Back to search

Buddy Dial

End

Inducted 1993

Date of Birth

1/17/1937

Birthplace

Ponca City, OK

School

Rice University (1956-1958)

Bio

Gilbert "Buddy" Dial was a complete two-way end. He stood 6-1, weighed 185, and was a great defender. When Rice had the ball, he was a potent blocker and a dangerous receiver who caught passes from King Hill and Frank Ryan. In 1956, he had 21 receptions, averaged 17 yards on each, made five touchdowns, and was elected Sophomore Lineman of the Year in the Southwest Conference. He again had 21 receptions in 1957 and his average gain was 24 yards. He made all-Southwest, helped Rice to the conference championship, a trip to the Cotton Bowl, and was named to the all-bowls all-star team. In 1958, he caught 19 passes, averaged 14 yards on each, was his team's co-captain and Most Valuable Player, and was consensus All-America. The Columbus Touchdown Club named him Lineman of the Year. For his career at Rice he had 13 touchdowns, tying the school record set by another Hall of Fame end, James "Froggie" Williams 1946-1949. Dial went to the Pittsburgh Steelers 1959-1963 and Dallas Cowboys 1964-1966 and was all-pro three times. After his football days were over, Dial settled in Tomball, Texas, was in real estate, oil, and banking and was a prominent speaker for civic, church, and charity groups.