Montee Ball

Ball was born in McPherson, Kansas. His family later moved to Wentzville, Missouri, where Ball attended Timberland High School and played high school football for the Timberland Wolves.{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Before Montee Ball was an AFC champion, he was a standout at Timberland |url=http://usatodayhss.com/2014/before-montee-ball-was-an-afc-champion-he-was-a-standout-at-timberland |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=USA TODAY High School Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031357/http://usatodayhss.com/2014/before-montee-ball-was-an-afc-champion-he-was-a-standout-at-timberland |url-status=live }} He was ranked as the number 33 running back in the nation and fourth-best player in Missouri by Rivals.com. He was named first-team all-state, all-metro, all-district and all-conference as a senior. As a senior, Ball carried the ball 213 times for 2,187 yards and 41 touchdowns. As a junior, Ball was named player of the year (St. Louis American), first-team all-state, all-metro, all-district and all-conference after putting up 358 carries for 3,077 yards and 32 touchdowns, and was recognized in Sports Illustrated magazine's "Faces in the Crowd" section. As a sophomore, Ball was named first-team all-district and all-conference after carrying the ball 297 times for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a freshman, Ball had 1,113 yards on 127 carries with 19 touchdowns. Ball was a team captain and team MVP as a sophomore, junior and senior. He holds the Wentzville school district rushing records with career totals of 995 carries, 8,222 yards, 107 touchdowns, and an average of 8.26 yards per carry. Ball was also named to the all-academic list three times and was a two-time letterwinner in basketball.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Ball enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, where he played for the Wisconsin Badgers football team from 2009 to 2012.{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031026/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1.html |url-status=live }}

{{see also|2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team}}

As a freshman, Ball played in 9 of 13 games and finished second on the team in rushing yards (391), rushing touchdowns (4), and rushing attempts (98).{{Cite web |title=2009 Wisconsin Badgers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2009.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031559/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2009.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031513/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live }}

{{see also|2010 Wisconsin Badgers football team}}

Ball played in 12 games, including starts in the final four games.{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030619/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live }} He began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Because Clay had offseason ankle surgery and later an MCL injury, Ball gained a prominent role in the Badgers' offense, along with freshman back James White. Ball led the team in rushing touchdowns, ranked second in rushing attempts and scoring, third in rushing yards and all purpose yards and fourth in total offense. His 18 rushing touchdowns tied for fourth-most in a single season, his 6.11 yards per carry is sixth-best in one season at Wisconsin, and his 108 points tied for sixth-most in one season at Wisconsin.{{Cite web |title=2010 Wisconsin Badgers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2010.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031518/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/2010.html |url-status=live }} At the end of the season, Ball was named consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten.{{Cite web |last=Oxley |first=Jim |date=December 1, 2010 |title=2010 Big Ten Awards: Nine Wisconsin Badgers Earn All-Conference Honors |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/531447-2010-big-ten-awards-nine-wisconsin-badgers-earn-all-conference-honors |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

{{see also|2011 Wisconsin Badgers football team}}

Ball played and started in all 14 games. In the season opener, he had 63 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, two receptions, 67 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown against UNLV.{{Cite web |title=Nevada-Las Vegas at Wisconsin Box Score, September 1, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-01-wisconsin.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020423/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-01-wisconsin.html |url-status=live }} On October 15, 2011, he was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass and scoring three rushing touchdowns with 142 yards rushing, including a career long 54-yard rush, on 14 carries and 46 yards receiving on one catch against Indiana.{{Cite web |title=Indiana at Wisconsin Box Score, October 15, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-10-15-wisconsin.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031320/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-10-15-wisconsin.html |url-status=live }}

On November 5, 2011, Ball was named Big Ten Player of the Week after rushing for a career-high 223 yards against the Purdue Boilermakers.{{Cite web |last=Potrykus |first=Jeff |date=November 7, 2011 |title=Ball, Borland honored by Big 10 |url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/133360568.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108220328/http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/133360568.html |url-status=live }} During that game, Ball scored four touchdowns (three rushing and one receiving) which gave him 146 total points scored on the season. This broke Brian Calhoun's school record for total points in a single season of 144.{{Cite web |title=Purdue at Wisconsin Box Score, November 5, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-05-wisconsin.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031034/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-05-wisconsin.html |url-status=live }}

