Ralph DeLoach facts for kids

Ralph Alan DeLoach (born January 13, 1957 – died April 21, 2022) was an American football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). A defensive end is a player who tries to stop the other team's offense. Ralph played one game for the New York Jets in 1981. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the California Golden Bears. The Dallas Cowboys picked him in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Ralph DeLoach's Early Life and College Football

Ralph DeLoach was born in Sacramento, California, on January 13, 1957. He went to Sacramento High School in his hometown. After high school, he earned a football scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.

College Achievements

While playing for the California Golden Bears, Ralph was a standout player. In his junior year, he was named First-team All-Pacific-8 and All-West coast. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in his college football conference and on the West Coast.

In 1978, he became a co-captain of his team. During his final year, he was excellent at tackling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. He tied for the team lead with six quarterback sacks and twelve tackles for losses. Ralph was honored as the Bears' most valuable defensive lineman from 1977 to 1979. He had also been named their most improved lineman in 1976. In 1978, he received an award for being an outstanding senior from Northern California.

Ralph DeLoach's Professional Football Career

Ralph DeLoach had a short but notable career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and later played for the New York Jets.

Dallas Cowboys Draft Pick

The Dallas Cowboys chose Ralph DeLoach in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He was the 109th player picked overall. However, he was released by the team on August 21, 1979, before he played any games for them.

Time with the New York Jets

The New York Jets signed Ralph as a free agent on May 7, 1980. A free agent is a player who is not under contract with any team and can sign with any team. On September 1, he was placed on the injured reserve list because of a sprained ankle. This meant he couldn't play while he recovered.

He was released by the Jets on August 31, 1981. But he re-signed with them 58 days later to help their defensive line. Ralph made his only NFL debut with the Jets on November 8, 1981. He was 24 years old. The Jets won that game 41–14 against the Baltimore Colts. Less than a week later, he was released again to make room for another player, running back Freeman McNeil.

Brief Stint with the Green Bay Packers

On April 16, 1982, Ralph DeLoach signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. However, he was released by the team before the football season began.

Ralph DeLoach's Later Life

After his football career, Ralph DeLoach worked as a probation officer. A probation officer helps people who have been in trouble with the law follow their rules. He got married in 2011. Ralph passed away on April 21, 2022, at the age of 65. He was survived by his wife, Tamra, and his stepdaughter, Sabrina.