Jerry Ball

Jerry Ball Jr. (born December 15, 1964) is a former professional American football defensive lineman in the NFL who played primarily as a nose tackle. He played professionally for the Detroit Lions, the Cleveland Browns, the Los Angeles Raiders, the Oakland Raiders, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Biography
Ball was born in Beaumont, Texas and graduated from West Brook High School in Beaumont, TX, where he played Fullback rushing for 1000 yards and LB for 1982 5A State Championship All State honors. He was All District in three positions and was selected to play in the Texas high school all star game.

He played college football at Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas. He was a four year letter-winner and ranks 4th on the all time sack list at SMU. All-American, All Southwest Conference 84-86. He was a two time Outland and Lombardi award finalist, and a Christian-Terrell 3 time winner.

Professional career
Ball was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round (63rd overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. During his career he went to three Pro Bowls with the Detroit Lions. Ball played in the NFL for thirteen seasons. He recorded 32.5 sacks during his career, most of them coming as a nose tackle with the Detroit Lions. Despite this fact, Ball spent his entire career being double team and often triple teamed by opposing teams. Ball's dominance was such a force that teams would realign their best players to help centers deal with the pressure Ball kept on the middle of offense.Known mostly as a run stuffer later in his career; he has been considered one of the best nosetackles of this era. Anchoring the Minnesota Viking defense alongside John Randle, also a Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Ball reemerged as a leader and dominant force on the Vikings 15-1 record setting team.

Ball scored two career touchdowns on September 15, 1996. he first was on a pass from Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell when the ball was tipped and caught by Ball; the dominate nose tackle rumbled 66 yards for the touchdown. The second touchdown was against Minnesota for 21 yard fumble recovery.

Personal life
Ball was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Southern Methodist University. He has three daughters; Faren, Lindsey, and Haley