Jordan, Lee Roy
Football
b. April 27, 1941, Excel, AL
A center and linebacker at the University of Alabama, Jordan played for teams that won 29 games while losing only 2 and tying 2 over a three-year period. He was a consensus All-American in 1962 and was named the outstanding player in the 1963 Orange Bowl, when he made 31 tackles in Alabama's 17-0 win over Oklahoma.
Jordan became a defensive specialist as a middle linebacker with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in 1963. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder had great speed, which gave him the ability to close quickly on running plays and to drop back quickly into pass defense. He intercepted 3 passes in a 1973 game.
A consensus All-Pro in 1973 and 1975, Jordan played in five Pro Bowls. He retired after the 1976 season. During his 14 years with the Cowboys, he intercepted 34 passes and returned them for 472 yards, a 13.9 average, and 3 touchdowns. He also recovered 16 fumbles.