Quinton Ballard

Quinton McCoy Ballard (born November 18, 1960) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for one season with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Elon Phoenix, helping them win two national championships, and was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in . He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins.

Early life and education Ballard was born on November 18, 1960, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. He was the youngest of five sons, and each of his brothers also played college football, including Joe, an All-American for North Carolina A&T and Horace, a four-year starter for Livingstone. He grew up in Gatesville and attended Gates County Senior High School, at which he was an all-star football lineman. He broke his wrist in the championship, and it had not healed by the 1981 season, but he played anyway and led them to another national championship. By the end of his college career following the 1982 season, Ballard had compiled over 200 total tackles and 20 sacks. He spent most of the season as a backup, but became starter due to another player's injury for week ten against the New York Jets. Going up against All-Pro Marvin Powell in the game, he made eight solo tackles, an assist, posted a pass deflection and made one sack, being given the game ball by the Colts following the 17–14 win.

Ballard entered the 1984 training camp weighing at 309 pounds, and was told by the coaching staff he needed to get down to 290. He changed his diet and lost weight, In 1985, Ballard was signed by the Miami Dolphins, but was hampered by an injury and played sparingly in the preseason, eventually being released during roster cuts. He attempted a return in 1986 with the Colts, but was released in July of that year.

Later life Ballard was inducted into the Elon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.