David Lunceford
Encyclopedia
David Glenn Lunceford (May 6, 1934 - May 23, 2009) was an offensive lineman who played for Baylor University
and for the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League
.
Lunceford grew up in Tyler Texas, graduating from Van High School in 1952 and lettering in three sports. After a year at Tyler Junior College, he was recruited by Baylor, where he lettered in all three seasons (1954–1956), playing both offensive and defensive tackle. He appeared in both of Baylor's bowl games during that period: the December 31st, 1954 Gator Bowl
, (which Baylor lost to Auburn 33-17), and the 1957 New Year's Day Sugar Bowl
, in which Baylor upset the undefeated Tennessee Volunteers and their superstar (and future Hall of Fame coach) Johnny Majors
13-7.
Lunceford was drafted by the Cardinals in 1957. He played offensive guard for all 12 games in 1957. Injuries ended his career before the start of the 1958 season.
After the NFL, Lunceford returned to his native Tyler and went to work in the oil industry, starting with Humble Oil and Refining, which later merged with Standard Oil of New Jersey (which ultimately became Exxon
). He retired from Exxon in 1992, and he continued to work as a management consultant thereafter, as well as serving in various capacities in Tyler for his church, the community, and the local junior college.
Mr. Lunceford died on May 23, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer's disease
.
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
and for the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
.
Lunceford grew up in Tyler Texas, graduating from Van High School in 1952 and lettering in three sports. After a year at Tyler Junior College, he was recruited by Baylor, where he lettered in all three seasons (1954–1956), playing both offensive and defensive tackle. He appeared in both of Baylor's bowl games during that period: the December 31st, 1954 Gator Bowl
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
, (which Baylor lost to Auburn 33-17), and the 1957 New Year's Day Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
, in which Baylor upset the undefeated Tennessee Volunteers and their superstar (and future Hall of Fame coach) Johnny Majors
Johnny Majors
Johnny Majors is a former American football player and coach. A standout halfback at the University of Tennessee, he was an All-American in 1956 and a two-time winner of the Southeastern Conference Most Valuable Player award, in 1955 and 1956. He finished second to Paul Hornung in voting for...
13-7.
Lunceford was drafted by the Cardinals in 1957. He played offensive guard for all 12 games in 1957. Injuries ended his career before the start of the 1958 season.
After the NFL, Lunceford returned to his native Tyler and went to work in the oil industry, starting with Humble Oil and Refining, which later merged with Standard Oil of New Jersey (which ultimately became Exxon
Exxon
Exxon is a chain of gas stations as well as a brand of motor fuel and related products by ExxonMobil. From 1972 to 1999, Exxon was the corporate name of the company previously known as Standard Oil Company of New Jersey or Jersey Standard....
). He retired from Exxon in 1992, and he continued to work as a management consultant thereafter, as well as serving in various capacities in Tyler for his church, the community, and the local junior college.
Mr. Lunceford died on May 23, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
.