Buck Lansford

Lansford played high school football at Carrizo Springs High School.[1] After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Austin and played as a tackle for them starting in 1951.[2] His older brother, James "Longhorn Jim" Lansford, also played for the University of Texas.[1][3] In 1952, Lansford played in the left tackle position.[4] In 1953 he was nominated for the College Football All-America Team but was not ultimately selected.[5][6] Lansford was made one of three team captains for the Texas Longhorns in 1954.[7] That year, he was described as the "leed Steer" of Texas' offense and was again unsuccessfully nominated for the All-America team.[6][8][9]

Lansford was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1955 NFL Draft.[10] He re-signed with the Eagles in 1956.[11] That same year, he was selected to the 1956 Pro Bowl.[12] In 1957 he was named an All-Pro player. The Eagles would not have another All-Pro offensive lineman until Jermane Mayberry in 2002.[13] In 1958 Lansford and Jimmy Harris were traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Norm Van Brocklin.[14] Lansford was made a captain on the Rams and played for the team through the 1960 season but quit the team partway through training camp in 1961 after a dispute over being made backup.[15] As he was still under contract with the Rams, they attempted to arrange for him to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys but no deal was ultimately made.[16][17] After three years absence from professional football, Lansford was signed to the Houston Oilers in August 1965.[18] At the end of the month, Lansford announced his intention to formally retire and returned home to Lampasas, Texas.[19]