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Lorenzo Neal sets the standard for
fullbacks in the National Football League. A Pro Bowler in
2002 and a first alternate last season, Neal has paved the way
for seven-straight 1,000-yard rushers, including a 1,645-yard
season for LaDainian Tomlinson in 2003. Neal is a three-time
selection to USA Today’s "All Joe Team," which honors
overlooked, ignored and determined players who might not make
the Pro Bowl but contribute mightily on every snap.
A veteran of 11 seasons in the league,
Neal has distinguished himself with his durability, having
played in 160 consecutive games dating back to the 1994
season.
Neal is a true outdoorsman who enjoys
a wide range of activities, including golf, fishing, horseback
riding, dirt bike riding, water skiing and riding Jet Skis.
Wrestling is his indoor sport of choice. An All-America
wrestler through college, Neal returns to his alma mater,
Fresno State, during the offseason where he stays in shape by
working out with some of the nation’s top collegiate
wrestlers.
Through his travels as a professional
athlete, Lorenzo has become a collector of sports memorabilia.
Boxing gloves worn by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier are among
his most prized collectibles. He also owns two classic cars,
1971 and ’72 Cutlass Supremes.
College: Fresno
State’s second-leading rusher with 2,405
yards…named All-Big West Conference as junior and
senior… also was top wrestler, earning All-America
honors as junior heavyweight…member of Japan
Bowl’s West team in football at conclusion of
college career…defeated sumo wrestler in
exhibition match in Japan… played at Fresno State
from 1989-1992... graduated with degree in
criminal justice.
Personal: Born Dec. 27, 1970 in Hanford,
California…played fullback and linebacker for
Lemoore High School near Fresno…also won state
wrestling title as senior…Lorenzo and wife,
Denisha, have one son, Lorenzo, and twin
daughters, Nylya and Mia...has homes in San Diego
and Fresno.
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Career History...
2003: Named first
alternate for AFC Pro Bowl squad...selected to USA Today’s
"All-Joe Team"...set season highs with seven carries and 22
yards at Cleveland Oct. 19 …scored first touchdown of season
on three-yard run at Oakland Sept. 28…carried three times for
seven yards in short yardage situations against Baltimore
Sept. 21…all three carries against Ravens resulted in first
downs...signed with Chargers March 3.
2002: Selected to first-career Pro Bowl…paved
way for Bengals running back Corey Dillon to rush for 1,311
yards… caught one-yard touchdown pass against Tennessee Oct.
27.
2001: Second alternate to Pro Bowl…named to
USA Today’s "All-Joe Team"…helped Dillon rush for 1,315
rushing yards…signed by Bengals to two-year deal on May 7.
2000: Selected third alternate to Pro Bowl
after paving way for Eddie George’s 1,509 rushing yards and 14
touchdowns…named NFL’s best blocking fullback by The Sporting
News and named to Sports Illustrated’s midseason All-Pro team.
1999: Named to USA Today’s "All-Joe Team"…led
way for Eddie George to rush for 1,304 yards in regular season
and two 100-yard games in playoffs…member of Titans squad that
finished 16-4 and earned berth in Super Bowl XXXIV against St.
Louis…released by Tampa Bay on Feb. 11 and signed by Tennessee
on March 2.
1998: Played in all 16 games with Tampa Bay,
helping Warrick Dunn rush for 1,026 yards…traded by New York
Jets to Tampa Bay for fifth-round pick on March 12.
1997: Helped Jets running back Adrian Murrell
rush for 1,086 yards as team’s top fullback.
1996: Set career highs with 31 catches and
194 receiving yards for New Orleans Saints.
1995: Caught career-long 69-yard touchdown
pass at New England Dec. 3. 1994: Established career high with
30 carries, good for 90 yards and one touchdown. 1993:
Suffered season-ending ankle injury at Atlanta on Sept. 12
after starting first two games…led team in rushing with 13
carries for 89 yards in NFL debut at Houston on Sept. 5…placed
on "Reserve-Injured" list Sept. 15 for remainder of rookie
season… entered NFL as New Orleans’ fourth-round pick (89th
overall) in 1993 draft.
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