On November 12, 2011, Ball broke the single season Big Ten Conference record for touchdowns by rushing for two and receiving one against the Minnesota.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Minnesota Box Score, November 12, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-12-minnesota.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031552/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-12-minnesota.html |url-status=live }} Ball had 27 touchdowns (23 rushing and 4 receiving) at the end of that game.{{Cite web |last=Dienhart |first=Tom |date=November 16, 2011 |title=One-on-One: Montee Ball, Wisconsin |url=https://btn.com/2011/11/16/one-on-one-montee-ball-wisconsin/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Big Ten Network |language=en-US |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208103349/https://btn.com/2011/11/16/one-on-one-montee-ball-wisconsin/ |url-status=live }}

On November 19, 2011, against Illinois, Ball ran for a career-high 224 yards and two touchdowns on a career-high 38 carries. He also added a receiving touchdown and became the fifth player in NCAA Division I FBS history to score 30 touchdowns in a single season.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Illinois Box Score, November 19, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-19-illinois.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030932/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-19-illinois.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2015 |title=Ball carries No. 15 Wisconsin past Illinois |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ball-carries-no-15-wisconsin-past-illinois |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=FOX News |language=en-US |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506231254/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ball-carries-no-15-wisconsin-past-illinois |url-status=live }}

On November 26, 2011, Ball scored four touchdowns against Penn State, and four more in the Big Ten Championship game one week later, giving Ball 38 touchdowns on the season, which was second all-time in FBS.{{Cite web |title=Penn State at Wisconsin Box Score, November 26, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-26-wisconsin.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092420/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-26-wisconsin.html |url-status=live }} He trails Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders, who scored 39 touchdowns in 1988.{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Jason |date=January 2, 2012 |title=Montee Ball Ties Barry Sanders' Touchdown Record In 2012 Rose Bowl |url=https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/2/2677746/montee-ball-barry-sanders-touchdown-record |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515112545/http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/2/2677746/montee-ball-barry-sanders-touchdown-record |url-status=live }}

Ball was one of three finalists for the 2011 Doak Walker Award joining Oregon's LaMichael James and Alabama's Trent Richardson. The award was given to Alabama's Trent Richardson.{{Cite web |last=Bien |first=Louis |date=November 21, 2011 |title=2011 Doak Walker Award Finalists: LaMichael James, Trent Richardson And Montee Ball |url=https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/21/2578434/doak-walker-award-finalists-list-2011-running-backs |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228023718/http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/21/2578434/doak-walker-award-finalists-list-2011-running-backs |url-status=live }}

Ball was named First-team All-Big Ten, by both the coaches and media, at the conclusion of the 2011 regular season.{{Cite web |date=May 15, 2023 |title=Big Ten Announces 2011 All-Big Ten Teams and Select Individual Award Winners |url=http://bigten.org/news/2011/11/28/Big_Ten_Announces_2011_All_Big_Ten_Teams_and_Select_Individual_Award_Winners.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522172118/https://bigten.org/news/2011/11/28/Big_Ten_Announces_2011_All_Big_Ten_Teams_and_Select_Individual_Award_Winners.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Big Ten Conference |language=en}} He was also the winner of two other Big Ten awards, the Graham-George Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award (which was renamed in 2011 after of Northwestern's Otto Graham and Ohio State's Eddie George) and the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year award, which was also renamed in 2011 after Wisconsin's Alan Ameche and Ron Dayne.{{Cite web |title=Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-opoy.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310052101/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-opoy.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2011 |title=Complete All-Big Ten football teams |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20111129/SPORTS08/111129050/Complete-All-Big-Ten-football-teams?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cs |access-date=November 30, 2011 |website=Detroit Free Press}}

On December 5, 2011, Ball was named one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy. He was joined by Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama running back Trent Richardson.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=John |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Finalists for 2011 Heisman announced |url=https://collegefootball.nbcsports.com/2011/12/05/finalists-for-2011-heisman-announced/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=NBC Sports College Football |language=en-US |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518003840/https://collegefootball.nbcsports.com/2011/12/05/finalists-for-2011-heisman-announced/ |url-status=live }} On the same day, Ball was named All-American by the AFCA, joining teammates Peter Konz and Kevin Zeitler.{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Brian |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Ball and blockers Konz, Zeitler named All-Americans |url=http://www.uwbadgers.com/blog/2011/12/ball-and-blockers-konz-zeitler-named-all-americans.html |access-date=November 23, 2013 |website=UWBadgers.com |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224309/http://www.uwbadgers.com/blog/2011/12/ball-and-blockers-konz-zeitler-named-all-americans.html |url-status=live }} Ball was also named an All-American by CBS, again joined by teammate Peter Konz.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

