montee ball

Montee Ball Jr. was born on December 5, 1990, in McPherson, Kansas. He later moved to Wentzville, Missouri, where he established himself as a high school football standout at Timberland High School. During his high school career, Ball demonstrated exceptional talent, accumulating 8,222 rushing yards and 107 touchdowns. His collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin saw him reach national prominence. As a Wisconsin Badger from 2009 to 2012, Ball set NCAA Division I FBS records for career rushing touchdowns (77) and total touchdowns (83). He earned Consensus All-American honors twice, in 2011 and 2012, and received the Doak Walker Award in 2012. He was also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2011.

Ball was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played in all 16 games, recording 559 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He continued with the Broncos into the 2014 season, where he started three games before a groin injury placed him on injured reserve, ending his season with 172 rushing yards and one touchdown. Following his time with the Broncos, Ball had a brief stint with the New England Patriots’ practice squad in 2015.

After his professional football career concluded, Ball publicly addressed his struggles with alcoholism and depression. He has since committed to sobriety, a journey he attributes in part to his son, Maverick. Montee Ball now works as an Outreach Specialist for Wisconsin Voices of Recovery, utilizing his personal experiences to assist others facing similar challenges. In 2023, he was inducted into the University of Wisconsin’s Athletic Hall of Fame and is slated for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025, with an additional induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 class.