Ray May facts for kids
May, c. 1970
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| No. 59, 56 | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||
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| Born: | June 4, 1945 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 230 lb (104 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Los Angeles | ||||||||||
| College: | USC | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1967 / Round: 4 / Pick: 89 | ||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||
Reginald Raymond May, born on June 4, 1945, is a former American football player. He was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) from 1967 to 1975. During his career, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts, and Denver Broncos. Ray May was part of the Baltimore Colts team that won Super Bowl V in 1971. He played college football at the University of Southern California.
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Ray May's Early Life
Ray May was born in Los Angeles, California. He went to Los Angeles High School. There, he was a star in both football and baseball. In baseball, he played first base. He was named to the All-Southern League team in his final year.
In football, Ray May played tight end on offense. He also played defensive end on defense. He received special honors for his skills in both positions.
College Football Career
Ray May played college football at the University of Southern California. He played from 1964 to 1966. He was a defensive end for the USC Trojans.
In his senior year, May and the USC team played in the 1967 Rose Bowl. They had a close game but lost to Purdue by one point.
Professional Football Journey
The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Ray May in the 1967 NFL/AFL draft. He was the 89th player chosen overall. This was in the fourth round of the draft.
Playing for the Steelers
May spent his first three years in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. For his last two seasons there, he was a starting player.
Joining the Baltimore Colts
Before the 1970 NFL season, May was traded to the Baltimore Colts. The Colts traded running back Preston Pearson and defensive back Ocie Austin for him. In Baltimore, May became part of a strong group of linebackers. This group included Pro Football Hall of Fame member Ted Hendricks and All-Pro Mike Curtis.
Ray May was a key player for the Colts. He helped them win Super Bowl V in January 1971. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys in that championship game. Mike Curtis, a teammate, spoke highly of May. He called May and Hendricks "two of our best players." Curtis also admired May for helping raise three adopted children as a single man. After the 1971 season, May received the "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award. This award recognizes players for their community work.
Moving to the Denver Broncos
Ray May started the 1973 NFL season with the Baltimore Colts. However, he lost his starting spot to Stan White. May asked the Colts' general manager, Joe Thomas, to trade him. His request was granted after the third week of the season. May was traded to the Denver Broncos. He stayed with the Broncos until the 1975 season.
Ray May's Personal Life
Throughout his life, Ray May adopted several children. He also ran a ranch in Kansas. This ranch helped young people who were facing difficulties.
