Joe Nicely


Joseph Burel Nicely was an American football offensive guard in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes. He also was a member of the Washington Redskins in the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia University.

Early years

Nicely attended Rupert High School. To play football, he had to walk 6 to 8 miles home after each practice.
He accepted a football scholarship from West Virginia University, where he became a starter at offensive guard offense and a middle guard on defense. As a senior, he missed three games with a broken bone in his hand. He participated in the Blue–Gray Football Classic, Senior Bowl and Chicago College All-Star Game.

Professional career

Nicely was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the third round of the 1958 NFL Draft. He was waived before the start of the season on September 9.
On September 12, 1958, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He appeared in 5 games as a backup at offensive guard and offensive tackle. He was released on October 14.
On January 28, 1959, he signed with the Washington Redskins, where he was tried at center. On September 15, he was placed on the team's reserve list with an injury and was later signed to the taxi squad.
In 1960, Nicely was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the expansion draft. He suffered from a blood infection that turned out to be Hepatitis C and did not make the team.

Personal life

Nicely had three fingers cut off from his right hand in an accident he had during his youth. He died on September 24, 2008.