Jerry Ball was a professional football player who played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on March 12, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Central Michigan University, where he played college football.

Ball began his professional career in the NFL in 1987 when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Lions for five seasons, from 1987 to 1991, and was known for his strength and agility on the field. During his time with the Lions, Ball was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1989 and 1990, and was also named to the All-Pro team in 1990.

In 1992, Ball signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He played for the Buccaneers for three seasons, from 1992 to 1994, and was a key player on the team's defense. In 1993, he was named to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career.

After his time with the Buccaneers, Ball played for several other NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns. He played for the Raiders for two seasons, from 1995 to 1996, and was a member of the team that played in Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. He played for the Vikings for one season, in 1997, and for the Browns for two seasons, from 1998 to 1999.

Throughout his career, Ball was known for his toughness and his ability to stop the run. He was a dominant force on the defensive line and was often double-teamed by opposing teams. He was also known for his leadership on and off the field, and was respected by his teammates and coaches.

After retiring from the NFL, Ball worked as a coach and mentor to young football players. He also worked as a motivational speaker and was involved in several charitable organizations.

In conclusion, Jerry Ball was a highly successful and respected football player who had a long and distinguished career in the NFL. He was known for his strength, agility, and toughness on the field, and was a key player on several teams throughout his career. He was also a leader and mentor to young players, and was involved in several charitable organizations.

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