Tuesday Headlines: Sam Ball Edition

Big Blue Nation lost a football legend on Monday when Sam Ball passed away at the age of 79. Ball is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame, has his jersey retired, and was an All-American during the 1965 season.

The UK legend was drafted 15th overall by the Baltimore Colts, where he played five seasons. He was a part of their NFL championship team in 1968 and their Super Bowl championship team in 1970.

After his playing career, Ball returned to his hometown of Henderson, where he built a career in agriculture. He managed his own family farm while also working in Ag sales.

UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart had the following to say in memory of Ball.

“Sam Ball was unique, on and off the football field, with a larger-than-life personality who enriched the lives of everyone he knew. 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.”

Our prayers go out to Ball’s family and friends during this time.

Tweet of the Day

A great night indeed.

Headlines

Sam Ball, UK Football Hall of Famer, Has Died – UK Athletics

In addition to being a retired jersey honoree at UK, Ball also is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame. He also was elected to the (state of) Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Wildcats Set for Quarterfinal Clash with Georgia on Tuesday – UK Athletics

Kentucky will play in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals for the first time since 2014.

Maddie Scherr Sure to Draw Plenty of Attention This Season – UK Athletics

Scherr is the team’s leading returning scorer after averaging 11.6 points per game last season. But she does so much more than just scoring.

No Joy in Big Numbers for Devin Leary in UT Loss - Vaught’s Views

Winning is all that matters.

Vikings’ Kirk Cousins has torn Achilles - ESPN

Out for the season.

Antonio Reeves Likes Where Cats Are At - Vaught’s Views

Cats have to be happy to have Reeves back.

Cardinals bench Joshua Dobbs - ESPN

This was... odd.

Colorado continues freefall in NCAA Re-Rank - USA Today

The Buffaloes are now sitting at 4-4 after losing to UCLA.

Kentucky Bowl Projections after the Tennessee loss - KSR

Assuming they become bowl eligible, that is.

Cooper Flagg commits to Duke basketball - USA Today

Surprised by this?

Davis-Wade Stadium is house of horrors for UK football - KSR

It’s possible that continues on Saturday.