1. Gilbert Leroy "Buddy" Dial was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys.
30 Facts About Buddy Dial
1. 2.
Buddy Dial attended Magnolia High School, where he played six-man football, while being a three-time All-District end and linebacker.
3.
Buddy Dial helped his team achieve district titles in his junior and senior years, although they lost the class B regional championship to Sugar Land High School in 1953 and to Barbers Hill High School in 1954.
4.
Buddy Dial was selected to the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Team, and played in the North-South football game.
5.
Buddy Dial earned a scholarship to the Rice Institute and played as a two-way end on the football team, being a ferocious defensive player and excellent blocker and receiver on offense.
6.
Buddy Dial led the nation with a 24.2 yards per reception average.
7.
Buddy Dial contributed to Rice winning the 1957 conference championship, defying preseason predictions, and playing in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
8.
Buddy Dial was the team's co-captain and Most Valuable Player.
9.
Buddy Dial was selected consensus All-American and the Columbus Touchdown Club Lineman of the Year honors.
10.
Buddy Dial received the George Martin Award as team MVP.
11.
Buddy Dial recorded 61 receptions for 1,129 yards in his college career.
12.
Buddy Dial posted 13 career receiving touchdowns, tying the school record set by James "Froggie" Williams.
13.
Buddy Dial was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1959 NFL draft.
14.
Buddy Dial was waived before the start of the season on September 22,1959.
15.
On September 24,1959, Buddy Dial was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, teaming him with quarterback Bobby Layne.
16.
In 1960, Buddy Dial set a team record by having a 24.3-yard average per reception.
17.
Buddy Dial tallied 40 receptions for 972 yards and nine touchdowns.
18.
In 1961, Buddy Dial registered 53 receptions for 1,047 yards, a 19.8-yard average, and 12 touchdowns.
19.
Buddy Dial became the first player in team history to gain 1,000 receiving yards and set a team record with 235 receiving yards in the sixth game against the Cleveland Browns, including the longest pass play in Steelers history.
20.
Buddy Dial set a franchise record by scoring at least one touchdown in 11 consecutive games.
21.
On January 1,1964, with the team looking to shore up its defense, Buddy Dial was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for first-round draft choice Scott Appleton, who was selected by the Cowboys after previously agreeing to the deal with the Steelers.
22.
Buddy Dial left with team records of 229 receptions for 4,723 receiving yards, 42 touchdown receptions, single-season touchdown receptions, single-game receiving yards, single-season receiving yards, career yard-per-reception average and single-season yards-per-reception.
23.
In 1964, Buddy Dial started in one game, after being limited with a thigh injury he suffered in training camp that required surgery.
24.
Buddy Dial registered 11 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown.
25.
Buddy Dial recorded 17 receptions for 283 yards and one touchdown in the season.
26.
Buddy Dial finished his career with 261 receptions for 5,436 yards, a 20.8-yard average, 44 touchdowns, and four carries for 14 yards.
27.
Buddy Dial started Christian devotional services with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, and played a seminal role with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
28.
Buddy Dial considered his roll in introducing open expressions of faith his most important contribution.
29.
Buddy Dial moved to the Houston area after retiring from the NFL, living in Tomball, Texas.
30.
Buddy Dial was both involved in business and was an active speaker for civic, church and charity events.