As a junior, he became a starter at center, receiving Central Press Association second-team All-American honors.
[1] As a senior, he was named a team co-captain and received second-team Associated Press All-American honors.
[2] On June 18, 1960, he signed as a free agent with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, after he was convinced to come out of retirement.
He started 12 games in the franchise's inaugural season and contributed to the team becoming the first American Football League champion.
On July 7, 1960, the Rams traded his NFL rights to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for offensive guard Al Barry.