Dave Ball life and biography

PRO:
Dave Ball came to Tennessee as a free agent in 2008, hungry to take advantage of the attacking scheme employed by the Titans defense that matches his talents. Originally a fourth-round draft choice by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, his arduous road to success in the NFL led him to three different teams prior to the Titans. Before signing as a free agent in 2008, Ball spent time with the Chargers (2004-05), New York Jets (2005-06) and Carolina Panthers (2007).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• Ball’s top statistical season came in 2008, when he tallied 4.5 sacks, 51 tackles and one interception in 15 games (three starts).
• In 2008, in a Thanksgiving game at Detroit (11/27), Ball recorded his first career interception, picking off a Daunte Culpepper pass and racing 15 yards for a touchdown. He celebrated as he crossed the goal line with a Turkey dance. Ball also recorded a sack and forced fumble in the game.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• His identical twin brother, Matt, also played defensive end at UCLA and currently works for a research and development group in Washington, D.C.
• With patience and determination, Ball traveled a long road to find a professional home in Tennessee. After moving from San Diego to the New York Jets to Carolina, he was completely out of football awaiting a contract from September 2007 until January 2008, when the Titans signed him. An 8”x11” sheet of paper, which he affixed early in his Titans tenure, is taped in his locker that reads in blue marker “Time is running out!!”

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Fairfield, Calif., native was originally selected in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
• Released by the Chargers on Nov. 5, 2005 and signed to the practice squad on Nov. 8.
• Signed by the New York Jets off the San Diego practice squad on Dec. 13, 2005 and stayed with the Jets through the 2006 campaign.
• Signed with the Carolina Panthers from March 26-Sept. 2, 2007 (out of football during 2007 season).
• Signed by the Titans as a free agent on Jan. 3, 2008.

COLLEGE:
• Played defensive end for UCLA from 2000-03, starting his final three seasons. Recorded 139 tackles, 30.5 sacks (UCLA record), and 43.5 tackles for loss during his career.
• As senior (2003), named first-team Sporting News All-America, Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac 10 selection. Won Pac 10’s Morris Trophy (top lineman) after leading country and setting school record with 16.5 sacks.
• Graduated with degree in history.

PERSONAL:
• Married to Carrie with sons, Mason (3) and Cade (newborn).
• At Dixon (Calif.) High School, named league Defensive Player of the Year and won All-State honors. Also played basketball in high school.
• List of favorites: (TV shows) “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons” and “60 Minutes”; (actors) Guy Pearce and Viggo Mortensen; (music artists or groups) U2, The Shins and Nirvana; (food) In-N-Out Burgers; (vacation spot) at home on the couch; (school subject) history; (car) Ferrari; (sports heroes) Bo Jackson and Magic Johnson; and (book) “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy.
• Born David Stewart Ball on Jan. 4, 1981 in Fairfield, Calif.

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