Ray Fisher (defensive lineman)


Raymond Edward Fisher is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illinois University.

Early years

Fisher attended Charleston High School, where he practiced football and track, while advancing to the state championship as a shot putter.
He accepted a scholarship from Eastern Illinois University, where he lettered in football, track and wrestling.
In wrestling, he was the heavyweight conference champion in 1954 and 1955. In track, he was the conference's shot put champion in 1955. In football, he was a three-year starter at defensive tackle.
From 1956 to 1958, he played football in the U.S. Marine Corps and won the All-Service Championship in 1958.
In 1983, he was inducted into the Eastern Illinois University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Pittsburgh Steelers

Fisher was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 1959 NFL Draft and became a starter on the defensive line as a rookie.

Dallas Cowboys

Fisher was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft. He was lost for the inaugural season after suffering a left knee injury in pre-season. He was waived on July 31, 1961.

Personal life

After retiring as a player, he became an assistant football coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.