacy

Death

Samuel Davis Ball died on October 30, 2023, at his home in Henderson, Kentucky, at the age of 79.^[1][2][6] Born on June 1, 1944, Ball had resided in Henderson for much of his post-NFL life.^[5] No cause of death was publicly disclosed by his family.^[24] Ball passed away surrounded by his loving family, as noted in his obituary.^[6] His son, Shane Ball, confirmed the death occurred early that Monday morning at the family home.^[5] The University of Kentucky Athletics Department announced his passing later that day, receiving word directly from the family.^[1] Funeral arrangements included visitation on November 7, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on November 8 from 12 p.m. until the service time, both at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Henderson.^[6] A memorial service followed on November 8 at 2 p.m. at the same location, with burial at Fernwood Cemetery.^[6] In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to The Salvation Army of Henderson or Saint Anthony’s Hospice.^[6] Local community members and former teammates expressed condolences shortly after the announcement, highlighting Ball's impact in Henderson.^[25]

Honors and posthumous recognition

During his lifetime, Sam Ball received several accolades recognizing his contributions to football at both the collegiate and professional levels. He was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural charter class in 2005, honoring his All-American performance as an offensive tackle from 1962 to 1965. The university also retired his No. 73 jersey in recognition of his impact on the program. In 2018, he was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame, joining other notable figures from the state's sports history in a ceremony at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. Ball was also an inaugural inductee into the Henderson County Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. Following Ball's death on October 30, 2023, tributes poured in from institutions and communities he influenced. The University of Kentucky Athletics Department issued a statement describing him as a "unique" All-American and five-year NFL veteran whose legacy extended beyond the field, emphasizing his character and family devotion. In his hometown of Henderson, Kentucky, the local community organized a visitation at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where friends, family, and fans gathered to honor his life, with coverage noting his status as a Henderson County High School standout. The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame shared a public mourning post, calling him a "true legend" and former Baltimore Colts player. In 2025, Ball was posthumously inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his five-season NFL career, particularly his role in protecting quarterback Johnny Unitas during the Colts' championship eras.^[3] Ball's lasting influence is evident in his recognition as a pioneer of offensive line play during the NFL's golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, where his blocking helped anchor the Colts' line in two Super Bowl appearances, including their victory in [Super Bowl V](/page/Super Bowl V). His All-SEC and consensus All-American honors at Kentucky elevated the program's reputation, inspiring subsequent generations of Wildcat linemen and solidifying his role in the state's football heritage. Media retrospectives, such as those from ESPN and local outlets like The Gleaner, have highlighted his journey from a Henderson native to NFL champion, underscoring his embodiment of perseverance and community pride.