Josh Ball Bio
Josh Ball (born May 15, 1998) is an American professional football offensive tackle. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints, and he is known for a college career that spanned three programs.
Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, Ball developed into a project prospect with the size and arm length teams look for at offensive tackle. He has spent the early part of his NFL career working to translate his physical tools into steady professional production.
Early Life and Background
Josh Ball grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and attended Stafford Senior High School, where he played football. As a senior, he was a starter at left tackle and earned All-State and All-Conference honors for his work in the trenches.
He was rated as a four-star recruit coming out of high school and committed to Florida State University to play college football. His size and athleticism made him one of the more coveted offensive line prospects in his recruiting class.
Path to Professional Football
Ball began his college career at Florida State, where he joined a competitive offensive line room. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, he was named the starting left tackle in the fifth game against Duke University and went on to start the final nine contests of the season.
His path took several turns after that debut. Following a suspension and transfer, Ball landed at Butler Community College, where he became the starting left tackle. In 2019, he transferred to Marshall University to finish his college career.
Josh Ball Career
Early Career at Marshall (2019–2020)
As a junior at Marshall in 2019, Ball served as a key reserve on the offensive line, appearing in 13 games and making one start against Western Kentucky University. The season allowed him to adjust to a new program while continuing to refine his pass-protection technique.
In 2020, his senior season was reduced to ten games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He started eight games at left tackle and was ejected from the Conference USA Championship Game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham after two personal foul penalties. He was named first-team All-Conference USA after the season.
Dallas Cowboys (2021–2024)
Ball was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round, 138th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract on May 20, 2021, but his first season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain on September 2.
In 2022, Ball competed with rookie Matt Waletzko for the reserve swing tackle position. Late in the year, he was forced into action against the Houston Texans after Terence Steele suffered a torn ACL and MCL. He played 41 snaps across 13 games as a backup.
On August 29, 2023, Ball was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hip injury in the final preseason game. He was released during roster cuts on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad the next day.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–2025)
On December 31, 2024, the New Orleans Saints signed Josh Ball to their active roster, giving him another opportunity to compete at the professional level. He was declared inactive for the season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 2025, Ball competed for the backup right tackle position behind Taliese Fuaga during the preseason. On July 28, 2025, he was waived by the Saints as the team finalized its offensive line depth chart.
Notable Events and Milestones
Josh Ball’s first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2020 marked the most decorated season of his career to that point. His selection in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, despite off-field questions that affected his draft stock, stands as a major milestone in his professional journey.
Josh Ball Career Highlights
Across his college stops at Florida State, Butler Community College, and Marshall, Ball built a steady résumé that culminated in first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2020. His professional résumé includes a fourth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Marshall Thundering Herd Highlights
Ball joined Marshall in 2019 and contributed on the offensive line as both a starter and a rotational player. His senior campaign in 2020, though shortened by the pandemic, ended with All-Conference USA recognition.
Other Performances
Before Marshall, Ball showed his pass-protection potential at Butler Community College, where he served as the starting left tackle. At Florida State, his redshirt freshman year in 2017 ended with nine consecutive starts at left tackle.
Josh Ball Family
Personal Life
Josh Ball was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and attended Stafford Senior High School. Public details about his broader family life are limited, and he has generally kept his personal affairs private.
2025 Season Performance
Josh Ball entered the 2025 offseason with the New Orleans Saints looking to earn a depth role on the offensive line. He competed for the backup right tackle position behind Taliese Fuaga during the preseason.
On July 28, 2025, Ball was waived by the Saints as the team shaped its roster for the regular season. The move left him available to pursue opportunities elsewhere as a free agent.