Ray Jacobs

Herschel Ray Jacobs (born November 21, 1938) is a former professional American football defensive tackle in the American Football League. He played seven seasons for the Denver Broncos (1963–1966), the Miami Dolphins (1967–1968), and the Boston Patriots (1969). He played college football for Howard Payne University.

Jacobs attended Corsicana High School, before moving on to Navarro College. After his freshman season he transferred to Howard Payne University, where he played offensive tackle and defensive tackle. He was a two-time NAIA All-American and a three-time Lone Star Conference selection.

In 2005, he was inducted into the Howard Payne University Sports Hall of Fame.

Houston Oilers

Jacobs was selected by the Houston Oilers in the first round (7th overall) of the 1962 AFL Draft and was also selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventeenth round (228th overall) of the 1962 NFL Draft. Although he signed contracts with both teams, he chose to report to the Oilers training camp.

Besides playing defensive end, he also was tried as a placekicker. He was waived on August 19, 1963.

Denver Broncos

On October 29, 1963, he was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos. He was used as a defensive end before switching to defensive tackle and was a two-time second-team All-AFL. On May 4, 1967, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for tight end Bill Cronin.

Miami Dolphins

In 1968, although he started the season limited with a leg injury, he led the Miami Dolphins with 107 tackles. On March 4, 1969, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a draft choice.

Boston Patriots

He was injured in December 1969 playing against the Houston Oilers and was not re-signed the next year.

Jacobs later became a high school football coach.