Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
1986 Rose Bowl Game
1996 Inductee
Despite a UCLA freshman-record 703 rushing yards in 1985, Eric Ball spent the season lingering in the shadow of Gaston Green, the Bruins’ starting tailback. On January 1, 1986, Ball ran from the shadows and into the Rose Bowl Game spotlight with an electrifying 227-yard, four-touchdown performance in the Bruins’ 45–28 victory over Iowa.
Ball’s exploits seemed effortless as he ran over, around and past the Hawkeyes’ stunned defense for touchdowns of 30, 40, 6 and 32 yards. His remarkable display of speed, power and agility earned him Player of the Game honors and forever sealed his place in Rose Bowl Game lore.
Ball was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for the Bengals from 1989 to 1994 before playing one season for the Oakland Raiders in 1995.