On December 8, 2011, Ball was named First-team All-American by Yahoo Sports. His teammates Peter Konz and Kevin Zeitler were named to the second-team and quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Chris Borland were named to the third-team.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2011 |title=SEC dominates 2011 All-America Team |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AIYH1rfGIXPyF3vzSU_5k1McvrYF?slug=ys-college_football_all_america_team_120811 |access-date=November 23, 2013 |website=Rivals.com |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140419111852/https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AIYH1rfGIXPyF3vzSU_5k1McvrYF?slug=ys-college_football_all_america_team_120811 |url-status=live }}

On December 10, 2011, Ball was one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in the voting, with 348 points (22-1st place, 83-2nd place and 116-3rd place points). Ball's fourth-place finish was the highest in Wisconsin history for a non-winner of the award, until Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon finished second behind Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota in 2014. He was joined by teammate Russell Wilson, who also received votes. Wilson finished ninth with 52 points. Baylor's Robert Griffin III won the award.{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2013 |title=2011 Heisman Trophy Voting |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2011.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214065014/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2011.html |url-status=live }}

On January 2, 2012, Ball scored his 39th touchdown of the season, tying him with Barry Sanders for most touchdowns in a single FBS season.{{Cite web |last=Rotermund |first=Maggie |date=January 4, 2012 |title=Wentzville's Ball Ties Record in Rose Bowl |url=https://patch.com/missouri/wentzville/wentzville-s-ball-ties-record-in-rose-bowl-e15128cb |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Wentzville, MO Patch |language=en}} He finished the season with 1,923 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns, 24 receptions, 306 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031258/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live }}

On January 5, 2012, Ball announced he would return for his senior year with the Badgers rather than enter the 2012 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=McDanal |first=Jonathan |date=January 4, 2012 |title=Montee Ball Returns to Wisconsin: What Does That Mean for the Badgers? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1010274-montee-ball-returns-to-wisconsin-what-does-that-mean-for-the-badgers |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114011856/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1010274-montee-ball-returns-to-wisconsin-what-does-that-mean-for-the-badgers |url-status=live }}

{{see also|2012 Wisconsin Badgers football team}}

File:MonteeBall 11.17.12 UW v OSU.jpg

File:MonteeBall 11.17.12 UW v OSU Running.jpg

On October 13, 2012, Ball scored three rushing touchdowns against Purdue, giving Ball a career total of 72 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Purdue Box Score, October 13, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-13-purdue.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031242/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-13-purdue.html |url-status=live }} This broke the Big Ten record and the Wisconsin record of 71 held by former Badgers running back Ron Dayne. He also ran for a career-high of 247 yards against the Boilermakers.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2012 |title=Ball fuels Wisconsin Badger win over Purdue |url=https://www.wrn.com/2012/10/ball-fuels-wisconsin-badger-win-over-purdue/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Wisconsin Radio Network |language=en-US |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528232701/https://www.wrn.com/2012/10/ball-fuels-wisconsin-badger-win-over-purdue/ |url-status=live }}

On November 24, 2012, Ball became the FBS career record holder for total touchdowns when he scored his 79th touchdown on a 17-yard run against Penn State.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Penn State Box Score, November 24, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-penn-state.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031049/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-penn-state.html |url-status=live }}

On December 6, 2012, Ball won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back. Ball became the second Badger to win the award. Ron Dayne won the award in 1999.{{Cite web |title=Doak Walker Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/walker.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310051958/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/walker.html |url-status=live }} He was named as a Consensus All-American.{{Cite web |last=Fiammetta |first=Mike |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Montee Ball Again Named First-Team AP All-American |url=https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2012/12/11/3755028/montee-ball-first-team-all-american |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Bucky's 5th Quarter |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323023859/https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2012/12/11/3755028/montee-ball-first-team-all-american |url-status=live }}

On January 1, 2013, Ball became the first player in Rose Bowl Game history to score a touchdown in three straight years.{{Cite web |last=Schmitt |first=Preston |title=The 106th Rose Bowl: By the Numbers |url=https://rosebowl.wisc.edu/106th-rose-bowl-by-the-numbers/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Rose Bowl |language=en-US |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412132306/https://rosebowl.wisc.edu/106th-rose-bowl-by-the-numbers/ |url-status=live }} Overall, he finished the season with 1,830 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031534/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/montee-ball-1/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }}

