Lorenzo LaVonne Neal (born December 27, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for sixteen seasons. Neal played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, he was also a member of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders. Considered one of the best blocking fullbacks in NFL history, Neal blocked for a 1,000+ yard running back in eleven straight seasons from 1997 to 2007. Early years Neal attended Lemoore High School in Lemoore, California and was a letterman in football and wrestling. He set many rushing records for the Tigers football team with over 2,000 yards in rushing in a season, which would later be broken by Nick Sula. In wrestling, he won a state championship as a senior. Neal still owns the California state record for fastest pin in a match. College career Neal originally signed with Arizona in February 1989, but didn't qualify academically and was denied admission. He then enrolled at Fresno State University that August, where he played for the Fresno State Bulldogs football team from 1989 to 1992. During his four college seasons, he rushed for 2,405 yards. He was an All-Big West selection his junior and senior seasons. He also wrestled and placed seventh, earning All-American honors at the 1992 NCAA wrestling tournament in the . heavyweight class. Neal finished his career as the school’s second-leading rusher with 2,405 yards and played in the Japan Bowl All-Star Game. He defeated a sumo wrestler in an exhibition match in Japan during the Japan Bowl. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice. In 1991, he ran for 837 yards and 8 touchdowns. In 1992, he ran for 988 yards and 10 touchdowns. Professional career New Orleans Saints Neal was selected in the fourth round (89th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Neal, as a halfback made his NFL debut on September 5, against the Houston Oilers and led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 89 yards, it was his first of two starts as a rookie. Just seven days later, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury during a road game