Photo courtesy Magnolia Historical SocMagnolia gridiron hero set records, struggled with pain
NFL star Buddy Dial may not have played football if not for an arm injury, and his many injuries would come to define his career. He grew up in Pinehurst, sang in church in Tomball and dreamed of being a pitcher for the Magnolia baseball team. When he hurt his arm in high school, he shifted his focus to football and quickly became recognized as Magnolia's finest player on both offense and defense.
Despite his play for Magnolia, Dial was largely ignored by college recruiters until he excelled in a state all-star game in August 1955. Dial was not expected to make a difference in the game, but his two touchdown receptions—including a game-tying catch in the fourth quarter—turned heads. Still, only Rice University was willing to offer the full scholarship that he needed to attend college.
It was at Rice that Dial first earned national attention. As a junior in 1957, Dial helped Rice win the Southwest Conference title and was a consensus All-American. He was as highly regarded within the conference for his rangy, acrobatic defensive play and blocking as for his receiving.
"I don't believe I've ever seen a pass-receiver with better hands than Buddy," said Rice head coach Jess Neely to the Chicago Tribune in 1959. "It is phenomenal the way he can hold on to the ball with defensive men all over him. He doesn't have great speed, but he's above average in that category and he has the knack of getting open."
