Jim Ray Smith

Because of military service in the U.S. Army (23 months), his rookie season began in November 1956, when he was tried at defensive end.

In 1958, he became a full-time starter and one of the best guards in the NFL, while blocking for future hall of fame running backs Jim Brown and Bobby Mitchell.

[2] Although he retired after the 1961 season to devote himself full-time to his real estate business, the team was able to convince him to return.

He retired again after the 1962 season, but the Dallas Cowboys convinced him to play in his home state and traded offensive tackle Monte Clark in exchange for his rights.

Although at times he played at the level of his previous years, his two seasons with the Cowboys were marred by two serious knee injuries, two broken hands and two concussions.