Michigan's Greatest Pro Football Players

Here is a short capsule of one of Michigan's 50 greatest pro football players. From time to time I'll highlight a former Michigander who grew up in this state and/or played high school football here before going on to star at the professional level. Players from high schools throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have gone on to receive Hall of Fame enshrinement, earn All-Pro accolades and start in Super Bowls during their distinguished professional football careers.

Here is a small write up for Gary Ballman from my book "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players." Ballman, one of the best players ever from the state of Michigan, could do it all on the gridiron.

GARY BALLMAN

Despite being an eighth round pick in the 1962 NFL draft, East Detroit High School graduate Gary Ballman would go on to become one of the best receivers and kick returners of his generation. Coming out of Michigan State University as the 104^th pick in the draft, Ballman would play 12 years in the NFL for four different teams.

Originally drafted by Pittsburgh, Ballman played five seasons for the Steelers from 1962 through 1966. He then suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 through 1972, before splitting his final professional season with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings in 1973. In total, Ballman played in 131 NFL games.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1964 and 1965, Ballman was named first team All-Pro by the Sporting News in 1964 after catching a career-best 47 passes for 935 yards and seven touchdowns. He posted a 19.9 yards per reception average which ranked second in the league. His 935 receiving yards was fourth in the NFL. In total, his 1,364 all-purpose yards was seventh in the league during the 1964 year. In 1965, he caught 40 passes for 859 yards and five touchdowns. His reception yardage was ninth in the league, while his 21.5 average yards per catch ranked third in the NFL and his 1,055 all-purpose yards ninth.

For his career, Ballman (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) finished with 323 catches for 5,366 yards and 37 touchdowns. A deep threat, Ballman had receptions of 87, 80 and 79 yards during his career. In 1970, while playing for the Eagles, he caught 47 passes for 601 yards and three TDs. His 47 receptions were 10^th best in the NFL. 

While a dangerous receiver, Ballman was just as talented as a return specialist. His 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 1963 is tied for seventh longest in Steelers’ history. With 64 total returns for 1,711 yards, he is among Pittsburgh’s career leaders, while his 26.7 yards per kick return is second best in the Steelers’ record book. In 1963, he had a career-best 22 kicks returned for 698 yards, which ranked sixth in the league,  one touchdown and a long run of 93 yards. His 31.7 yards returned per kick average that season was second in the NFL and is 17^th best all-time in league history.

With 66 career kickoff returns for 1,754 yards and one TD, Ballman’s 26.6 yards per kickoff return average over the course of his playing days, is 15^th in NFL history.

Also a productive runner when called upon, Ballman rushed for 202 career yards on 41 attempts for an average of 4.9 yards per carry with four touchdowns. In total, Ballman scored 42 career touchdowns for 252 points. A triple threat kind of player, Ballman was able to hit pay dirt and score TDs via pass reception, rushing attempt and kickoff return throughout his career.

An all around athlete, Ballman turned down a contract to pitch in the Major Leagues before being drafted by the Steelers. At Michigan State, Ballman played alongside fellow Michigan All-Time Top 50 gridders offensive lineman Ed Budde, center Dave Manders and tight end Fred Arbanas. Also a Spartan teammate during Ballman’s years at MSU was Pennsylvania native and future Hall-of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley.