Offensive tackle Josh Ball has joined the New Orleans Saints from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 304 pounds, Ball was initially drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft after playing college football at Marshall University.
Ball’s NFL career began with challenges as he spent his rookie season on Injured Reserve due to an ankle injury. In 2022, he appeared in 13 regular-season games and two postseason contests for the Cowboys, with most of his contributions coming on special teams. However, his progress was again halted in 2023 when a hip injury sidelined him for the entire season, placing him on Injured Reserve. In 2024, Ball resumed his football career by contributing as part of the Cowboys’ practice squad.
A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Ball’s football journey started at Florida State University, where he played from 2016 to 2017. During his sophomore year, he established himself as a reliable presence on the offensive line, starting the last nine games of the season at left tackle. After leaving Florida State, Ball continued his development at Butler Junior College in 2018, serving as the starting left tackle.
In 2019, Ball transferred to Marshall University, where he made a notable impact on their offensive line. He played in 13 games that season, starting one of them, and further solidified his skills. The following year, in 2020, Ball became a key contributor to Marshall’s offensive line. He started all eight games he played in, including seven at right tackle and one at left tackle. His performance helped Marshall’s offense average 28.5 points per game and 391.3 total yards per game, including an impressive 178.4 rushing yards per game.
Ball’s journey reflects resilience and adaptability as he overcame injuries and transitioned between teams to continue his professional career. Now with the Saints, he brings his physical stature, versatility, and experience to bolster the team’s offensive line depth. His college career highlights his ability to adapt to different positions on the line, and his professional experience with the Cowboys demonstrates his potential to contribute in both special teams and offensive roles.
As he begins this new chapter with the Saints, Ball will look to capitalize on his opportunities and contribute to the team’s success. His journey from Florida State to Butler Junior College, Marshall, and the NFL showcases his determination and commitment to the game, making him a valuable addition to New Orleans’ roster.
