LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sam Ball, an All-American offensive tackle at Kentucky who was a member of two Super Bowl teams with the Baltimore Colts, has died. He was 79.

What You Need To Know

  • Sam Ball, an All-American football player at Kentucky, has died at 79

  • The school announced Ball’s death in his hometown of Henderson, Kentucky, on Monday after receiving word from his family

  • As a Wildcats senior, Ball earned All-SEC and consensus All-America honors before becoming the Colts' 15th overall selection in the 1966 NFL draft

  • He started in Super Bowl III and won Super Bowl V in 1971 with Baltimore's 1970 squad

The school announced Ball’s death in his hometown of Henderson, Kentucky, on Monday after receiving word from his family. No cause of death was given.

“Sam Ball was unique, on and off the football field, with a larger-than-life personality who enriched the lives of everyone he knew,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics.  “Sam’s football accomplishments speak for themselves. After his playing days, he continued to be an active Wildcat, supporting the UK Alumni Association and attending games for as many years as he was physically able.  In addition, Sam never met a stranger and had a big heart for people, evidenced by his numerous community service activities throughout his life.  He will be missed deeply in the Henderson and UK Athletics communities and our deepest condolences are with his family and friends.”

Ball was an all-state and All-American player at Henderson High School before earning similar honors with the Wildcats. He lettered from 1963-65 on Kentucky’s varsity under Charlie Bradshaw after playing on the freshman squad and was a consensus first team All-America as a senior.

Ball also made the All-Southeastern Conference first team that season, blocking for teammates who set school records in rushing, passing and total offense. His play earned appearances in the College All-Star, North-South Shrine and Senior Bowl games.

Ball played 61 NFL contests with the Colts after being drafted 15th overall in the first round in 1966. Baltimore posted pro football’s best record those five seasons and Ball played on the 1968 NFL championship team in Super Bowl III and the 1970 squad that won Super Bowl V in '71, his final pro game.

He managed his own farm and was an award-winning salesman in the agriculture industry after returning home. Ball was also a public speaker and conducted a free football camp that served more than 2,000 boys. His golf scramble, most recently held last month, benefited the homeless community.

Ball’s service activities included:

  • His own All-America Football Camp, a free youth football camp that served more than 2,000 boys. 
  • Serving as President, Chairman and/or the Board of Directors of five civic/community organizations.
  • Service and leadership roles in his church
  • The Sam Ball Golf Scramble, benefiting the homeless community served by the Salvation Army; the most recent event was held in September, just a few weeks before his passing.   

Kentucky retired Ball’s No. 73 jersey and inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame. Ball was elected to the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ball had three children, twin daughters Shannon and Shelly, along with a son, Shane.

Ball’s son, Shane, played at Kentucky from 1991-94 and wore No. 37 because, “I wanted to be a reflection of my father,” the release stated. Ball also had twin daughters Shannon and Shelly.