Duke Preston

Raymond Newton "Duke" Preston, III (born June 12, 1982 in San Diego, California) is a former American football center. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois.

Preston has also been a member of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Ray Preston.

Early years
Preston graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego.

College career
Preston played college football at the University of Illinois.

Buffalo Bills
Preston was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Bills where he played in all 16 games in the 2005 season, starting one game for the injured Chris Villarrial and playing on special teams. In 2006, Preston appeared in all 16 games for the Bills while starting in 8 of the contests. In 2007, Preston failed to start in any games for the Bills, but made appearances in 13 of the clubs 16 games. In his final season with the Bills (2008), Preston started 11 games, all at center, sharing time with Melvin Fowler. He has also played some guard and right tackle for the Bills making appearances in 15 of the teams 16 contests. In 2009, Preston and Fowler were replaced by Geoff Hangartner.

During the four years Preston spent with the Bills, he appeared in 59 of the teams 64 contests while getting a starting nod in 20 of them. After the 2008 season, Preston became an unrestricted free agent.

Green Bay Packers
Preston was signed by the Green Bay Packers on March 30, 2009. He was informed of his release on August 25.

Dallas Cowboys
Preston signed with the Dallas Cowboys on August 26, 2009, declining offers from the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders. He was released on October 10, to make room for Chauncey Washington who was signed from the practice squad. He was re-signed on October 12, after Washington was waived.

Retirement
On May 8, 2010, Preston announced that he would retire from football finishing his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Personal
His father, Raymond Preston, was a standout football player at Syracuse University, and had a nine year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers. He has one sister Casie currently living and teaching in Indianapolis.