Lorenzo Neal

Infobox NFLactive


caption=Neal in February 2008
name=Lorenzo Neal
currentteam=Baltimore Ravens
currentnumber=42
currentpositionplain=Fullback
birthdate=birth date and age|1970|12|27
birthplace=Hanford, California
heightft=5
heightin=11
weight=255
debutyear=1993
debutteam=New Orleans Saints
college=Fresno State
draftyear=1993
draftround=4
draftpick=89
pastteams=
*New Orleans Saints (1993-1996)
*New York Jets (1997)
*Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1998)
*Tennessee Titans (1999-2000)
*Cincinnati Bengals (2001-2002)
*San Diego Chargers (2003-2007)
*Baltimore Ravens (2008-present)
status=Active
highlights=
* 4x Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007)
* 3x All-Pro selection (2005, 2006, 2007)
nfl=NEA237924
statweek=17
statseason=2007
statlabel1=Rushing yards
statvalue1=782
statlabel2=Receiving yards
statvalue2=1,051
statlabel3=Total TDs
statvalue3=18

Lorenzo LaVonne Neal (born December 27, 1970 in Hanford, California) is an American football fullback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro selection, Neal has also played for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers.

Early years

Neal attended Lemoore High School in Lemoore, California and was a letterman in football and wrestling. Lorenzo Neal set many rushing records at Lemoore High with over 2,000 yards in rushing in a season, which would later be broken by Nick Sula. In wrestling, he won a State Title as a senior. He played running back in high school but now plays tail back

College career

Neal is an alumnus of Fresno State University. Finished college with 2,405 yards rushing. Was All-Big West his junior and senior seasons. Was also an all-American wrestler at Fresno State.

Professional career

Prior to playing for the Chargers, Neal has had stints with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals. Neal is also currently the NFL's highest paid fullback gaining a three year deal after becoming a free agent in 2007, which was worth 5.1 million dollars.

Neal is best known as an exceptional blocking fullback, and has blocked for 1000 yard rushers in 11 straight seasons (Adrian Murrell in 1997, Warrick Dunn in 1998, Eddie George in 1999-2000, Corey Dillon from 2001-2002, and LaDainian Tomlinson from 2003 to 2007.)

On February 28, 2008 Neal was released by San Diego. [Citation |last= |first= |title=Rams' Bruce, Chargers' Neal on the Move |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hTSOIzG4IsgEHSt8CW6NP0pxMi5gD8V3UFL81 |publisher="Associated Press" |date=2008-02-29 |accessdate=2008-03-01]

Baltimore Ravens

On August 12, 2008 the Baltimore Ravens signed Neal to a one year contract.

References

External links

* [http://www.lorenzoneal.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Active/Lorenzo_Neal.aspx Baltimore Ravens bio]
* [http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/all_time/player/1176-lorenzo-neal New York Jets bio]