Lansford played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was selected in the second round of the 1955 NFL draft.

[13] In 1958 Lansford and Jimmy Harris were traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Norm Van Brocklin.

[15] As he was still under contract with the Rams, they attempted to arrange for him to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys but no deal was ultimately made.

[16][17] After three years absence from professional football, Lansford was signed to the Houston Oilers in August 1965.

[18] At the end of the month, Lansford announced his intention to formally retire and returned home to Lampasas, Texas.