Ralph Neely
1965 · Round 2 · Pick 28 · T · Baltimore Colts
Ralph Neely was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. His family moved to New Mexico for his brother's asthma, and he was all-state in football and basketball at Farmington High School. At Oklahoma he played both ways for Bud Wilkinson and Gomer Jones, was a two-time All-American (consensus in 1964), and earned a double degree in accounting and finance. He missed the 1965 Gator Bowl after signing a pro contract before the game. Drafted by both the AFL's Houston Oilers and the NFL's Baltimore Colts in 1965, he ended up with Dallas. He played 13 seasons there (1965–1977), was a three-time first-team All-Pro, won Super Bowls VI and XII, and was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. He died on January 5, 2022. The Daily Oklahoman wrote on April 21, 1962 (NewsBank page 31): "Oklahoma's linemen are heavier this fall without a dropoff in speed. Tackle Ralph Neely, Farmington, N. M., yearling, scales 238." The Daily Oklahoman wrote on December 6, 1962 (NewsBank page 54): "OU landed tackles Dennis Ward and Ralph Neely, guard Leon Cross and back Joe Don Looney on the second squad."
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Neely | https://grokipedia.com/page/Ralph_Neely | https://soonersports.com/sports/2019/8/13/208798496 | https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NeelRa00.htm | The Daily Oklahoman, April 21, 1962, NewsBank page 31 (via NewsBank Oklahoman Collection, scanned page) | The Daily Oklahoman, December 6, 1962, NewsBank page 54 (via NewsBank Oklahoman Collection, scanned page)