Sam Ball

From Henderson, Kentucky, Samuel “Sam” Davis Ball made his name early as a two-way lineman at Henderson County High School. A natural athlete with exceptional size, quickness, and work ethic, Ball became one of the state’s most highly regarded prep players of his era. He earned All-State honors, served as a team captain, and was recruited by numerous major college programs.

Ball chose to play close to home, signing with the University of Kentucky. He joined the Wildcats in 1962 under new head coach Charlie Bradshaw, a man known for his notoriously grueling and demanding practices and military-style discipline. Amid this challenging environment, Ball became a standout. He earned a reputation as a reliable, physical, and technically sound offensive tackle who could hold his own against the best defensive fronts in the Southeastern Conference. Over his career, Ball became a three-year starter, earning All-SEC and consensus All-American honors in 1965, and was widely recognized by scouts as one of the premier linemen in the country. In 2001, his was honored as a “Legend of the SEC.” The University of Kentucky later retired his #73 jersey.

He was selected 15th overall in the first round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts and was also drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the AFL. Choosing the Colts, Ball joined a Baltimore team loaded with talent and championship aspirations, led by legendary head coach Don Shula and future Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. Ball quickly earned a role on the offensive line and by his second season he became the Colts’ starting right tackle. From 1967 through 1970, he anchored one of the NFL’s most powerful and balanced offensive units.

Baltimore posted a 13–1 record in 1968 and dominated the league, outscoring opponents by more than 250 points. Ball started at right tackle in Super Bowl III, one of the most famous games in NFL history, as the Colts were upset by Joe Namath and the New York Jets. Two years later, Ball and the Colts earned redemption. During the 1970 season, Baltimore won the newly merged NFL’s AFC Championship and went on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V, 16–13, in a dramatic finish. Ball started in that game, helping secure the Colts’ first Super Bowl title.

Ball played five NFL seasons (1966–1970), all with Baltimore. After retiring from the NFL, he returned to his hometown of Henderson, Kentucky. He built a respected life as an agribusinessman and farmer, serving the tri-state area of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois as a farming products salesman.

Sam Ball passed away in his beloved hometown on October 30, 2023, at the age of 79. “Big Sam,” as he was known in Henderson, will be remembered and celebrated for his legacy of “faith, family, and football.”

Photo from Baltimore Colts and Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. Biography by Chris Aldridge.