A defensive back who played in the NFL from 1973 to 1984, known for his speed and agility on the field. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 1979.
Ray Nettles, a formidable linebacker from the University of Tennessee, is revered for his remarkable career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), earning him a place in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. With five CFL All-Star titles under his belt, Nettles left an indelible mark on the sport, cementing his status as a gridiron great.
Born on August 1, 1949, in Jacksonville, Florida, Nettles' athletic prowess was evident from an early age. He graduated from Englewood High School in 1968, where he was named Duval County's defensive player of the year and earned a third-team All-State recognition. A scholarship to the University of Tennessee beckoned, and Nettles seized the opportunity, spending his first two years as a backup to the esteemed Jack Reynolds.
In his senior year, Nettles started as linebacker, guiding the Volunteers to a 21-3 record and earning a spot on the All-SEC team in 1971. This impressive display of skills caught the attention of the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in 1972. However, Nettles opted for the CFL, citing the lure of immediate playing time and a more substantial paycheck.
Nettles' decision to join the CFL proved to be a wise one. He began his professional career with the BC Lions in 1972, earning his first All-Star selection in his rookie season. The following year, he won the CFL's Most Outstanding Lineman Award and was once again named to the All-Star team. This impressive start set the tone for a remarkable CFL career, with Nettles going on to play for the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Rough Riders, and Calgary Stampeders between 1977 and 1980.
Throughout his CFL tenure, Nettles was a dominant force on the field, earning five All-Star selections and ultimately being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Off the field, Nettles was known for his rebellious spirit, sporting long hair and living life on his own terms. His profile on the Canadian Football Hall of Fame website aptly describes him as a "tough guy" who "partied hard and drove fast motorcycles."
Ray Nettles' impact on Canadian football is still felt today, with his achievements serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the sport. As a CFL Hall of Famer, Nettles' legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, ensuring his place in the annals of Canadian sports history.
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