NCAA single season records

• Most touchdowns, season: 39 tied (2011)
• Most consecutive games with two or more touchdowns: 13 (2011)
• Most points scored by non-kicker: 236 (2011)

NCAA career records

• Most touchdowns: 83 (2009-2012)

Big Ten single season records

• Most touchdowns: 39 (2011)

Wisconsin single season records

• Most touchdowns: 39 (2011)
• Most rushing touchdowns: 33 (2011)

On June 5, 2023, it was announced that Ball will be inducted into the University of Wisconsin's Athletic Hall of Fame for the class of 2023.{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2023 |title=UW Athletic Hall of Fame: Montee Ball |url=https://uwbadgers.com/news/2023/6/5/general-news-uw-athletic-hall-of-fame-montee-ball-football.aspx |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=Wisconsin Badgers |language=en}}

On June 5, 2023, Ball was announced as one of 78 FBS players to be selected for the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. If he gets voted in, he will become only the 13th Wisconsin Badger to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 10 1/2

| weight = 214

| dash = 4.51

| ten split = 1.56

| twenty split = 2.57

| shuttle = 4.11

| cone drill = 6.88

| vertical = 32

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 10

| bench = 15

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 32 5/8

| hand span = 9

| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/montee-ball/32004241-4c57-2158-8f45-0658120f369a |title=Montee Ball Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=November 23, 2013}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=89482&DraftYear=2013 |title=Montee Ball College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=November 23, 2013}}

}}

Ball was chosen in the second round with the 58th overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2013 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002095516/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |url-status=live }} In his NFL debut, Ball had eight carries for 24 yards in Denver's 49–27 win against the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos - September 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309050den.htm |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818085139/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309050den.htm |url-status=live }} On October 27, 2013, Ball scored his first career touchdown on a 4-yard run against the Washington Redskins.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos - October 27th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310270den.htm |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223194222/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310270den.htm |url-status=live }} On December 1, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ball had his best game of his rookie season, with 13 carries for 117 yards, including a 45-yard run, the longest of his career.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - December 1st, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312010kan.htm |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812173509/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312010kan.htm |url-status=live }} He had another rushing touchdown against the Tennessee Titans that sealed the game for Denver.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos - December 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080den.htm |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923093826/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080den.htm |url-status=live }} Overall, he finished the 2013 season with 559 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BallMo00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030442/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BallMo00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}

Heading into his sophomore season, Ball was set to become the Broncos’ starting running back following the departure of Knowshon Moreno, who signed with the Miami Dolphins during the offseason.{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2014 |title=RB Knowshon Moreno signs 1-year deal with Dolphins |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2014/03/27/rb-knowshon-moreno-signs-1-year-deal-with-dolphins/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} Despite this, Ball started in only three regular season games in 2014 and suffered a groin injury in Week 5, leading to the emergence of C. J. Anderson. He was placed on injured reserve on December 13, 2014, finishing the 2014 season with 172 yards and one touchdown, which was scored in a Week 1 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 13, 2014 |title=Broncos place Montee Ball on IR |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-place-montee-ball-on-ir-activate-trevathan-0ap3000000442936 |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111232649/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000442936/article/broncos-place-montee-ball-on-ir-activate-trevathan |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Montee Ball 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BallMo00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030444/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BallMo00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}

Ball entered the 2015 season with the Broncos fighting for a roster spot with fellow running backs C. J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, and Juwan Thompson. After rushing for only 68 yards on 32 carries in the preseason, the Broncos waived Ball on September 6, 2015.{{Cite web |last=Legwold |first=Jeff |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Montee Ball one of two players waived after Broncos' additions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13597928/montee-ball-waived-denver-broncos |access-date=September 12, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=September 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913181011/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13597928/montee-ball-waived-denver-broncos |url-status=live }}

After being released and failing to find a new team quickly, Ball gained weight. He showed up to a tryout with the Green Bay Packers 30 pounds overweight. On December 15, 2015, the New England Patriots signed Ball to their practice squad, where he spent the rest of the season. On February 9, 2016, Ball was released by the Patriots following a domestic violence arrest.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 9, 2016 |title=Patriots officially release RB Montee Ball |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14749253/new-england-patriots-officially-waive-rb-montee-ball-4-days-arrest |access-date=February 10, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=February 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211092102/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14749253/new-england-patriots-officially-waive-rb-montee-ball-4-days-arrest |url-status=live }}

