J. D. Kimmel

J.D. Kimmel (September 30, 1929 – November 24, 2008) was an American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers. He started his football career playing at Texarkana High School. He attended the University of Houston and the United States Military Academy. At Houston, Kimmel became the team's first All-American in 1952, and was later inducted into the Houston Cougars Hall of Honor in 1973.

After completing his undergraduate education at the University of Houston in 1952, Kimmel spent two years in the United States Army. He then spent four years in the National Football League – three years with the Washington Redskins and one year with the Green Bay Packers. He married Patricia Kirk in November 1957, had two daughters and five grandchildren.

After retiring from professional football, Kimmel came back to Houston, received a Masters degree in petroleum engineering from Rice University and became a prominent and well-respected businessman. He founded and operated several successful engineering and manufacturing companies based in the Houston area. He received the University of Houston's Distinguished Engineering Award in 1999.