Dave Ball (defensive end)

David Stewart Ball (born January 4, 1981 in Fairfield, California) is an American football defensive end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.

High school career
Ball attended Dixon High School in Dixon, California, where he was a three year letterwinner in football and basketball.

College career
Ball played defensive end for UCLA from 2000-2003, starting his final three seasons. In 2003, Ball tied for the national lead with 16.5 sacks, setting a UCLA record. He also set the UCLA record for most career sacks with 30.5. Ball earned consensus All-America honors for his senior season and was selected the ABC-Chevrolet National Defensive Player of the Year, and was the winner of the Pop Warner Award as the top senior player on the West Coast. Ball was selected to the All-Conference team his senior season.

Pro football career
Ball was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers (pick no. 133) in the 2004 NFL Draft. He was released by the Chargers during the 2005 season and was picked up by the New York Jets. Ball was signed as a free agent by the Carolina Panthers on March 26, 2007. On September 1, 2007 Ball was cut from the Panthers before the start of the regular NFL season. Ball did not play in the 2007 season, despite being signed by the Titans in January prior to their playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.