Ball's parents are Montee Sr. and Melissa Ball. Ball's cousin, Darius Hill, played football at Ball State. Ball enjoys basketball, reading, and video games. Ball is a Christian.{{Cite web |last=Klee |first=Paul |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Klee: On Super Bowl stage, Seahawks quarterback driven by faith |url=https://gazette.com/sports/klee-on-super-bowl-stage-seahawks-quarterback-driven-by-faith/article_4342a018-008a-5932-8e7b-56aef609dcce.html |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |language=en |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622200748/https://gazette.com/sports/klee-on-super-bowl-stage-seahawks-quarterback-driven-by-faith/article_4342a018-008a-5932-8e7b-56aef609dcce.html |url-status=live }}

Ball was assaulted in the early morning hours of August 1, 2012, while walking on University Avenue in Madison. The attackers were reported to be three black males unknown to Ball.{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |date=August 1, 2012 |title=Badgers RB Ball victim of 'unprovoked attack' |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8222009/wisconsin-badgers-rb-montee-ball-victim-unprovoked-attack |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731093620/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8222009/wisconsin-badgers-rb-montee-ball-victim-unprovoked-attack |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2012 |title=Wisconsin running back Montee Ball attacked |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/wisconsin-running-back-montee-ball-attacked/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=HeraldNet.com |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} During the early morning of February 5, 2016, Ball was arrested on a felony battery charge after an apparent dispute with his girlfriend. It was reported that Ball threw her onto a table, causing a cut on her leg, which required stitches.{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2016 |title=Ex-Broncos RB Ball arrested in domestic case |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14722058/montee-ball-arrested-alleged-hotel-dispute-girlfriend |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018114029/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14722058/montee-ball-arrested-alleged-hotel-dispute-girlfriend |url-status=live }} Ball was drunk during the incident.

On April 11, 2016, Ball was arrested in Walworth County, Wisconsin, for felony bail jumping while drinking alcohol, due to having felony bond conditions in Dane County, Wisconsin, not to consume alcohol or be in a bar or tavern.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=April 11, 2016 |title=Montee Ball arrested for felony bail jumping |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/11/montee-ball-arrested-for-felony-bail-jumping/ |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228201715/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/11/montee-ball-arrested-for-felony-bail-jumping/ |url-status=live }}

Later in 2016, he accepted a plea deal for two cases involving domestic violence accusations and was sentenced to 60 days of house arrest, 18 months of probation and domestic violence and alcohol counseling.

Ball, like his father and grandfather, is a recovering alcoholic. Ball began showing up drunk to practice as a junior in college and continued the habit in his professional career. During the NFL season, Ball would get drunk on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday nights. His spiraling alcoholism and depression derailed his football career.{{Cite web |last=Marvez |first=Alex |date=April 6, 2017 |title=Montee Ball's comeback from rock bottom has nothing to do with football |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/montee-ball-nfl-career-broncos-wisconsin-return-drinking-domestic-violence/1p3rjf5kt7vbv1xgxsxxvae01u |access-date=April 7, 2017 |website=Sporting News |archive-date=April 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407163851/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/montee-ball-nfl-career-broncos-wisconsin-return-drinking-domestic-violence/1p3rjf5kt7vbv1xgxsxxvae01u |url-status=live }}

Ball has a son named Maverick who he credited with helping lift him from alcoholism and irresponsibility. He is now an Outreach Specialist for Wisconsin Voices of Recovery.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Voices For Recovery |url=https://wisconsinvoicesforrecovery.org/meet-our-team/ |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=Wisconsin Voices For Recovery |language=en-US |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527171812/http://wisconsinvoicesforrecovery.org/meet-our-team/ |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Biography|College football}}

• List of NCAA Division I FBS running backs with at least 50 career rushing touchdowns
• List of NCAA Division I FBS running backs with at least 5,000 rushing yards
• List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders
• List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders

{{Reflist|30em}}

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{{footballstats|pfr=B/BallMo00|yahoo=26681|espn=15823}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101217230157/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ball_montee00.html Wisconsin Badgers bio]

{{Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year}}

{{Doak Walker Award}}{{Big Ten Conference Football Player of the Year navbox}}{{Chicago Tribune Silver Football navbox}}

{{2011 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

{{2012 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

{{Broncos2013DraftPicks}}

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:All-American college football players

Category:American football running backs

Category:Denver Broncos players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:People from McPherson, Kansas

Category:People from Wentzville, Missouri

Category:Sportspeople from St. Charles County, Missouri

Category:Players of American football from Missouri

Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players

Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees