Dan Neal

“Have you ever been fortunate enough to reach for that rainbow or catch that shooting star? That’s what I had when I blocked for Walter Payton.” – Dan Neal at the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2012.

Thomas Daniel “Dan” Neal was born in the small southeastern Kentucky town of Corbin and attended J.M. Atherton High School in Louisville, where he excelled in multiple sports. It was on the football field, however, where he truly stood out. His tenacity on the offensive line and natural leadership caught the attention of college recruiters, leading him to the University of Kentucky. As a Wildcat, Neal became a mainstay on the offensive front, known for his toughness, intelligence, and consistency. He earned All-SEC honors twice and was named team captain his senior year.

Neal was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 11th round of the 1973 NFL Draft, spending two seasons in Baltimore before finding his true NFL home with the Chicago Bears. Over 11 seasons in Chicago, he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable interior linemen, blocking for legendary running back Walter Payton and helping lay the groundwork for the Bears’ dominant teams of the 1980s.

After a back injury ended his playing career, Neal transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He began with the Philadelphia Eagles before following fellow Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Buddy Ryan to the Arizona Cardinals. From there, he joined Mike Ditka’s staff with the New Orleans Saints, becoming the only person to both play for and coach with Ditka. Neal later finished his coaching career with stops in Tennessee and Buffalo.

In all, Dan Neal played and coached in 364 NFL games across four decades—a testament to his dedication and impact on the game.

Photo from the Chicagoland Sports Hall-of-Fame. Biography by Grace Frericks.